Championship Golf Courses

Championship & Resort-Style Golf Courses

1. Lockwood Folly Country Club: A beautiful coastal course close to Holden Beach, Lockwood Folly winds through salt marshes, creeks, forests, and fairways with plenty of natural scenery. Its setting along the Lockwood Folly River and Intracoastal Waterway gives the course a peaceful, tucked-away feel with memorable views throughout the round.
2. Carolina National Golf Club: A 27-hole Fred Couples Signature course in Bolivia, Carolina National offers coastal parkland views, a full practice range, lessons, dining, and plenty of variety across its three nines. It’s a strong nearby option for golfers who want a polished course experience with room to play something different each visit.
3. Rivers Edge Golf Club: Designed by Arnold Palmer, Rivers Edge Golf Club sits along the Shallotte River and delivers a true coastal Carolina golf experience. Rolling fairways, marsh views, and riverfront scenery make this one of the area’s most memorable rounds.
4. The Links at Brick Landing: Located near Ocean Isle Beach, The Links at Brick Landing is a recently renovated links-style course set along the Intracoastal Waterway. Guests can expect coastal scenery, water views, and a layout that offers a fun challenge for a range of skill levels.
5. Big Cats Golf at Ocean Ridge Plantation: Ocean Ridge Plantation is home to the well-known Big Cats courses: Leopard’s Chase, Tiger’s Eye, Panther’s Run, and Lion’s Paw. With four championship layouts in one destination, this is a major draw for golfers looking for variety, challenge, and a full golf-trip feel.
6. Sea Trail Golf Resort: Sea Trail in Sunset Beach offers 54 holes across the Byrd, Maples, and Jones courses. With multiple layouts, resort-style amenities, dining, and nearby beach access, it’s a great choice for guests who want to turn a round of golf into a full day out.
7. Sandpiper Bay Golf & Country Club: Located in Sunset Beach, Sandpiper Bay offers 27 holes in a relaxed country club setting. The course is known for welcoming service, well-kept greens, and a friendly atmosphere that works well for both casual and experienced golfers.
8. Thistle Golf Club: Thistle Golf Club brings a more refined, old-world feel to the local golf scene. With 27 holes, a Scottish-inspired clubhouse, and a nature preserve setting, it offers a polished round in one of the area’s most distinctive golf environments.
9. Oyster Bay Golf Links: Set along the marshes of Sunset Beach, Oyster Bay Golf Links is known for its scenic coastal setting, island greens, tidal water carries, and strategic layout. It’s a memorable option for golfers who enjoy a round with plenty of visual interest.
10. Brunswick Plantation & Golf Resort: Brunswick Plantation in Calabash offers 27 holes of championship golf with resort-style amenities. Its three nines give golfers variety, while the larger resort setting makes it easy to pair a round with dining, relaxing, or a full golf-focused day.