The state of North Carolina is known for several things – majestic mountain landscapes, gorgeous sandy beaches, delicious wines, and of course, great golf. From the mountains to Piedmont, all the way to the coast, the Tarheel State has over 400 golf courses, allowing you to play almost any month of the year. And many of those courses are rated four stars or higher by Golf Digest Magazine. They aren’t only beautiful, they’re also some of the most challenging and well-maintained courses in the country.
Pinehurst Resort, Pinehurst
Perhaps one of the most famous locations for golf in North Carolina is the Pinehurst Resort. Offering nine different courses, Pinehurst has a history that goes all the way back to 1898 when the first course was built. Since then, it has been host to more championships than any other club in the country, as well as legends like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Payne Stewart. Although each of the nine courses is uniquely beautiful, one of the most notable spots is the 15th hole on course 5 – also known as the “Cathedral Hole” – which is framed by a pond and a circle of ancient pine trees that resemble the pipes of an organ.
Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club, Southern Pines
Located just outside the historic downtown district of Southern Pines, the Pine Needles Golf Club is considered one of the country’s best golf resorts, being named one of Golfweek Magazine’s Top 100 Resort Courses in the USA and a Silver Medal Resort by GOLF Magazine. Originally built in 1927 by famed course designer, Donald Ross, it has since been meticulously restored with Ross’ original intentions intact.
Nags Head Golf Links, Nags Head
Golf Digest calls the Nags Head Golf Links in Nags Head among the most beautiful in the Eastern United States. Set in a picturesque setting along the banks of the historic Roanoke Sound, the course offers authentic Scottish links-style golf and has been featured in Golfweek, Southern Links and Golf Digest. Using the natural windswept environment of the Outer Banks, course architect Bob Moore designed holes featuring beautiful rolling dunes and wild seagrass, while the natural coastal winds add an extra challenge. The course also features a fully-stocked pro shop, a driving range and practice green, and a sound side bar and grille for relaxing after a game.
Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville
The beautiful 6,400-yard championship course at the Omni Grove Park Inn in Asheville has been played by everyone from Jack Nicklaus to President Obama. Designed by legendary course architect Donald Ross in 1926, it was remodeled in 2001 and has since been named one of the Top 20 Southern U.S. Golf Resorts by Conde Nast Traveler and one of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the State by the North Carolina Golf Panel. Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll enjoy tree-lined fairways, bent greens and elevated tee boxes for lining up the perfect drive. Other amenities here include golf lessons with a certified PGA Golf Professional, a pro shop and the Cabana Bar and Grill that serves traditional American fare for both adults and children.
Leopard's Chase Golf Club, Ocean Isle Beach
Leopard’s Chase Golf Links located in Ocean Isle Beach is quickly gaining popularity for its beautiful scenery and its innovative use of the natural and man-made water features that are located throughout the course. It has been named one of the Top 5 Courses You Can Play in the State by GOLF Magazine and as one of the Top 100 Public Golf Courses in America by Golf Digest. Spread across more than 220 acres of NC coastline, the course features native seagrasses, preserved wetland areas, Bermudagrass fairways, and bentgrass greens. But perhaps the most memorable (and beautiful) parts of the course are the 5th hole with a green set on an island surrounded by white sand and the 18th hole which features a green set behind a large man-made waterfall.
Linville Golf Club, Linville
Nestled in the high country of NC, the Linville Golf Club is another Donald Ross course that was originally designed in 1924. As many of Ross’ courses do, this one was intricately designed to follow the land’s natural contours and features mule-and-pan grading and small greens. It’s details like this that have won the course numerous awards over the years, including being named the 5th Best Resort You Can Play in NC by Golfweek, as well as ranking 31st on their overall Best Resort in the U.S. list. The par 4 third hole was also named as one of the Greatest 100 Holes of Golf. For guests who are looking for a little advice on their game, a PGA teaching pro is available in the pro shop. Special golf packages including breakfast, dinner, a round of golf and accommodations at The Eseeola Lodge are also available for Sunday through Wednesday evenings.
