MyGolfSpy’s 10 Most Wanted Golf Courses – North Carolina

While South Carolina is often on the top east coast destination for those seeking a winter escape, the other Carolina is most certainly not without its share of world-class golf. You probably already know about Pinehurst, but that’s only the beginning of what the state has to offer.

You want unique terrain? You want all the challenge you can handle without losing an ounce of fun?

You want to visit North Carolina.

To build our list of the Most Wanted Golf Courses in North Carolina we used our #Datacratic process and stats from our partners at the TheGrint, a golf handicap and stat tracking service, whose extensive database contains more than 120,000 golf course reviews submitted by average golfers like you.

#1 Pinehurst Resort #2

“Opened in 1907, No. 2 was designed by Donald Ross, who called it “the fairest test of championship golf I have ever designed.” Ross was associated with the course for nearly a half-century, improving the course continually until his death in 1948. No. 2 is best known for its crowned, undulating greens, which are some of the most complex and widely hailed in the world. Ross believed in providing golfers with strategic choices, and Pinehurst No. 2 was intended to epitomize that philosophy.”

#2 Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club

“Donald Ross’ affection for North Carolina’s Sandhills is well-documented; the area reminded him of his Scottish homeland, where he studied at the arm of Old Tom Morris. The topography here spoke to him and Ross listened, letting the land’s contours dictate the routing and holes. It was with the green complexes that he made his statement.”

#3 Pinehurst Resort #8

“Building a new course grand enough to celebrate Pinehurst’s first 100 years might intimidate some architects, but Tom Fazio took on the assignment with gusto. No. 8 – which opened in 1996 – combines classical Donald Ross concepts (like dips and swales around the greens and false fronts) with the whimsical snarls that have become Fazio’s calling card.”

#4 Tobacco Road Golf Course

“Described as “Pine Valley on steroids” and “golf’s rock and roll thrill ride”, Tobacco Road Golf Club is certainly unique. Carving his way through an old sand quarry, Mike Strantz created one of the most celebrated and talked about courses in the world. Consistently rated amongst the nation’s best, Tobacco Road is the one course that leaves you and your golfing friends begging for more.”

#5 Tot Hill Farm Golf Club

“Are you ready to experience the most breath-taking, awe-inspiring golf you’ve ever played? Mike Strantz, the designer of such greats as Tobacco Road, Caledonia, True Blue, Royal New Kent and Stonehouse, added yet another masterpiece to his collection with the creation of Tot Hill.”

#6 The Golf Club at Ballantyne

“With exceptional course conditions, extensive facilities and superior service, The Golf Club at Ballantyne provides the total golf experience year-round. Whether you’re looking to play a great local course or get in a round during your stay, The Ballantyne’s course offers an ideal location to hit the links.”

#6 Farmstead Golf Links

“Farmstead Golf Links is truly a cut above. Its most distinguishing feature is its mammoth 767-yard 18th hole, a par 6 that begins in South Carolina and ends in North Carolina.
While the dual-state 18th hole is the stuff that golf dreams are made of, it is complemented by 17 other holes that also deliver their own brand of charm and challenge. As the golf course layout rolls over the natural contours of the land, it provides countless views of the coastal Carolina’s native grasses and sparkling lakes. Playable for golfers of all skill levels, this par 72 designed by Willard Byrd with enhancements by David Johnson offers five sets of tees and three par 3s on the backside.”

#8 The UNC Finley Golf Club

“UNC Finley is one of the most enjoyable courses you will ever play. Course designer Tom Fazio has created a layout that, from the proper tees, will provide a positive experience to anyone from a touring pro to a high handicapper. The 18-hole course features five tee boxes that challenge every level golfer. Its 7,328 yards of golf from the Tar Heel Tees and 5,017 yards from the red tees gives the course versatility”

#9 Oyster Bay Golf Links

“Oyster Bay Golf Links is a rare, harmonious blend of the penal, heroic and strategic philosophies of golf course architecture. Architect Dan Maples and developer Larry Young created a course where variety and innovation are the name of the game. Consider severe marsh-oriented holes, two island green par threes, strategic (and stunningly beautiful) fresh water lakes, long holes, short holes…the consummate combination of shot making requirements.”

#10 Crow Creek Golf Club

“Located in the quaint fishing village of Calabash, NC, Crow Creek Golf Club is an 18 hole public course designed by architect, Rick Robbins. Since opening in 2000, the course has maintained the reputation for being one of the most immaculately maintained courses along the east coast. The tifsport bermuda fairways and A1 bent grass greens along with the challenging and fun layout make Crow Creek a preferred stop for visiting golfers, and a local’s favorite.”