The Best Places to Golf Around Wilmington, NC

WILMINGTON, N.C. (CAPE FEAR WEEKEND) -

Did you know that the average driving distance for a golfer is 198 yards? If your drives consistently come in below this average, it may be time to hit the local golf course and practice your swing.

Whether you are a year-round resident or just visiting, you need to golf in Wilmington. Wilmington, NC offers challenging courses to help you up your game and lower your handicap.

Yet, with so many of the state’s best golf courses near Wilmington, it can be hard to choose just one. That is why we are bringing you this guide to the best and most beautiful golf courses in Wilmington, NC.

Want to know which public and private Wilmington greens should top your list for NC golfing? Then keep reading because this one is for you!

The Best Public Golf in Wilmington, NC

There are multiple fully public golf courses in and around Wilmington. You can tee off any time of the day year-round. Plus, golfing on these courses will not cost you an arm and a leg.

Check out our top five public greens to golf below.

Cape Fear National at Brunswick Forest

Cape Fear National is one of the highest-rated golf courses in North Carolina and the best place to golf in Wilmington. This 18-hole public course offers beautiful scenery via the Brunswick Forest and challenges for all handicaps.

Compass Pointe Golf Course

The golf course at Compass Pointe is a public fairway that opened alongside the popular development in 2016. It features over 7,000 yards and 18 holes, all situated on Champion and Celebration Bermuda grass.

Wilmington Municipal Golf Course

The Wilmington Municipal Golf Course is a well-maintained public green designed by none other than Donald Ross. Ross is known for his links-style courses that are ideal for all levels. The 430-yard 18th hole is a must-see.

Beau Rivage Golf & Resort

If you are in historic downtown Wilmington, make sure to stop by the nearby Beau Rivage golf course. Joe Gessner designed this course in 1988. It has won multiple awards in the nearly fifty years since its inception.

Magnolia Greens Golf Course

Magnolia Greens Golf Plantation offers three different three-hole courses. You can play one, or you can play them all in an 18-hole combination. The great thing about this course is that it offers a challenge for all levels of golfers.

More advanced golfers can try out the championship course, a combination of the Camellia and Magnolia courses. Or you can stick with the high-handicapper-friendly Azalea for a fun day with friends.

The Best Private Golf in Wilmington, NC

Private golf courses are those that sit behind the gates of Wilmington country clubs. While these courses are usually members-only, you can still play on them for a fee.

If you want to play on a private course, just check the club website to schedule a tee time. Some websites do not include booking information. In that case, you can call the club and ask about playing the course without a membership.

Check out more golfing tips for scheduling a tee time at a private or semi-private course. Then, make sure to browse our list of the best private golfing in Wilmington below.

Castle Bay Country Club

Built in 1999, Castel Bay Country Club takes inspiration from Scottish links. It is a private golf course. But you can book a tee time ahead of your trip to reserve a spot on the green.

It features acres of wetlands, grassy dunes, and towering sand bunkers to offer challenges. But the biggest challenge is getting your ball off the ground in the coastal Carolina winds.

Carolina National Golf Club

Carolina National Golf Club features three nine-hole courses designed by course architect Fred Couples. You can check out all three courses, named Ibis, Heron, and Egret.

If you can only play one, we recommend Egret for a challenge. But if you have some extra time on your hands, make sure to check out Ibis and Heron, too, as these courses will take you down the banks of the Lockwood Folly River.

Lockwood Folly Country Club

Lockwood Folly Country Club sits on the banks of the Lockwoods Folly River in Brunswick County. The club is a bit of a drive from Wilmington, but we promise it will be worth your while. The views are bar-none.

Make sure to book local accommodations. This green takes 4–5 hours to play in full. But since it is right down the road from Myrtle Beach, you can make a day trip of it and bring the whole family.

Ironclad Golf and Beer Garden

Hempstead is a small town in northern Wilmington, and it is home to the former Belvedere Country Club. Now known as the Ironclad Golf and Beer Garden, this golf course will help you hone your accuracy.

The green is sandwiched between the Intercoastal Waterway and a picturesque forest. The course creates a figure-eight shape with narrow greens and challenging winds whipping in from the coast.

Olde Point Golf & Country Club

Another Hampstead club, Olde Point has been a staple course since 1975. It features a grassy driving range, chipping green, and a putting green. Of course, there is also a full 18-hole course for all levels of golfers.

The only downside to this course is that only members can walk the green. This can make for a slower-paced game that some will enjoy, but others may find a drag.

Looking for More Things to Do in Wilmington?

If North Carolina golfing is a bucket list item for you, make sure to check out these greens in and around Wilmington. Golf in Wilmington is one of the best activities to add to your schedule if you are in town for Cape Fear Weekend.

Looking for more fun ideas to add to your Cape Fear Weekend calendar? Browse more things to do in Wilmington to find fun events for you and the whole family!

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