North Carolina Golf Courses
North Carolina doesn’t mess around when it comes to variety. Whether you want to play a quick, easy round or tackle one of the toughest courses around, it’s all here. For example, if you’re looking to test your skills, check out Franklin Golf Course—the hardest in the state. On the other hand, Reedy Creek Golf Course welcomes golfers of every age and skill level.North Carolina has a rich golfing history. Pinehurst No. 2 alone has hosted the U.S. Open three times, with plans for more events through 2047. Plus, major events like the Wells Fargo Championship and Wyndham Championship keep North Carolina on the golf world’s radar. The PGA Championship is also coming to Quail Hollow Club in 2025, so you know this state is serious about golf.
Private Vs Public North Carolina Golf Courses
One of the best things about North Carolina is the balance between public and private courses. You’ve got 350 public golf courses and 164 private ones, so there’s something for every budget and skill level. Public courses are fantastic for a laid-back round without breaking the bank. But if you’re looking for something a bit more exclusive, private clubs like Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte offer top-notch amenities and meticulously maintained greens.If you’re looking for tee time discounts at North Carolina golf courses you can check out the TeeTime Golf Pass that includes courses from the state in all their golf passes as destination or resort courses.Unique Holes In North Carolina
North Carolina boasts several golf holes that stand out for their unique design and challenge. Here are three notable examples:- The 17th Hole at Black Mountain Golf Course: Once recognized as the longest hole in the world, the 17th at Black Mountain Golf Course is a par-6 stretching 747 yards. This hole offers golfers a rare opportunity to test their long-game skills on a single hole.
- The 18th Hole at Farmstead Golf Links: Farmstead’s 18th hole is a remarkable 767-yard par-6, making it one of the longest holes globally. This hole has been named by Golf Digest as one of the 18 Most Fun Holes in America, providing a unique challenge for golfers seeking to experience an extended play.
- The 5th Hole at Pinehurst No. 2: Pinehurst No. 2 is renowned for its challenging, dome-shaped greens, often described as inverted cereal bowls or turtlebacks. The 5th hole exemplifies this design, requiring precise approach shots to avoid the ball rolling off the green, testing even seasoned golfers’ skills.
North Carolina’s Hardest Golf Holes
Alright, let’s talk about some of the most challenging golf holes in North Carolina. Whether you’re looking to test your skills or just curious about the state’s most formidable fairways, here’s a rundown of five holes that stand out for their difficulty and unique challenges.
- Pinehurst No. 2 – Hole 5: Pinehurst No. 2 is legendary, and the 5th hole is a big reason why. This par-5 stretches over 576 yards, demanding precision and strategy. The fairway narrows as you approach the green, which is famously crowned, making approach shots tricky. Miss the green, and you’re likely facing a challenging up-and-down.
- Quail Hollow Club – Hole 17 (“The Green Mile”): Known as part of “The Green Mile,” the 17th at Quail Hollow is a par-3 that plays around 223 yards. Water guards the left side, and bunkers are strategically placed to catch errant shots. The green slopes from back to front, so distance control is crucial to avoid a three-putt.
- Tobacco Road Golf Club – Hole 13: Tobacco Road is known for its unique design, and the 13th hole is a standout. This par-4 measures about 420 yards and features a blind tee shot over a massive sand dune. The fairway is flanked by waste areas, and the green is elevated with significant undulation, making approach shots particularly challenging.
- Eagle Point Golf Club – Hole 18: Finishing your round at Eagle Point means facing the daunting 18th hole. This par-5 stretches over 600 yards, with water hazards and bunkers strategically placed to challenge every shot. The green is well-protected, requiring precision to avoid a bogey or worse.
- The Cardinal by Pete Dye – Hole 12: The 12th hole at The Cardinal is a par-3 that Pete Dye himself called the hardest par-3 he ever designed. Playing around 230 yards, it requires a long, accurate tee shot over water to a narrow green guarded by bunkers. It’s a hole that can make or break your round.
North Carolina Golfers Stats
Golf is a big deal in North Carolina, and the sport just keeps growing. According to the NGF, as of 2021, North Carolina had approximately:
- 806,000 golfers
- Male golfers: 608,000 golfers
- Female golfers: 198,000 golfers
Famous North Carolina Golfers
North Carolina has produced some remarkable golfers who have left a significant mark on the sport. Let’s take a look at a few of these notable figures:
- Raymond Floyd: Born in Fort Bragg, Raymond Floyd is a true golfing legend. With 22 PGA Tour wins, including four major championships—the 1969 and 1982 PGA Championships, the 1976 Masters, and the 1986 U.S. Open—Floyd’s career is nothing short of impressive. His induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1989 cements his status among the greats.
- Davis Love III: Hailing from Charlotte, Davis Love III has been a prominent figure in golf since turning professional in 1985. He boasts 21 PGA Tour victories, including the 1997 PGA Championship. Known for his powerful drives and consistent play, Love has also served as the U.S. Ryder Cup team captain, showcasing his leadership within the sport.
- Webb Simpson: A Raleigh native, Webb Simpson made headlines by winning the 2012 U.S. Open and the 2018 Players Championship. His steady performance and dedication to the game have earned him a respected place among golf’s elite.
- Scott Hoch: Born in Raleigh, Scott Hoch has been recognized as one of the most consistent players of his era on the PGA Tour. His career includes multiple PGA Tour victories and a reputation for steady play under pressure.
- Harvie Ward: Hailing from Tarboro, Harvie Ward was a standout amateur golfer, winning both the U.S. Amateur and British Amateur championships.
Economic Impact of Golf in North Carolina
Golf isn’t just a pastime here—it’s a massive contributor to North Carolina’s economy.
- The golf industry generates $4.2 billion in economic impact for the state
- Direct spending from golf amounts to $2.3 billion
- The industry creates nearly 53,000 jobs in North Carolina
- Total wage income from golf-related jobs is $1.3 billion
Golf Courses By City
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to questions about the golf courses on TeeTime Golf Pass below:
There are 549 golf courses across North Carolina, so finding a course to suit your style won’t be an issue.
For the best golf discounts and tee time deals, check out the TeeTime Golf Pass. They offer discounts for many popular courses across the state.
If you’re looking for a challenge, head to Franklin Golf Course, known for its tough layout and high course rating.
Spring and fall offer perfect golfing weather here, but North Carolina courses are generally playable most of the year.
Absolutely! The golf deals app from TeeTime Golf Pass is a great way to find discounts on tee times and enjoy affordable rounds at courses across North Carolina.