From the mountains to the coast, tee off at the Carolinas’ premier golf destinations
From island greens to mountain links, North and South Carolina are unexpected destinations for some of the country’s finest golf.
Nationally recognized courses in both states draw both pro and amateur golfers. Plan your next Appalachian adventure with this guide to the best places to golf in the region. Whether you find yourself on a course in South Carolina or putting at a resort in North Carolina, you can connect with other enthusiasts in the golf community through a membership at the Carolinas Golf Association, which hosts tournaments and offers score tracking.
North Carolina
Pinehurst Resort
The remarkable Pinehurst Resort is home to the No. 2 course, the 2024 U.S. Open site that’s rated 29th in the nation by Golf Digest and 18th by Golfweek. Aside from being known as North Carolina’s undisputed best golf course, Pinehurst also gives golfers access to 12 more courses, several of which are available in stay-and-play packages. Guests can putt like pros and then stay in luxury at one of the resort’s four hotels, which come with elegant dining options and a tranquil spa.
Old Town Club
A gem of Winston-Salem, Old Town Club has offered world-class play on its 18-hole course for more than 80 years. Golf Digest ranks the course — home base for Wake Forest University’s golf teams — 54th in the nation. It also has a classic suite of club amenities like tennis, swimming, and a restaurant and bar. Golfers can contact the private course directly for tee times and enjoy fine dining and accommodations in Winston-Salem on their visit.
Thistle Golf Club
Nestled just minutes from the scenic shores of Sunset Beach, the nationally recognized Thistle Golf Club draws on golf’s Scottish heritage for its name, clubhouse design and three courses. Enjoy a combined 27 holes among the pines and wetlands on the Cameron, Mackay and Stewart courses, with tee times starting at just over $100 during the summer season. Meanwhile, nearby Sunset Beach offers rentals and resorts to suit all visitors’ tastes.
Eagle Point Golf Club
Highlighting the coastal beauty of Wilmington, Eagle Point features an 18-hole course that shows off the region’s stately live oaks and natural wetlands thanks to the work of acclaimed designer Tom Fazio. Golf Digest ranks the club 114th in the nation. It offers exclusive accommodations, including two cozy cottages, six suites and a gorgeous clubhouse.
South Carolina
Kiawah Island Golf Resort
Critics and players alike constantly cite Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Ocean Course as one of the best courses in the Carolinas. But the Ocean Course, designed by Pete Dye, is just one of five ocean- and marsh-front greens, which include Jack Nicklaus’ Turtle Point at the Kiawah Island resort. The course offers golf starting at $260 and is just 45 minutes outside Charleston. The resort’s stay-and-play packages and accommodations allow players to enjoy on-site amenities, including a spa, tennis and dining experiences.
Congaree Golf Club
Congaree’s award-winning course, ranked 42nd in the nation by Golf Digest, blends into a stunning country setting on the grounds of an 18th-century estate. The club, which will host the 2025 Arnold Palmer Cup, not only offers world-class golf but also provides golf education and coaching for underserved high schoolers from across the world. As a private club, Congaree has ambassadors — not members — who can join and play with a referral.
Myrtle Beach National Golf Club
Mixing Myrtle Beach fun with pro-level golf, Myrtle Beach National offers 54 holes across three Arnold Palmer-designed courses: King’s North, West Course and SouthCreek. Golfers can enjoy a meal at the clubhouse restaurant and find the perfect lodging in Myrtle Beach.
The Sea Pines Resort
There’s no other way to say it: Sea Pines Resort is home to some incredible South Carolina golf. The Hilton Head resort features Heron Point, Atlantic Dunes and Harbour Town Golf Links, a Pete Dye-designed triumph that hosts the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage. The island getaway offers stay-and-play packages that highlight its array of accommodations and a wide variety of activities for the non-golfers on your trip.
No matter what level of golf you want to enjoy, you’ll find it at one of these incredible Carolina golf courses.
This story was originally published August 23, 2024 at 12:00 AM.