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NC Central Coast Golf CoursesBogue Banks
Country Club This 18-hole, Morris Bracket-designed course is the only one on Bogue Sound in Atlantic Beach. It features narrow bermudagrass fairways and bermudagrass greens. Although relatively short, this course is deceptively difficult; it runs between the sound and the ocean, and the back nine includes three holes flanked by the sound; one green and one tee overlook the sound. It's a picturesque layout. The most challenging holes here are the 5th and 16th. The former has a slight dogleg with trees and bushes on the right, water to the left. On the 16th, another slight dogleg leads to the narrow landing area. Water runs along the sides of many holes, patiently waiting for an errant ball. The course has a pro shop, snack bar and tennis courts. Approximate greens fees in summer are $35 if you walk or $45 if you ride. Brandywine Bay This 18-hole layout was designed by Bruce Devlin and revised by Ellis and Dan Maples. Its rolling fairways and bentgrass greens are set among tall oaks and private residences. The front nine opened in 1980, and the back nine opened in 1983. It's a demanding course where water or woods come into play on every hole. Accurate tee shots and exacting approach shots are needed here. The 2nd hole is noteworthy, with a winding lake guarding the fairway and green. Your tee shot must carry the lake; your second shot must be of equal accuracy. The 4th hole is a double dogleg right that requires an accurate tee shot followed by a lay-up to a small landing area guarded by water on the left and woods on the right. The green is somewhat elevated and flanked by water on the left. The par 3s are short but not necessarily easy. Amenities include a pro shop, putting green and snack bar. A pool and two tennis courts are available to members and their guests. Approximate greens fees are $20 for walking or $35 with cart. Walking is restricted to certain times. Morehead City Country Club This 18-hole layout, built in 1952 by C.C. McCuisto, is somewhat flat and easily walkable. The county's oldest course roams along the Newport River. The club is private, but public play is accepted as time permits, usually during the week. Bermudagrass greens and fairways are well maintained. Some holes are tight, and some are more open. The 1st hole is a good one, albeit a tough start. It's a position hole, a dogleg of 409 yards from the back tees. Several ditches run parallel to the fairways, but otherwise there's not much water to worry about. The 18th is the signature hole, the only one where marsh comes into play. It's a par 5 of 509 yards from the back tees. The tee shot requires you to hit out of a chute to a fairly wide landing area. Then you have the option of trying to hit over the marsh or laying up short and leaving another 175 yards or more to the green. It's a beautiful hole, with the Newport River running behind the green. The course offers rental clubs, a driving range, bar and restaurant. Approximate greens fees are $40, including cart. Silver Creek Golf Club Gene Hamm designed this course with bermudagrass fairways and bentgrass greens. It's open, flat and easy to walk. Stands of small pines dot the course but don't create much of a problem. Ponds come into play on 12 holes, but most are not extremely difficult. The toughest hole is No. 8, a par 3 measuring about 185 yards from the back tees with a pond around the front and the right side. You will encounter at least seven doglegs. The 11th hole doglegs right over two ponds; it's a par 5 that requires a lay-up followed by a long iron over the water. On the second it's also hard to position your drive over the lake, which runs down the hole from right to left. The farther left you go, the longer the carry. Then, a trap on the right in the landing area makes it even tougher. No. 14 is a straightaway par 4 of 460 yards that usually plays tough with the wind in your face. The 16th is another interesting hole--par 3, 145 yards--with terracing on the front and back of the green. And the 18th is a par 4 of 445 yards with a pond on the right of the green. The clubhouse is inviting, and amenities include a locker room, driving range, putting greens, a pro shop, tennis courts, a swimming pool and a grill. Approximate greens fees, including cart, are $35 to $40. Walking is allowed after 2 PM every day. Star Hill Golf & Country Club The 27 holes of Star Hill offer more than 9000 yards of great golf. The three nine-hole courses are played as three 18-hole pairs, each set between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Croatan National Forest. All three are flat with narrow tree-lined fairways and bermudagrass greens. Russell Burney designed the courses. Despite the proximity of the Waterway, only about five holes have water. A fully stocked golf shop, a driving range, rental clubs, a clubhouse, grill, tennis courts and a pool add to this facility's desirability. Corporate outings are welcome, and a banquet facility is available. Approximate greens fees, including cart, range from $35 to $45. Walking costs from $25 to $35 and is sometimes restricted. Call for details when you book your round. Lakes Course No. 1 on the Lakes is considered the signature hole of this complex, and the Lakes is the most challenging course of the three because of, that's right, the big lake. From the back tees, No. 1 requires a 200-yard carry. You must cross the lake to the landing area, then play over a creek that runs in front of the green. Pines Course On the Pines, you'll need a good tee shot on the par 5 No. 2. But don't leave your power stroke at the tee; you'll need to follow up with two more big shots. This course actually has more water on it than the Lakes Course. Sands Course No. 1 on the Sands requires a good tee shot, or you will need a long iron shot into a slight dogleg left surrounded by trees.
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