20 Best Golf Courses in North Carolina (2023 Updates)

Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of the Tar Heel State lie some of the top golf courses in North Carolina, a golfer’s paradise waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend enthusiast, North Carolina offers an array of stunning fairways that challenge your skills while immersing you in natural beauty. In this guide, we’ll take you on a virtual tour of the 20 best golf courses in North Carolina that everyone has to offer, each promising a unique blend of challenges and scenic charm. Get ready to tee off and discover the unparalleled golf experiences that await you amidst the North Carolina greenery.

20. Linville Golf Club 

Address: 175 Linville Ave, Linville, NC 28646

Private

Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, Linville Golf Club is among the best golf courses in North Carolina. With 18 scenic holes set against the backdrop of the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, this resort-style course offers an immersive experience for golf enthusiasts. But it’s not just about golf; this club caters to a wide range of interests, from angling to spa treatments. It’s the perfect place to explore your passions and enjoy every comfort amidst the serene mountain scenery.

19. Biltmore Forest Country Club

Address: 131 Stuyvesant Rd, Asheville, NC 28803

Private

Steeped in history and exuding elegance, Biltmore Forest Country Club stands proudly among the best North Carolina golf courses. Designed by the legendary Donald Ross in 1922, this private and resort-style course offers a year-round haven for golf enthusiasts. Its Platinum status, a recognition achieved by only the top 3% of private clubs in North America, is a testament to its excellence and rich traditions. Biltmore Forest Country Club continues to preserve and honor its storied past, providing a golfing experience that blends classic design with contemporary excellence.

18. Forest Creek Golf Club: North Course

Address: 200 Meyer Farm Dr. Pinehurst, NC 28374

Private

Forest Creek Golf Club’s North Course, designed by the renowned Tom Fazio, has etched its name among the top 100 residential courses in the United States. The course, which opened its doors in 2005, offers a unique pine barrens feel, reminiscent of the famed Pine Valley in New Jersey. It features sprawling sandy waste areas and rugged bunkers, creating a visually striking and challenging golfing experience. The crown jewels of the North Course are the penultimate string of holes, featuring 15, 16, and 17, which wrap around a vast lake, providing golfers with a series of unforgettable and invigorating challenges. It’s a course that beckons to those seeking exclusivity and a golfing adventure of the highest caliber.

17. Eagle Point Golf Club

Address: 8131 Bald Eagle Ln, Wilmington, NC 28411

Private

Eagle Point Golf Club, home to the 2017 Wells Fargo Championship, is a masterpiece designed by the renowned Tom Fazio. Located in the coastal beauty of Wilmington, NC, this course offers a journey through live oaks, sabal palms, and coastal waters. It’s a golfing paradise where Fazio’s design prowess shines, and it’s no surprise that it earned a spot on Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest courses list. This course, originally designed for a single round of substitution for the Wells Fargo Championship, is a visual delight with its rolling fairways, immaculate greens, and exquisitely shaped bunkers. A round at Eagle Point isn’t just about golf; it’s an immersion into nature’s beauty and a testament to architectural brilliance.

16. Forest Creek Golf Club: South Course

Address: 200 Meyer Farm Dr, Pinehurst, NC 28374

Private

Forest Creek Golf Club’s South Course, designed by Tom Fazio and opened in 1996, offers a golfing experience that’s as charming as it is challenging. Measuring 7,067 yards, this course features wide fairways, gentle slopes, and scenic water views that wind gracefully through the landscape. Drawing inspiration from the rolling, parkland style layout of Augusta National, the South Course possesses an understated appeal that flows seamlessly across the land for a natural and unforced appearance. Golf Digest recognized its excellence, naming it the third-best new residential course in the country upon its opening. Pinehurst Magazine also lauded it as the second-best golf experience in the Pinehurst area, making it a must-play destination for golf enthusiasts.

15. Pinehurst No. 4

Address: 1 Carolina Vista Dr, Pinehurst, NC 28374

Resort

Pinehurst No. 4, a creation of the acclaimed golf course architect Gil Hanse, has firmly established itself as one of the best places to play golf in North Carolina. This visually stunning course embodies the timeless tradition of Carolinas Sandhill golf, featuring vast expanses of exposed sand, native wiregrass, and breathtaking vistas at every turn. Selected to host the 2019 U.S. Amateur just a year after its reopening following Hanse’s redesign, Pinehurst No. 4 is a testament to the fusion of art and sport. With its impressive redesign and captivating aesthetics, it offers a golfing experience that’s as visually striking as it is rewarding.

14. Sedgefield Country Club

Address: 3201 Forsyth Dr, Greensboro, NC 27407

Private

With a legacy dating back to its establishment in 1925, Sedgefield Country Club is a historic gem among the best golf courses in North Carolina. Designed by the legendary Donald Ross, this course has been the venue for the Wyndham Championship, a PGA Tour event, and one of the two Ross-designed courses hosting a regular event on the PGA Tour. A major restoration project in 2007 enhanced its allure, introducing Champion Bermuda greens and restoring its rolling fairways. Its rich history, combined with recent upgrades, including reciprocal access to other McConnell Golf properties, makes Sedgefield a golf destination that seamlessly blends tradition with modern amenities.

13. Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club

Address: 1638 N High Mountain Dr, Cashiers, NC 28717

Private

Perched against the majestic backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Mountaintop Golf & Lake Club is a true testament to golfing excellence among the best golf courses in North Carolina. Designed by Tom Fazio, this course was carved from solid rock, forging holes through slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The result is a golfing experience that features dramatic elevation changes, rugged terrain, and captivating vistas. Despite the challenging terrain, Mountaintop proves that there’s no property too rugged for a beautiful golf course. It’s a place where golfers can test their skills while immersing themselves in the natural beauty of the mountains.

12. Diamond Creek

Address: Dobbins Rd, Banner Elk, NC 28604

Private

Diamond Creek is a golf course that demonstrates the artistry of golf course architecture, and it firmly secures its place among the best golf courses in North Carolina. Designed by Tom Fazio, this course showcases the magnificence of a cascading water feature behind the par-3 17th green. Set against a backdrop of sheer granite quarry walls, the slender stream of water drops over 100 feet, creating a spectacle that complements the golfing experience. This course is a masterclass in blending golf and natural beauty, creating an atmosphere that is both challenging and visually enchanting.

11. Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club

Address: 1005 Midland Rd, Southern Pines, NC 28387

Resort

Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club, nestled in the picturesque Southern Pines, North Carolina, is a haven for golf enthusiasts and a cherished gem among the best golf courses in North Carolina. Designed by the legendary Donald Ross, this club has hosted prestigious tournaments, including the U.S. Women’s Open and the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur. With its lush fairways, challenging layout, and rich history, Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club offers an exceptional golfing experience. It’s a place where golfing legends have been made and where golfers of all levels can embrace the traditions of the game.

10. Dormie Club

Address: 270 Dormie Dr, West End, NC 27376

Private

Located just minutes north of the “Home of American Golf” in Pinehurst, Dormie Club is a minimalist Coore and Crenshaw design that exemplifies the essence of golf among the best golf courses in North Carolina. With its sandy waste areas, undulating greens, and a layout that prioritizes second-shot strategy, Dormie Club offers a golfing experience that’s both challenging and enjoyable. The forgiving fairways allow players to navigate off the tee with ease, but the greens demand precision and shot placement. Set against the backdrop of the North Carolina Sandhills, this original Coore/Crenshaw design showcases the natural landscape and provides golfers with stunning views as they navigate its engaging layout.

9. Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club

Address: 1010 Midland Rd, Southern Pines, NC 28387

Resort

The Mid Pines Golf Course is a timeless masterpiece that has earned its place among the best golf courses in North Carolina. Designed by the renowned architect Donald Ross in 1921, this course has been impeccably restored by Kyle Franz in 2013, a transformation celebrated with GOLF Magazine’s Best U.S. Resort Renovation and Restoration of the Year award. It embodies the pure essence of Ross’s golf course architecture, seamlessly blending into the natural terrain. 

While it may not be the most daunting challenge for championship players, it was crafted to offer a friendly and enjoyable experience for members and guests. Over the years, it has gained recognition as a classic gem and even hosted prestigious national competitions like the 2002 USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Championship, solidifying its status as one of the best golf courses in North Carolina.

8. Tobacco Road Golf Club

Address: 442 Tobacco Rd, Sanford, NC 27332

Public

Tobacco Road Golf Club, an exceptional addition to the best golf courses in North Carolina, tells a unique tale of transformation. Carved from an old sand quarry and brought to life by the visionary designer Mike Strantz, this course is a testament to creativity and imagination. Since its establishment in 1998, it has garnered numerous accolades, proving its worth as a modern masterpiece. 

Strantz’s artistic prowess is evident in the seamless fusion of classic design elements and daring features inspired by British Isles courses. Golfers are treated to panoramic views and an exhilarating challenge that tests their skills and strategies. With five sets of tees, it accommodates players of varying levels, but always with the goal of testing their eye, determination, and wits. 

7. Grandfather Golf & Country Club

Address: 2120 NC-105, Linville, NC 28646

Private

Experience the sheer splendor of mountain golf at the Grandfather Golf and Country Club, earning its well-deserved place among the best golf courses in North Carolina. Framed by the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this club offers an entirely new dimension of golf. Designed by the architectural maestro Ellis Maples, it stands as his masterpiece, captivating golfers with its exceptional courses. 

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer seeking new challenges or someone looking to learn the game, Grandfather Golf and Country Club has the perfect course for you. The club’s commitment to delivering an exceptional golf experience amid stunning mountain vistas is a testament to its status among the best golf courses in North Carolina.

6. Quail Hollow Club

Address: 3700 Gleneagles Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210

Private

Located in the Quail Hollow neighborhood of Charlotte, Quail Hollow Club is a private member club with a rich golfing heritage. Designed by golf course architect George Cobb, the championship course has seen a series of improvements over the years, including redesigns by golf legends Arnold Palmer and Tom Fazio. 

Established in 1959, the club’s golf course has been a prominent fixture in the world of professional golf, hosting events like the Wells Fargo Championship and the PGA Championship. With its picturesque layout and a legacy of hosting prestigious tournaments, Quail Hollow Club ranks among the best golf courses in North Carolina.

5. Charlotte Country Club

Address: 2465 Mecklenburg Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

Private

Founded in 1910, Charlotte Country Club has a storied history that includes a design by the legendary Donald Ross. Over the years, the course underwent various changes, including a renovation by Robert Trent Jones. However, in 2007, the club decided to restore the course to its original Ross design under the guidance of Ross expert Ron Prichard. This meticulous restoration project brought back the classic charm of Ross’s architecture while adapting to modern golf technology. Charlotte Country Club is now celebrated for its authenticity, showcasing Ross’s signature features and challenges. 

4. Roaring Gap Club

Address: 2663 Roaring Gap Dr, Roaring Gap, NC 28627

Private

Set in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, the Roaring Gap Club is a hidden gem among the best golf courses in North Carolina. Designed by the iconic Donald Ross in 1926, this mountaintop course sits at an elevation of 3,200 feet above sea level. It offers a unique golfing experience filled with character and charm. Notable features include the captivating “Do-drop” volcano par-3 sixth hole and bunkerless par 5s that test players with bold and undulating terrain. 

The course is also blessed with stunning skyline views and is adjacent to the historic Graystone Inn, adding to its allure. After a recent Kris Spence restoration, the par-72 layout proudly boasts some of the most authentic Ross greens in existence today. With its rich history and timeless design, Roaring Gap Club stands out among North Carolina’s best golf courses.

3. Wade Hampton Golf Club

Address: State Rte 107, Cashiers, NC 28717

Private

Wade Hampton Golf Club, nestled in the picturesque mountains of Cashiers, North Carolina, is an exclusive private golf club known for its unparalleled quality. Designed to provide a superb golfing experience, Wade Hampton is more than just a golf course; it’s a way of life for its members. The club’s professional golf staff arranges games seamlessly, allowing members to focus solely on enjoying their time on the course. 

Membership at Wade Hampton is an invitation-only affair, reflecting its status as one of the premier golf destinations in North Carolina. With a commitment to offering a pure and exceptional golf experience, Wade Hampton Golf Club has earned its place among the best golf courses in North Carolina.

2. Old Town Club

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

Private

Old Town Club is a golf course that embodies the undulating soul of golf, making it a distinguished member of the best golf courses in North Carolina. Located in Winston-Salem, this course boasts an ideal topography for the game, discovered by architect Perry Maxwell. The course’s history traces back to the Reynolds Tobacco family, who enlisted Maxwell to design it in 1938. 

Nestled within expansive fairways, meandering creeks, and heaving terrain, Old Town Club presents a challenge like no other. Golfers are captivated by intricate green undulations, and the course’s sloping fairways create a variety of lies that test their mettle. Recognized as one of the finest proving grounds for serious golfers, Old Town Club offers an extraordinary golfing experience in North Carolina.

1. Pinehurst No. 2

Address: 1 Carolina Vista Dr, Pinehurst, NC 28374

Resort

Pinehurst No. 2, an iconic masterpiece by Donald Ross, reigns supreme among the best golf courses in North Carolina. It has been a host to numerous championships, including the 2014 U.S. Open. In 2010, a transformative restoration project led by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw removed the Bermudagrass rough and introduced native sandy wastelands. This shift towards sustainability earned the course a Green Star environmental award from Golf Digest. 

With future U.S. Opens scheduled, Pinehurst No. 2 remains at the forefront of golfing excellence, offering a challenging and unforgettable experience on its hallowed fairways. Its innovative design and rich history cement its position as the crown jewel among the best public golf courses in North Carolina.

Conclusion

As we conclude our journey through the best golf courses in North Carolina, it’s clear that this state is a golfer’s dream destination, offering a harmonious blend of challenging play and breathtaking scenery. But the adventure doesn’t end here; there are countless more beautiful courses to explore across the US, and for that, we invite you to visit Golfbiz.store’s blog and tee off on your next golfing odyssey.