7 Best Golf Courses in North Carolina

Are you a golf lover and want to learn about the best golf courses in North Carolina? Here is everything you need to know about the seven best golf courses in North Carolina.

For many, golf is more than just a hobby or sport; it is a key part of their life. When considering moving to North Carolina, you will have a plethora of beautiful golf courses to choose from, no matter where you are moving to. 

Depending on where you move to in North Carolina, there are world-renowned golf courses, courses with stunning scenery, exclusive courses, and affordable courses, which are essentially any course you could dream of. 

Whether you are moving to NC as a retiree, family, young professional, or college student, this state offers an abundance of fun things to do. When it comes to golf, it doesn't matter if you are new to the sport or consider yourself a seasoned pro; each course can be played no matter your skill level. 

If you are thinking about the best public golf courses in NC, the first to come to mind is typically Pinehurst or Ross Greens, and for good reasons. As amazing as these renowned courses are, North Carolina has many more beautiful courses to explore across the state. As you search for an area that will fit your lifestyle, check out the homes for sale in North Carolina to find the perfect match for you. 

Keep reading to learn all about the seven best golf courses in NC.

1. Pinehurst No. 2

Address: 1 Carolina Vista Dr, Pinehurst, NC 28374

Donald Ross's pride and joy, No. 2 at Pinehurst, is known as the heart of national golf. Serving as the site of more single golf championships than any other course in the nation, it has hosted back-to-back U.S. Open and U.S. Women's Open Championships in 2014. 

In June, Pinehurst No. 2 is hosting the 2024 U.S. Open. This will be the fourth time the historic Pinehurst No. 2 will host the championship and the first time since 2014. 

In addition, this golf course was redone in 2010 to include vast bands of native hardpan sand dotted with clumps of wiregrass and scattered pine needles. To prevent grass from returning to the new sandy wastelands, irrigation was reduced in the fairways. As a result, Golf Digest named this course a Green Star environmental award winner. 

In order to play courses 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, or 9, you must be a member or resort guest at Pinehurst Resort. However, if you are neither of those and wish to play courses 1, 3, 5, or The Cradle, then you can call and book a tee time. The fees to play as a non-member range between $50 to $490. Remember to attend on time, and walk-on tee times are non-cancellable. 

Each course features something different from the holes, golf architecture, scenery, skill level needed, and much more. No matter the course, there is no doubt that Pinehurst Resorts is home to some of the very best golf courses in NC. 

2. Wade Hampton Golf Club

Address: State Rte 107, Cashiers, NC 28717

Since the beginning, Wade Hampton Golf Club has earned top rankings from Golf Digest and Golf World. The fairways flow with the natural valley between flanking mountain peaks, creating an unparalleled golf experience for all visitors. 

The Wade Hampton Golf Club is a modern and impressive affair. However, you need an invite from a member to play the "Tom Fazio Masterpiece." Tom Fazio built the course back in 1987.

Now, the course is set for golfers of all levels, with over 5,120 yards through the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountain peaks. As you approach hold 12, you'll be met with views of gigantic pine trees around the white rock fact of Chimney Top Rock. 

Known as the best mountain course, it will be an experience like no other. However, as one of the world's elite golf courses, you must be invited to obtain membership to the exclusive club. However, the golf course, clubhouse, residential, and membership is strong, creating a one-of-a-kind environment. 

3. Old Town Club

Address: 2875 Old Town Club Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27106

Nestled in Winston Salem, Perry Maxwell discovered the perfect inland topography for golf. Old Town Club easily earns its place among its ranks as one of the best golf courses in the country.

Course construction started on December 6, 1938, only three years and one day before Pearl Harbor Day. Although WWII marked the end of the Golden Age of golf course architecture, this course is recognized as the final significant course to emerge from this time period. 

On top of its rich history, the landscape is expansive. Featuring widespread fairways, miles of creeks, uneven terrain, cross-course vistas with unique bunkering, and unbelievably bold green contours known as the "Maxwell rolls."

Guests are welcome to play after checking in at the Golf Shop and signing in at Guest Register. In addition to the course, the club includes pools, a fitness center, and dining options. If you are planning on moving to or visiting Winston Salem, you can look forward to playing at the amazing course.

4. Eagle Point Golf Club

Address: 8131 Bald Eagle Ln, Wilmington, NC 28411

As another Tom Fazio design, Eagle Point Golf Club has also earned rankings on Golf Digest's 100 Greatest. As a beautifully rolling, pine-lined Augusta National clone with ginormous greens and interesting shaped bunkers, it is like no other. 

Located in Wilmington, NC, this course is a short 10-minute drive to the ocean. Making it the perfect place to visit if you are planning a vacation and want a day off from the beach. 

Back in 2017, when Quail Hollow Golf Club hosted the PGA Championship, the Wells Fargo Championship was moved to Eagle Point. This was the first PGA Tour visit to Wilmington in 45 years. 

Inspired by the coastal geography, the course follows its natural surroundings. Stunning views overlook the Intracoastal Waterway toward Figure Eight Island. In addition to the beautiful course, Eagle Point's Club is the perfect place to grab a drink and relax after a day on the green. 

5. Quail Hollow Club

Address: 3700 Gleneagles Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210

Quail Hollow Club, located in Charlotte, has been the site of the PGA Tour, Wells Fargo Championship PGA Tournament, Presidents Club, and PGA Championship on several occasions. This historic golf club is set to be the future venue of the 2025 PGA Championship.

Designed by golf course architect George Cobb in 1961, the challenging terrain and natural beauty make it one of the finest golf courses in the state. The course has undergone many improvements and modifications throughout its life, but renowned golf architects like Tom Fazio.

Sadly, this course is a private club, meaning the use of club facilities is exclusive to members and their invited guests. All guests must be accompanied by a Quail Hollow Club Member on the golf course or in the clubhouse. 

According to Golf Monthly, to become a member, you must be recommended by a current member and pay the reported initiation fee of around $100,000 and monthly dues of $800. As a private and extremely exclusive club with only 350 members, it is no wonder Quail Hollow is named one of the top courses in the country.

6. Biltmore Forest Country Club

Address: 31 Stuyvesant Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

Biltmore Forest Country Club is a private, invitation-only club. Similar to the Biltmore Estate, since its inception in 1922, the course has been maintained at the highest standard. This club features an elegant Clubhouse facility, fitness center, tennis facilities, pool, and other member activities. 

Situated on 135 acres in the Town of Biltmore Forest, a planned residential community it has a rich cultural history. Its mission is to provide members their families, and guests an environment in which to develop life-long relationships and treasured memories through recreational activities and amenities. 

Club Leader's Forum recognized the Biltmore Forest Country Club as a Platnum Club of America, an exception award to the top 3% of private clubs. If you wish to play the course, you either need to accompany a member or become one. Membership is obtained through nomination and election in accordance with the bylaws and regulations of the Club. 

Outside of the club, Ashville is one of the best mountain towns in NC. It is full of interesting activities and beautiful homes for sale. 

7. Mid Pines

Address: 1010 Midland Rd, Southern Pines, NC 28387

Mid Pines is known internationally as a golf retreat and exceptional course. Just down the road from the quaint restaurants and shops of historic downtown Southern Pines and the Village of Pinehurst, Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club is the place to visit.

Mid Pines has deeply seated traditions of southern hospitality and timeless elegance you won't find anywhere else. If you are visiting, you have access to the dining options, golf packages, lessons, and many other accommodations.

The course has hosted several golf competitions, including the 2002 USGA Senior Women's Amateur Championship and the U.S. Kids World Championship Tournaments. 

Fees to play at Mid Pines range, depending on the day of the week and time of year, from $95 to $265. 

Methodology

We used information and data from several different sources, as well as our own data, to determine the best golf courses in North Carolina. Most of the data was sourced from the following sources:

• Golf Digest
• Golf Monthly

FAQ: Best Golf Courses in North Carolina

Here are some commonly asked questions about the best golf courses in North Carolina.

Can the public play Pinehurst?

The Pinehurst Golf Resort is a renowned golf course that is only available for members or resort guests. However, you can call to play specific courses and set up a tee time at least one day before your desired date of play.

How many public golf courses are in North Carolina?

There are about 561 golf courses in North Carolina, and this includes 351 public, 43 municipal, and 167 private courses.

Does the PGA Tour play in North Carolina?

The PGA Tour will visit North Carolina three times in 2024. The exclusive Pinehurst Resort will host the U.S. Open in 2024. 

Can you golf year-round in Raleigh?

There are many long and short courses open to the public. There are golf courses that are modest with hazard-lined fairways, ones open till midnight, and many that are open all year round.

Can you play golf in the winter in North Carolina?

The winter golf season is just as amazing as the summer season in North Carolina. As a southern state, the weather in the winter fluctuates in temperate weather, featuring both warm and cold days, making it perfect to golf in the wintertime.

Best Golf Courses in North Carolina - The Bottom Line

While the golf courses listed above are seven of the very best in the state, NC offers many more exceptional courses to visit. From courses nestled in the mountains to courses with ocean and lake views, you don't need to be a professional to play at one of the breathtaking courses.

As you decide where to move to in North Carolina, consider the Triangle, which is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country with many beautiful homes for sale. Many of the beautiful cities and towns in NC offer year-round golf courses for you to explore. You'll have to act fast if you want to buy your next home in one of the best areas to live in Raleigh.

Before you buy your next home, feel free to contact one of our helpful real estate specialists, as they are eager to help you find the perfect home. We know that buying a home can be overwhelming, so make sure you are prepared beforehand.