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 Golfers
appreciate the southern coast's relaxed,
laid-back feeling. Great weather, beautiful views all around, majestic
long leaf pines, stately live oaks and flat to gently rolling land are
just a few of the reasons golf is a very popular sport here. Plus, most
of the local courses offer prices that encourage multiple rounds per
day.
More new golf
courses sprout up along the southern coast than anywhere else in North
Carolina. Brunswick County alone boasts dozens of courses, many located in
residential golf communities. The area features challenging course designs
bearing the signatures of Arnold Palmer, Rees Jones, Tom Fazio, Pete Dye,
Jack Nicklaus, Dan Maples, Donald Ross, Hale Irwin, Fred Couples, Tim Cate,
George Cobb and Willard Byrd, among others.
Most local courses are
semiprivate, which means they're open to the public and club memberships
are available. Membership, of course, offers various benefits and
privileges, such as lower fees or preferred tee times. Greens fees vary
according to season and location. At semiprivate courses, fees range
widely, from about $30 to $100 and more, but average between $30 and $50
for 18 holes. Fees are highest at the more exclusive clubs and during the
peak seasons (March 1 to mid-May and mid-September to early November).
Look for special packages during non-peak times, such as three rounds at
drastically reduced prices for either morning or afternoon. Discounts for
seniors, corporations and groups are commonplace.
Overall, the region's courses
offer an excellent balance between price and playing conditions. Many
courses also offer practice ranges and club rentals. Teaching pros are
plentiful and eager to help you polish your game. You'll find a
proliferation of golf publications at visitors centers, hotels and other
touristy locations.
In this chapter we describe
some of the area's better courses, judged by overall beauty, location and
variety of challenge. We've also included independent driving ranges plus
retail shops that offer equipment and repairs; information on golf
packages and services; and some local annual tournaments. Complete
listings of courses can be found at chambers of commerce (see our
Area Overviews chapter for a listings).
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