The Carolinas have some of the best golf courses in not only the country, but in the entire world. However, with so many amazing courses, it’s hard to choose which ones to play. So, we’ve talked to some of the best golfers in the area to help determine the top 18 courses you’ve got to play this summer.
PINEHURST #2
Pinehurst, NC
Consistently voted a top ten course in the world and host to the mens and womens 2014 U.S. Open Championship, Pinehurst #2 is the premeir course in North Carolina. The famous course designer, Donald Ross, made his home here. To play this course is to walk in the footsteps of the sports greats.
www.pinehurst.com
THE OCEAN COURSE
Kiawah Island, SC
One of the most beautiful courses in all of golf, Kiawahs Ocean Course is a challenging 18 holes built by Pete Dye and made famous by hosting the Ryder Cup and PGA Championships. Due to the lack of a prevailing wind this course plays differently every time.
www.kiawahresort.com
LINVILLE GOLF CLUB
Linville, NC
Nestled in the hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains this nearly one hundred year old golf course was designed by Donald Ross and has won countless awards. One of its best and most appealing factors is how it fits into its surroundings. There are beautiful long range views that abound.
www.eseeola.com
CALEDONIA GOLF CLUB
Pawleys Island, SC
Voted one of the best modern courses, Caledonia offers some amazing golf. When visiting the Grand Strand for your beach vacation do not miss the chance to play this challenging course.
www.fishclub.com
PINE NEEDLES
Southern Pines, NC
Another wonderful course from the Sandhills, Pine Needles is located adjacent to quaint downtown Southern Pines and offers two Donald Ross championship courses.
www.pineneedles-midpines.com
OLD NORTH STATE CLUB
New London, NC
This Tom Fazio masterpiece located on the shores of Badin Lake offers championship golf and a wide variety of amenities for the golfer and their family. The course offers some spectacular vistas and a world-class finishing hole.
www.oldnorthstateclub.com
MAY RIVER GOLF CLUB
Palmetto Bluff, SC
This extraordinary par-72, 7,200 yard course was made with precision and executed to perfection right in the Low Country of South Carolina by the legend himself: Jack Nicklaus.
www.palmettobluff.com
HARBOUR TOWN
Hilton Head, SC
Play where the PGA hosts its RBC Heritage tournament. This Sea Pines Resort course is both challenging and awe-inspiring.
www.seapines.com
GROVE PARK GOLF
Asheville, NC
Located in the beautiful and bustling mountain town of Asheville, this course, also designed by Donald Ross demands precision and a high level of execution from golfers. It is truly one of the most challenging in the state.
www.groveparkinn.com
LEOPARDS CHASE
Ocean Isle, NC
Named one of the best new golf courses in not only the Carolinas but in the entire country, Leopards Chase is a fine course that will test your game. This course is one of the most well maintained and beautiful courses in the region offering an amazing finishing hole that features a waterfall.
www.bigcatsgolf.com
PINEHURST #8
Pinehurst, NC
The third and final representative from the Sandhills, Pinehurst #8 was built to celebrate Pinehursts 100 years and features beautiful rolling hills and challenging greens.
www.pinehurst.com
THORNBLADE
Greeneville, NC
Greenville, South Carolina has many things to offer and one of the best offerings is Thornblade. The rolling hills and valleys of the area are the perfect setting for this championship course. For those that are lucky enough to play this course, enjoy!
www.thornbladeclub.com
BALD HEAD ISLAND CLUB
Bald Head Island, NC
Built by George Cobb and restored by Tim Cate, Bald Head Island Club is one of the most natural courses you will ever experience. Palms and native grasses line the fairways and birds like egrets and heron as well as an assortment of other animals abound.
www.bhiclub.net
TIDEWATER
North Myrtle Beach, SC
In one of the meccas of the sport, Myrtle Beach, Tidewater sets itself apart from the rest. The length of the course along with the speed of the greens rewards risktakers.
tidewatergolf.com
WADE HAMPTON GOLF CLUB
Cashiers, NC
Wade Hampton Golf Club is one of the most picturesque courses in the state. Nestled in a valley, rolling hills and beautiful vistas engulf the golfer. This combined with the challenging golf makes for an experience of a lifetime.
www.wadehamptongc.com
WILD DUNES
Isle Of Palms, SC
Tom Fazios 36 holes on the Isle of Palms, just twenty minutes from Charleston offer some of the best golf you can ever play. The beauty of the course, with its palm trees and Spanish moss, is one to behold.
www.wilddunes.com
TIGERS EYE
Sunset Beach, NC
Another one of The Big Cats golf courses to make our list, the Tigers Eye course is perfect for those that hit their irons well and let their short game shine. This courses accolades include Golf Digest and Golf Magazines top courses to play.
www.bigcatsgolf.com
SEQUOYAH INTERNATIONAL
Cherokee, NC
Located in the Great Smoky National Park Sequoyah National has 6,600 yards of championship golf waiting just for you.
www.sequoyahnational.com