Golf Course Communities
Wilmington is home to almost 50 golf courses within a one hour range. For your convenience, we've listed some of the Wilmington area's finest courses.
Bald Head Island
George Cobb Design, 1972Back Tees: 6855
Weekday rate $125 - includes Ferry trip
Bald Head Island
910-457-5000 / 800-680-8322 / 800-234-1666
BaldHeadIsland.com
Located in the middle of one of the most beautiful and well preserved islands on the east coast, the Bald Head Island Course winds through a maritime forest reminiscent of a tropical island before emerging with impressive oceanfront views. The novice golfer should pack extra balls, because the woods are thick and the water unforgiving, especially on the back nine. Rated 4 1/2 stars by Golf Digest.
Beau Rivage Plantation
Joe Getsner, 1988Back Tees: 6709
Weekday rate $30
649 Rivage Promenade, Wilmington
910-392-9022 / 800-628-7080
Surprising elevations are among the challenges you'll encounter at this course. Water comes into play on about half the holes, including a long carry over the 206 yard par 3 4th hole. The course also has a rare feature -- back to back par three holes on the back nine.
Belvedere Plantation Country Club
Russell Burney Design, 1972Back Tees: 6401
Weekday rate $29
2368 Country Club Dr., Hampstead
910-270-2703 / 877-YARD-037
One of the pioneers when it comes to golf course developments in the area, Belvedere first came on line back in the early 70s. A short course with small, tight greens, Belvedere awards excellence in the short game -- and punishes the inept. Sometimes the greens can be fast, and four putts have been known to hit even the best golfers.
The Cape Golf and Racquet Club
Gene Hamm Design, 1985Back Tees:6805
Weekday rate $34
535 The Cape Blvd, Wilmington
910-799-3110
Challenging and unique, this course has numerous impressive vistas, reminiscent of a Scottish style. Over 24 lakes and ponds add to the attractiveness of the coastal terrain. Also memorable is the double green on 15/17.
Carolina National Golf Club
Fred Couples Design, 1998Back Tees: 7017
Weekday rate $55
1643 Goley Hewitt Rd., Bolivia
888-200-6455
CarolinaNationalGolf.com
One of the areas newer courses, this Fred Couples signature course was carefully built into over 100 acres of wetland along the Lockwood Folly River in the Winding River Development. It is an Audubon Certified Course, earning that distinction for its preservation of natural areas. Rated 4 1/2 stars in a recent survey by Golf Digest.
Castle Bay
Randy Blanton Design, 1999Back Tees: 6713
Weeday rate $29
2516 Hoover Rd., Hampstead
910-270-1978
A links style course with a Scottish feel, Castle Bay is one of the area's newest courses. The course is mostly treeless, with rolling hills and high heather grass rough -- visualize the British Open. The course winds through marsh areas and has a surprising amount of water.
Echo Farms Golf & Country Club
Ian Scott-Taylor (re-design of Gene Hamm), 1974Back Tees: 7004
Weekday rate $30
4114 Echo Rarms Blvd., Wilmington
910-791-9318
Recently redesigned to capture the flavor of the Scottish tradition, this course offers challenges to all skill levels. A few years ago the course had a lot of drainage and maintenance problems but new pro Larry George has stepped up with a lot of improvements.
Inland Greens Par 3
Dallas Harris, 1993Back Tees: 2001
Weekday rate $8
5945 Inland Greens Dr.
910-452-9900
The only Par 3 golf course in the area, Inland Greens is great for beginners but also ideal for honing the skills of the more advanced players. The course also takes a fraction of the time to play as a regular course, and costs much less.
