Access: 18 holes, Public Opened: 1995 Architect: Arnold Palmer Yardage: Par-72, 7,033-4,857 yards Greens: Bentgrass Walking: Limited Course Rating: 74.1, Slope: 142 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Bar and Grill, Snack Bar General Manager/PGA: Randall James Fees with Cart: Call for Times and Rates
An upscale course in a golf-rich Triad area, Oak Valley is a well-maintained, open modern layout with excellent practice facilities and a large clubhouse. Water, sand and menacing rough must be navigated as well as typically breezy conditions. Known as a course that requires accurate ballstriking. The bentgrass greens have a reputation for consistency. The par-3 16th, carved between tees on both sides with a creek running diagonal from right to left along the approach, snuggling the left side of the putting surface, is one of the local favorites. At 18, players drive between lakes before crossing a creek up toward the green.
Access: 18 holes, Public Opened: 1969 Architect: Don Boles Yardage: Par-71, 6,451-4,235 yards Greens: Bentgrass Walking: Limited Course Rating: 70.6 Slope: 129 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop, Snack Bar Food and Drink: Snack Bar and Grill Owner/Superintendent: George Waranowitz Fees with cart: $36 weekdays, $45 weekends
About 10 minutes north of Interstate 40, Pudding Ridge offers a challenge in somewhat relaxed, rural surroundings. The modern layout has large bent greens with modest slopes. Many of the holes offer ample landing areas off the tee, though accurate driving is a premium on others. The layout opens with a gentle par-4 followed by a short, downhill par-3, providing a good chance for a strong start. Fairways and greens are typically in good condition. The most memorable hole may be the par-5 13th, featuring a creek down the right side with hilltop green that slopes sharply down into woods and water.
PRIVATE COURSES
Bermuda Run Country Club East
324 Bermuda Run Drive, Bermuda Run website | 336-767–2941
Access: Private Opened: 1971 Architect: Ellis Maples, Dan Maples Yardage: Par 72, 7,082-4,508 yards Greens: Champion Bermuda Walking: Yes Course Rating: 74.4 Slope: 139 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Bar, Restaurant PGA: Mary Thomas
Bermuda Run’s tournament course, the East plays through a residential community geared toward golf. The course played host to the 2024 NCAA Women’s Regionals and is scheduled to stage a Men’s Regional in 2026.
Bermuda Run Country Club West
129 Orchard Park Drive, Advance website | 336-998-8155
Access: Private Opened: 2000 Architect: Dan Maples, Don Charles Yardage: Par 70, 6,625-4,862 yards Greens: Champion Bermuda Walking: Yes Course Rating: 71.5 Slope: 135 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Bar, Restaurant PGA: Mary Thomas
Built down the road from the West course with a separate facility, West is known as where Wake Forest golfer Macy Pate grabbed world-wide attention by shooting 14-under-par 57 in a high school conference tournament.
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CASWELL COUNTY PUBLIC COURSE
Caswell Pines Golf Club
2380 County Home Road, Yanceyville caswellpines.com | 336-692-2255
Access: 18 holes, Public Opened: 1993 Architect: Gene Hamm Yardage: Par 72, 6,517-4,897 yards Greens: Bentgrass Walking: Yes Course Rating: 32.1, Slope: 106 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Restaurant, Grill Fees with cart: $45 Weekdays, $49 Weekends
An interesting, well-maintained course in a rural location, Caswell Pines draws players from as far as Greensboro and southern Virginia. The course has a popular restaurant and a large pro shop. Water comes into play prominently on approaches at the par-3 fourth, the par-4 13th and the par-5 18th hole.
Access: Private Opened: 1991 Architect: Tom Fazio Yardage: Par 72, 7,166-5,024 yards Greens: TifEagle Bermuda Walking: Yes Course Rating: 75.4 Slope: 151 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Bar, Restaurant PGA: Justin Mathers
A beautiful design in a bucolic area with spectacular views and holes along Badin Lake, Old North State, the longtime home of the ACC Men’s Golf Championship, received a $3 million renovation in 2023, including new bunkers and greens.
Access: 18 holes, Municipal Opened: 1938 Architect: Dugan Aycock Yardage: Par 71, 6,116-4,357 Yards Greens: Champion Bermuda Course Rating: 68.6 Slope: 123 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Locker Rooms, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Snack Bar, Beer, Lounge PGA: Dylan Dawson Fees with Cart: $32Weekdays, $39 Weekends Walking: Weekdays, Weekends after 12 p.m., Daylight Savings Time after 1 p.m.
A longtime favorite of Davidson County players, Lexington offers a solid, mature layout typically in outstanding condition with a comfortable brick clubhouse. New Bermuda greens debuted late in 2024, making consistently good greens easier. The hilly course winds through trees with an assortment of water and sand hazards. The par-5s are each just under 500 yards from the back tees, though the toughest hole may be the 211-yard par-3 11th, which is followed by the 170-yard 12th.
Access: 18 holes, Public Opened: 1995 Architect: Hale Irwin Golf Design Yardage: Par 72, 6,778-4,754 Yards Greens: Bentgrass Course Rating: 73.0, Slope: 140 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Locker Rooms, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Grill, Beer PGA: Joshua Phillips Fees with Cart: $49 Weekdays, $52 Friday, $64 Weekends Walking: Weekdays, Weekends after 1 p.m.
A modern layout in the Wallburg community in northern Davidson County, Meadowlands, a former country club facility, offers an upscale experience, including good playing and practice conditions and a large clubhouse with a pro shop and grill. To hit greens and fairways on several holes, shots must carry or avoid wetlands, lakes and streams. Oaks and pines line most of the fairways. The bent greens are protected by grass-faced, bright-white sand bunkers. Though not overly long, the course requires solid shotmaking.
Sapona Golf Club
439 Beaver Creek Road, Lexington saponaclub.com | 336-956-6245
Access: 18 holes, Semi-Private, Public Access Opened: 1968 Architects: Ellis Maples, Ed Seay Yardage: Par 71, 6,620-4,765 Yards Greens: Bermuda Course Rating: 72.2, Slope: 137 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Locker Rooms, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Grill, Beer PGA: Justin Malone Fees with Cart: $48 Weekdays, $72 Weekends, Dynamic Pricing Walking: Limited
A former private club with a significant membership, Sapona offers a challenging, undulating Ellis Maples layout winding through water and trees in bucolic setting outside Lexington. The fairways and undulating greens are typically in good condition. The facilities, including the large practice area, putting green and clubhouse are what you would expect of prestigious club.
Access: 18 holes, Municipal Opened: 1996 Architects: Vaughn Black Yardage: Par 72, 6,367-4,658 Yards Greens: Bentgrass Course Rating: 71.0 Slope: 126 Facilities: 6 practice tees, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Grill, Beer PGA: Jason Gentel Fees with Cart: $28.21 Weekdays, $35.21 Weekends Walking: Yes
Though relatively short and open sitting atop a hill, the Winding Creek layout is undulating with several unique holes and doglegs. The hilly fairways can produce challenging lies and stances. Some holes have blind shots to uphill targets, making careful attention important for first-time visitors. A few holes are somewhat tight with water and trees to navigate.
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PUBLIC COURSES
Dan Valley Golf Course
6465 NC 135, Stoneville 336-548-6808
Access: 18 Holes, Public Opened: 1973 Architect: NA Yardage: Par 71, 5,265-4,434 yards Greens: Champion Bermuda Walking: Yes Course Rating: 65, Slope: 104 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Bar, Snacks GM: Mike Philpott Fees with cart: $19 Weekdays, $25 Weekends
A scenic course perhaps best known for its swinging bridge over the Smith and Dan rivers, Lynrock rolls up and down through woods following the rivers. The undulating layout leave challenging lies.
Access: Semi-Private, Public Play Opened: 1971 Architect: Ellis Maples Yardage: Par-72, 6,942-5,022 yards Greens: Ultra Dwarf Bermuda Walking: No Course Rating: 73.8 Slope: 136 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop, Snack Bar Food and Drink: Snack Bar and Grill General Manager/PGA: John Bellamy Fees with cart: $60 weekdays, $75 weekends
Located in a rural setting about 30 minutes north of Greensboro, Deep Springs is an upscale course with big market facilities and a loyal membership. The course is immaculately kept with tree-line fairways, deep shapely bunkers and large, fast, Ultra Dwarf Bermuda greens. Water comes into play on several holes, including at Nos. 2 and 12, par-3s with beautiful stone bullhead propping up the greens from the edge of a large lake on the property. The approach on the par-5 18th must carry the lake, which also wraps around to the left of the putting surface.
Access: Public Opened: 1958 Architect: Gene Hamm Yardage: Par 70, 6,046-4,857 yards Greens: Champion Bermuda Walking: Yes Course Rating: 67.7 Slope: 114 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Bar, Snacks Owner: Marcus Wilson Fees with cart: $27 Weekdays, $36 Weekends
A scenic course perhaps best known for its swinging bridge over the Smith and Dan rivers, Lynrock rolls up and down through woods following the rivers. The undulating layout leave challenging lies.
Access: Public Access Opened: 1958 Architect: Ellis Maples Yardage: Par-71, 6,449-4,479 yards Greens: Bermuda Walking: Yes Course Rating: 70.8 Slope: 121 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Bar, Snacks Owners: David Tucker, Kenan Wright Fees with cart: $32 Weekdays, $35 Friday, $43 Weekends
A classic Maples layout, Oak Hills offers a quality experience at a modest price. Bermuda greens, which replaced bent grass in 2020, have made playing conditions more consistent. A hilly layout with a good variety of holes, Oak Hills’ signature hole is No. 16, a 391-yard par-4 requiring a drive to the top of a hill.
Access: Private Opened: 1929 Architect: Donald Ross Yardage: Par 36, 3,026-2,352 yards Greens: Bentgrass Walking: Yes Course Rating: 34.6 Slope: 123 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Bar, Restaurant
An undulating layout with classic Ross greens, Pennrose is a nine-hole course winding through mature trees.
Access: 18 holes, Public Access Opened: 1997 Architects: Shape Masters Yardage: Par 72, 6,848-4,771 Yards Greens: Bentgrass Course Rating: 73.7, Slope: 139 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Grill, Beer PGA: Yes Fees with Cart: $50 Weekdays, $56 Fridays, $62 Weekends Walking: Yes, weekends after 12 p.m.
Easy to spot along I-40 and the Haw River, but more difficult to access, The Challenge winds along the Haw River requiring a variety of accurate shots. Despite its location near the river, the course is undulating with some shots requiring a carry over water. Bunkers and hardwoods also tighten the layout. The par-5 seventh requires carries off the tee and on the approach to a green tucked against the water, leaving only a small bailout to the left.
Access: Public Opened: 1995 Architect: Rick Robbins Yardage: Par 72, 6,992-4,089 yards Greens: Bentgrass Walking: Yes Course Rating: 74.0, Slope: 139 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Bar and Grill PGA: Tyler Lail Fees with Cart: $58 Weekdays, $63 Fridays, $80 Weekends
Alamance County’s premier upscale public course, Mill Creek is ideally located, near I-40 between Burlington and Durham-Chapel Hill. The course is known for superior conditioning and outstanding facilities, including a large pro shop and an attractive bar and grill. The layout winds through trees with water on 11 holes and more than 50 bunkers to elude. The course’s finishing hole has a split – upper and lower – fairway divided by sand and grass bunkers with water extending down the left side and extending in front of the elevated green.
Access: Public Opened: 2002 Architect: Elmo Cobb Yardage: Par 72, 6,922-4,776 yards Greens: Bentgrass Walking: Weekdays, Weekends after 2 p.m. Course Rating: 73.3, Slope: 133 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Snack Bar Owner: Richie Belton Fees with Cart: $32 Weekdays, $42 Weekends
Located in a rural setting about 15 minutes north of Mebane, Quail Creek provides an open layout with water on several holes. The par-3 11th features a green surrounded by a lake with a small, tree-filled access strip behind it.
Southwick Golf Course
3136 Southwick Drive, Graham 336-227-2582
Access: Public Opened: 1969 Architect: Elmo Cobb Yardage: Par 70, 5,941-4,625 yards Greens: Bentgrass Walking: Weekdays Course Rating: 67.3, Slope: 122 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Snack Bar PGA: Mark Hopkins Fees with Cart: $30 Weekdays, $32 Weekends
With an isolated location near the Haw River about 10 minutes south of I-40, Southwick measures less than 6,000 yards from the back tees, making it a favorite of seniors and short hitters.
Access: Municipal Opened: 1968 Architect: Ellis Maples Yardage: Par 70, 6,504-4226 yards Greens: Bentgrass Walking: Yes Course Rating: 71.6, Slope: 131 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Bunker, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Snack Bar PGA: Mike Long Fees with Cart: $40 Weekdays, $45 Fridays, $50 Weekends
Burlington’s municipal course located along the Haw River is a popular course among locals and students at nearby Elon University. Formerly known as “Indian Valley,” the course winds through trees, creeks, lakes and over bunkers just off the banks of the river. The clubhouse has a large pro shop and a spacious snack bar and lounge area.
Access: Private Opened: 1946 Architect: Donald Ross Yardage: Par 71, 6,871-3,492 yards Greens: Champion Bermuda Walking: Yes Course Rating: 73.2 Slope: 130 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Bar, Restaurant PGA: Drake Woodside
Burlington’s private club, Alamance is a tree-lined Donald Ross layout with undulating, fast greens, though not the turtleback style normally associated with the architect. Renovations to the course have been made specifically with preserving as many elements of the original layout as feasible.
Access: 18 holes, Public Opened: 1993 Architect: Mark Charles Yardage: Par-72, 6,504-4,481 yards Greens: Bentgrass Walking: After 12 p.m. Course Rating: 70.0 Slope: 128 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Snack Bar and Grill GM: Mark Charles Fees with cart: $35 weekdays, $46 weekends
A family owned and operated course, Olde Homeplace offers a well-groomed layout without an abundance of difficulty. Water comes into play on six holes of the mostly open layout. The signature hole may be the 346-yard, par-4 16th, where the drive must carry a pond that extends directly in front and to the left of the tee, and a bunker guards the left side of the green.
Access: 18 holes, Public Opened: 1969 Architect: Poindexter Brothers Yardage: Par-72, 6,388- yards Greens: Bentgrass Walking: Anytime Course Rating: 70.0 Slope: 128 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Snack Bar and Pub PGA: Ryan Winfree Fees with Cart: $30 weekdays, $38 weekends Walking Rate: $20 weekdays, $22 weekends
The only course in Kernersville, Pine Knolls offers a solid, no-frills experience with an interesting, rolling layout and often fast greens. Several holes on the front nine allow players to spray the ball off the tee. The back nine is tighter and tougher. Greens and fairways are well-maintained. The small clubhouse has a homey grill and pub. Need a quick soft drink at the turn? Canned soda is $1. Pine Knolls offers isn’t fancy, but it offers a lot of bang for the buck. The long, par-3 ninth plays deceptively long, requiring a blind approach to the large putting surface. The course has an active group of locals, but walk up spots are usually available in the afternoons.
Reynolds Park Golf Course
2391 Reynolds Park Road cityofws.org | 336-727-2703
Access: Municipal Opened: 1930 Architect: Ellis Maples 1930 Yardage: : 6,534-4,725 yards Greens: Bermuda Walking: Anytime Course Rating: 69.8 Slope: 123 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop, Snack Bar Food and Drink: Snack Bar PGA: Harold Kincaid Fees with cart: $26 weekdays, $31 weekends
A very solid municipal course over rolling hills, Reynolds Park has an interesting variety of holes and offers an upscale layout that’s highly playable. Elevation changes play a major role in the challenge on several holes. Playing conditions are typically very good. Bunkers, creeks come into play on several holes, though several fairways are generous. The 440-yard 18th hole may be the toughest on the layout, requiring a solid uphill drive with trees creeping in on the right side and a mid-iron approach.
Salem Glen Country Club
1000 Glen Day Drive, Clemmons salemglen.com | 336-712-1010
Access: Semi-Private, Public Opened: 1997 Architect: Glen Day/Nicklaus Design Yardage: Par 71, 6,655-4,118 yards Greens: Bentgrass Walking: After 12 p.m. Course Rating: 73.1 Slope: 139 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Snack Bar and Grill PGA: Guy Carrol Fees with cart: $50 weekdays, $65 weekends
A former private club, now accepting public play, Salem Glen has the only Nicklaus design in the Triad with the amenities typically associated with a country club. Only a few hundred yards as the crow flies from Tanglewood Park along the Yadkin River, the course winds up and down hills, winding through trees, creeks and lakes. The front nine is relatively open, and the back is more undulating. Each side has a par-4 featuring dramatic elevation changes. The course has trademark, fast Nicklaus greens guarded by shapely bunkering. The par-5 seventh, 569 yards from the back tees, begins with a drive over a creek, and concludes with an approach to a kidney-shaped green surrounded by bunkers with a lake on the right. At the 550-yard 14th hole, the approach is dramatically uphill to a shallow green perched above a ravine.
Access: 18 holes, Municipal, Forsyth County Opened: 1958 Architect: Robert Trent Jones Yardage: Par-70, 7,101-4,562 yards Greens: Champion Bermuda Walking: Anytime Course Rating: 74.6, Slope: 140 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop, Snack Bar Food and Drink: Snack Bar and Grill Director of Golf/PGA: Mike Wilcox Fees with cart: $56 weekdays, $66 weekends
Opened to host the 1974 PGA Championship won by Lee Trevino, the Championship is a classic RTJ layout with fast and undulating elevated greens protected by shapely bunkers. The hilly layout features an interesting assortment of holes, often with ponds and creeks serving as hazards: The course is especially well-kept for a muni. The deep greenside bunkers around the tricky greens puts a premium on the short game. The most memorable holes are the long par-4 ninth, a sharp dogleg right requiring a long approach up a steep hill to a well-bunkered green, and the par-3 12th, which requires a shot of more than 200 yards to a green fronted by water, leaving only a small bailout to the right.
Access: 18 holes, Municipal, Forsyth County Opened: 1964 Architect: Robert Trent Jones Yardage: Par-72, 6,567-4,611 yards Greens: Bentgrass Walking: Anytime Course Rating: 72.8, Slope: 137 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop, Snack Bar Food and Drink: Snack Bar and Grill Director of Golf/PGA: Mike Wilcox Fees with cart: $36 weekdays, $42 weekends
Some love it, others hate it. In many ways, tougher than its famous sister, Championship, Reynolds is a shotmaker’s layout, often requiring very accurate tee shots to narrow, hilly fairways lined by trees. The layout features several memorable holes, beginning with the par-5 opening hole, which drops down a hill then requires an accurate second shot on a sloping fairway dropping off to the left. Shorter than Championship, Reynolds presents several blow-up hole possibilities, including the final three holes of the front nine and the long par-4 18th. No. 8, a par-3 with a carry over more than 200 yards over water to a three-tier green framed by woods, is a favorite. The greens are normally good, but grooming does not match the high level of the Championship.
Wilshire Golf Club
1570 Bridgton Road, Winston-Salem 336-788-7016
Access: 18 holes, Public Opened: 1967 Architect: George Veach Yardage: Par 71, 6,164-4,318 Yards Greens: Bentgrass Course Rating: 69.5, Slope: 120 Facilities: Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Grill, Beer PGA: Tim Veach Fees with Cart: Not Posted Walking: Yes
A family-owned and operated favorite of many locals, Wilshire offers a no-frills, but well-maintained flat, and mostly open layout. The course is ideal for juniors and high-handicappers. Creeks come into play on multiple holes. The clubhouse grill is a popular 19th hole.
Access: Municipal Opened: 1957 Architect: Ellis Maples Yardage: : 6,263-5,305 yards Greens: Zoysia Walking: Anytime Course Rating: 69.8 Slope: 123 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Snack Bar PGA: Ralph Gaillard Fees with cart: $28 weekdays, $33 weekends
Only a mile or two from downtown Winston-Salem, Winston Lake is nestled away in a relatively quiet setting lined by mature trees. There are no water hazards, leaving trees on both sides of most holes as the major challenge. The 554-yard, dogleg left par-5 14th stands out on the 6,263-yard layout.
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Forsyth Country Club
3101 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem forsythcc.org | 336-678-0220
Access: Private Opened: 1918 Architect: A.W. Tillinghast (9 holes 1918), Donald Ross (18 holes 1923) Yardage: Par 71, 6,784-5,038 yards Greens: Champion Bermuda Walking: Yes Course Rating: 72.8 Slope: 136 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Bar, Restaurant PGA: Chase Adams
The oldest club in Winston-Salem, Forsyth has a prestigious lineage. The original nine holes were designed by A.W. Tillinghast, the existing 18-hole layout by Donald Ross. Kris Spence, an expert renovator of Ross designs, tweaked the greens and bunkers in recent years. As might be expected, the greens are exceptionally challenging.
Access: Private Opened: 1955 Architect: Ellis Maples Yardage: Par 72 yards Greens: 007XL Bentgrass Walking: Yes Course Rating: 73.6 Slope: 137 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Bar, Restaurant PGA: Paul Allen
The newest Winston-Salem club recently reopened after significant renovations that included installation of bent greens, new and restored bunkers and a two-row irrigation system. The course is home to several of the region’s top young players.
Old Town Club
2875 Old Town Club Road, Winston-Salem oldtownclub.org | 336-723-5533
Access: Private Opened: 1939 Architect: Perry Maxwell Yardage: Par 70, 7,037-4,995 yards Greens: Champion Bermuda Walking: Yes Course Rating: 74.5 Slope: 140 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Short Game Area, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Bar, Restaurant PGA: Charles Frost
Widely recognized as the Triad’s top course, Old Town is ranked No. 32 in the U.S. and No. 84 in the world by Golf Magazine and No. 54 in the U.S. by Golf Digest. The longtime home of Wake Forest University golf teams, the course’s is routing through undulating land along Silas Creek. The entire course — there is no rough — is immaculately kept and the greens are a supreme test featuring Perry Maxwell’s trademark “muffins” that must be negotiated.
Access: Private Opened: 1963, 2009 redesign Architect: Ellis Maples (1963), Donald Steel (2009) Yardage: Par 72, 7,296-4,291 yards Greens: Ultradwarf Bermuda Walking: Yes Course Rating: 75.4 Slope: 140 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Bar, Restaurant PGA: Adam Singer
Greensboro Country Club’s tournament course, the layout was totally redesigned by Donald Steel, the architect of the Highlands Course at Primland. The course is among the toughest and best maintained courses in the Triad region.
Access: Private Opened: 1911 Architect: Donald Ross Yardage: Par 71, 6,016-3,871 yards Greens: Bentgrass Walking: Yes Course Rating: 69.5 Slope: 130 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Bar, Restaurant PGA: Tyler Gosselin
The iconic Irving Park course is only a few minutes from downtown, serving as the centerpiece of an old, exclusive neighborhood. The fairways are tight and the greens are what you would expect of an original Ross design.
Access: Private Opened: 1926 Architect: Donald Ross Yardage: Par 71, 7,078-5,373 yards Greens: Champion Bermuda Walking: Yes Course Rating: 75.2 Slope: 140 Facilities: Practice Range, Short Game Area, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Bar, Restaurant PGA: Eric Ferguson
The host course of the PGA Tour’s Wyndham Championship, Sedgefield features beautiful hilly fairways and lightning-fast, undulating, turtleback greens. Amenities include a spectacular short0-game practice area made specifically for the Wyndham.
Access: Private Opened: 1930 Architect: Wayne Stiles, John Van Kleek Yardage: Par 71, 6,514-4,205 yards Greens: Champion Bermuda Walking: Yes Course Rating: 72.7 Slope: 140 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Bar, Restaurant PGA: Savio Nazareth
Only a few months after playing host to the N.C. Open, Starmount shut down for major renovations. Greensboro architect Kris Spence is directing the project, which should be completed some time in 2025.
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Blair Park Golf Course
1901 South Main St., High Point blairparkgc.com | 336-883-3497
Access: 18 holes, Municipal Opened: 1931 Architect: NA Yardage: Par-72, 6,449-5,171 yards Greens: Bentgrass Walking: Yes Course Rating: 70.8, Slope: 122 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Snack Bar PGA: Greg Long Fees with cart: $29 weekdays, $35 weekends
A municipal course, Blair Park is designed to cater to a wide range of golfers. The course is known for good playing conditions and a solid, though unusual routing that begins with two par-5 holes. The course winds along undulating terrain with a creek coming into play throughout the round.
Brookwood Golf Course
7351 NC 61, Whitsett 336-449-5544
Access: Public Opened: 1995 Architect: Willy Noah Yardage: Par-71, 6,879-5,673 yards Greens: Bermuda Walking: Yes Course Rating: 73.3, Slope: 122 Facilities: Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: NA Owner: Tony Byerly Fees with Cart: $20 weekdays, $26 weekends Walking: Yes
Brookwood is relatively simple, flat layout. A no-frills course, the fairways are wide open with some trees. The fees are among the least expensive in the area.
Bryan Park Champions
6275 Bryan Park Road, Browns Summit bryanpark.com | 336-375-2200
Access: 18 holes Public Opened: 1990 Architect: Rees Jones Yardage: Par 72, 7,255-5,252 yards Greens: MiniVerde Bermuda Walking: Weekdays, Weekends after 1 p.m. Course Rating: 75.8 Slope: 142 Facilities: Practice Range, Conference Rooms, Pro Shop, Putting Green Food and Drink: Grill and Bar PGA: Kyle Kolls Fees with cart: $58 Weekdays, $61 Fridays, $69 Weekends
An elite municipal course with several scenic holes along Lake Townsend, Champions is widely considered the best of two outstanding courses. The lake lines the fairways on seven holes, including five on the back side. The course is known for the excellent condition of its tees, greens, fairways and 97 bunkers. The par-4 13th, which stretches to 472 yards is the signature hole featuring a tee shot over the lake and two fairway bunkers on the opposite bank to a narrow fairway. The approach is to a green squeezed between two bunkers and framed by the lake. A great value, the course is typically crowded, so advance tee times are advised. Singles cannot reserve tee times but can go to the course and fill groups. The course also has a spacious practice range.
Bryan Park Players
6275 Bryan Park Road, Browns Summit bryanpark.com | 336-375-2200
Access: 18 holes Public Opened: 1974 Architect: George Cobb Yardage: Par 72, 7,018-5,337 yards Greens: Bentgrass Walking: Weekdays, Weekends after 1 p.m. Course Rating: 73.3 Slope: 133 Facilities: Practice Range, Conference Rooms, Pro Shop, Putting Green Food and Drink: Grill and Bar PGA: Kyle Kolls Fees with cart: $55 Weekdays, $58 Fridays, $66 Weekends
The original course at Bryan Park, Players now takes second billing at the facility, mostly because it lacks shoreline along Townsend. Still, Players remains one of the top public courses in the region. Several holes require shots that must avoid a variety of sand and water obstacles. The course makes a strong first impression with a 451-yard opening par-4 hole and continues with tree-lined fairways and undulating, fast bengtrass greens. The course also finishes strong with a 472-yard par-4 monster. Players shares the large clubhouse and practice facilities with Champions.
Access: 18 holes, Semi-Private, Limited Public Play Opened: 1974 Architect: Pete Dye Yardage: Par 71, 7,002-4,904 yards Greens: Bentgrass Walking: Limited Course Rating: 74.7, Slope 142 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Restaurant, Bar and Grill Director of Golf/PGA: Chris Terry
A McConnell Golf property that began accepting limited public play in the last decade, The Cardinal offers a country club experience on a spectacular Pete Dye layout maintained in pristine conditions. Makes no mistake, The Cardinal provides a stern test complete with a wide variety of holes, including Dye’s trademark water hazards lined with railroad ties. The course winds over rolling hills, streams and lakes. The bentgrass putting surfaces are often large, and typically, extremely fast. The practice facilities are among the region’s best. A sign by the par-3 12th tells players that Dye considers the hole the hardest par-3 he designed, and it’s plenty tough, stretching to 220 yards all carry — often into a stiff wind — over a lake to a narrow green with water to the left and bunkers protecting the right. The preceding hole, a picturesque par-4, features a downhill drive — perhaps reachable by the longest of hitters — and a short approach to a modest-sized peninsula green squeezed between large bunkers and sections of the lake.
Country Hills Golf Course
A senior favorite, Country Hills offers a well-conditioned course best suited for short hitters, juniors, women and seniors. The layout is mostly straight-forward with medium-sized greens, water hazards and bunkers. Though at least a half-dozen par-4s are under 350 yards from the back markers, the fairways are generous. Fairway woods and long irons can come into play on the par-5s, including the 554-yard fifth hole.
Access: 18 holes Public Opened: 1994 Architect: NA Yardage: Par 71, 5,781-4,384 yards Greens: Champion Bermuda Walking: Weekdays, Weekends after 1 p.m. Course Rating: 68.1 Slope: 121 Facilities: Practice Range, Pro Shop, Putting Green Food and Drink: Snack Bar PGA: Roger King Fees with cart: $39 Weekdays, $48 Weekends
Access: 18 holes, Public Opened: 1990 Architect: Tommy Pegram Yardage: Par-72, 6,556-5,393 yards Greens: Bentgrass Walking: weekdays, after 2 p.m. on weekends Course Rating: 71.2, Slope: 128 Facilities: 6-tee Driving Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Snack Bar General Manager: Debra Lambeth Fees with cart: $36 weekdays, $47 weekends Walking Rate: $27 weekdays, $35 weekends
A favorite of women, seniors and high-handicappers, Crooked Tree is a straight-forward, simple course with mostly open fairways, small greens and a several water hazards. The fairways and greens are kept in good condition. The signature hole is the par-3 11th featuring an approach over water. The public course has a strong group of regulars.
Access: 18 holes, Semi-Private Opened: 1962 Architect: Ellis Maples Yardage: Par 72, 7,197-5,007 yards Greens: Bentgrass Walking: Weekdays, Weekends after 1 p.m. Course Rating: 75.9 Slope: 145 Facilities: Practice Range, Pro Shop, Putting Green Food and Drink: Grill, Bar, Restaurant PGA: Jonathan Dudley Fees with cart: $59 Weekdays, $69 Weekends
A former host of the PGA Tour’s Greater Greensboro Open, Forest Oaks has survived closures in the past decade and is on the rebound under the ownership and management of former members. The clubhouse is filled with memorabilia from its past PGA Tour events.
Access: 9 holes (18 tees) Public, Municipal Opened: 1941 Architect: Perry Maxwell Yardage: Par-36/71, 3,322-2,463 yards Greens: Bentgrass Walking: Yes Course Rating: 35.8, Slope: 136 Facilities: Practice Range, Short Game Course, Pro Shop, Putting Green Food and Drink: Snack Bar General Manager/PGA: Bob Brooks Fees with cart: $20 for nine, $24 for 18
A deceptively challenging muni, Gillespie features slick, undulating greens and two of the area’s most difficult par-5 holes. A creek comes into play on five holes with mature trees bordering most of the fairways. The par-5 third requires a solid tee shot over the creek and a second shot hit to the extreme left side of the fairway to avoid a steep slope running down to the creek, which borders the right side. On the tee at the par-5 ninth, players must stay left of the creek before hitting over the creek to the left side of the fairway. Approaches from the right side of the fairway are blocked by tall oaks. A second set of tee blocks on each of the nine allows for an 18-hole round.
Opened: 1996 Architect: David Graham, Gary Panks Yardage: Tif-Eagle Bermuda Walking: Yes Course Rating: 74.6 Slope: 137 Facilities: Hotel, Practice Range, Pro Shop, Putting Green Food and Drink: Bar, Restaurant PGA: Jonathan York Fees with cart: Dynamic Rates
The Triad’s premier golf resort, Grandover’s West Course provides a tough test of golf complete with undulating fairways, forced carries over water and wetlands, tree-lined bunkers and large, fast greens guarded by spacious white-sand bunkers. A huge range and short-game area and a vast putting green make up excellent practice facilities. Like its sister layout, the East course is immaculately groomed with beautifully sculpted fairways and landscaping. The par-5 18th hole, with a large lake protecting the entire left side, is a fitting finishing hole to a challenging layout, stretching to 570 yards with pot bunkers protecting a bailout to the right off the tee and a large two-tiered green in the shadows of the impressive clubhouse and patio.
Address: 1000 Club Road, Greensboro Website: grandoverresort.com Phone: 336-294-1800 Access: 18 Holes, Resort Opened: 1997 Architect: David Graham, Gary Panks Yardage: Par-72, 6,729-5,050 yards Greens: Tif-Eagle Bermuda Walking: Yes Course Rating: 72.5 Slope: 136 Facilities: Hotel, Practice Range, Pro Shop, Putting Green Food and Drink: Bar, Restaurant PGA: Jonathan York Fees with cart: Dynamic Rates
Though the West Course is shorter than the East Course, it’s a challenging test of golf with the same beautiful landscaping and difficult hazards throughout the routing. The new Bermuda greens, opened in fall 2024, replaced bentgrass that was tough to maintain in excessive heat. The West Course shares all the amenities enjoyed by its sister course. The toughest hole is the par-4 seventh, stretching 436 yards with a long approach that must cross wetlands to an elevated, three-tiered green. No. 12, a 570-yard par-5 with a slight double dogleg, winds along march and two strategic fairways bunkers, with wetlands creeping in on the left side of the green to discourage long hitters from trying to get home in two shots.
Access: 18 Holes, Public, Limited Memberships Opened: 1995 Architects: Don and Mark Charles Yardage: Par 72, Five tees: 6,806-4,715 yards Greens: Bentgrass Walking: GPS in Carts, Walking allowed after 12 p.m. Course Rating: 72.1, Slope: 135 Facilities: Practice Range, Chipping Area, Putting Green Food and Drink: National Bar & Grill open to the public General Manager/PGA: Bruce Mohler Fees: Dynamic Pricing
An upscale modern layout with lakes, ponds and streams coming into play on several holes, Greensboro National is conveniently located in a rural setting in Summerfield. Well-maintained, the undulating layout concludes on each nine with holes crossing a centerpiece lake. The short par-4 7th is one of the area’s most iconic holes, requiring a precise approach to a green with a false front that slopes down toward a finger of the lake. Nos. 9 and 18 play over and around a picturesque large lake. Amenities include a spacious practice range, chipping area and putting green, a fully stocked pro shop and National Bar & Grill. Putting an emphasis on playing conditions and customer service, the course pays close attention to avoiding slow play.
Access: 18 holes, Municipal Opened: 1974 Architect: Richard Mandell, Lester George Yardage: Par-72, 6,665-5,035 yards Greens: Tif-Eagle Bermuda Walking: Limited Course Rating: 72.2 Slope: 126 Facilities: Meeting Room, Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop, Snack Bar Food and Drink: Snack Bar and Grill Director of Golf/PGA: Marcy Newton Fees with cart $40 weekdays, $50 weekends Walking Rate: $26 weekdays, $35 weekends
An extremely well-maintained muni with a modern clubhouse and good practice facilities, Jamestown Park offers a straight-forward, solid challenge. Though water and sand come into play, the rolling — not particularly steep — terrain provides significant challenge. Though the course is not overly long, some uphill landing areas require solid tee shots. Located inside a city park, the course is free of homes and other intrusions. The Tif-Eagle greens, reshaped and planted in Tif-Eagle in 2016 are moderately undulating. The par-3 17th is a challenge, featuring a significantly uphill approach with a mid-iron to a small, three-tiered green sloping dramatically to the right into woods with shots missing left tumbling down the hill. Forget about rolling it on — a bunker protects the entire front of the putting surface.
Oak Hollow Golf Course
3400 N. Centennial St., High Point oakhollowgc.com | 336-703-6420
Access: 18 holes, Municipal, Opened: 1972 Architect: Pete Dye Yardage: Par-72, 6,465-4,825 yards Greens: Bentgrass Walking: Yes Course Rating: 71.7, Slope: 132 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop, Snack Bar Food and Drink: Snack Bar and Grill PGA: Eddie Isley Fees with Cart: $36 weekdays, $45 weekends Walking Rate: $20 weekdays, $29 weekends before noon
This beautiful Pete Dye design can be played at a bargain price. The catch is sketchy maintenance conditions on the tees and fairways combined with a few quirky holes. This is a high-dollar property with a modest maintenance budget. Several holes along Oak Hollow Lake are beautiful, incorporating the large lake and its typical strong breezes. For big hitters, a tiny island back tee makes the 420-yard dogleg left around the lake play even longer. From the white tees, players sometimes try to drive the green with a 240-yard or so carry over the lake. The more common choice is a fairway wood to a tight landing area, leaving a long approach with water in front and on the left. The back nine begins with a series of difficult long holes along the lake. Mixed in are a few short, easy par-4s that provide scoring opportunities.
Access: Semi-private, Public Play Opened: 1992 Architect: Tom Jackson Yardage: Par-71, 7,016-4,671 yards Greens: Champion Bermuda Walking: Allowed on weekdays, weekends after 12 Course Rating: 73.8, Slope: 139 Facilities: Practice Range, Putting Green, Pro Shop Food and Drink: Bar and Grill Director of Golf: David Colyn Fees with Cart: $57 weekdays, $67 weekends Walking Rate: $47 weekdays, $57 weekends
The centerpiece of an upscale residential development, Stoney Creek rolls over hills with attractively shaped fairways and between trees and homesites. The modern-style course has a reputation for outstanding playing conditions, especially its fast Champion putting surfaces. At the 18th hole, the drive on the 435-yard par-4 emerges from a chute of trees into a fairway flanked by a lake supported by attractive bulkhead that stretches the length of the narrow green, which is guarded on the right by a bunker.
A trio of Triad courses and another recently restored by a Greensboro architect were listed in the top 25 courses in North Carolina in Golf Magazine rankings released Sunday morning.
Old Town Club, already ranked among the top 100 in the U.S. according to Golf Magazine and Golf Digest, the nation’s two most-followed surveyors, ranked No. 2 behind only Pinehurst No. 2.
Old Town Club ranked No. 2 on the new N.C. Top 25 published by Golf Magazine.
Tot Hill Farm outside Asheboro ranked No. 13 and Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, home of the PGA Tour’s Wyndham Championship was No. 25.
Greensboro architect Kris Spence, who completely restored and made extensive changes to an abandoned Maples course at Woodlake Country Club (pictured above) in Vass, had his work rewarded by landing the No. 16 position, just ahead of perennial list maker Grandfather Country Club.
The rankings are based on voting by more than 100 Golf Magazine “expert” panelists from throughout the country.
As normal, Pinehurst area courses dominated the list from top to bottom, grabbing 14 of the 25 slots and seven of the top nine on the list.
The new list recognizes new courses and established tracts that have recently renovation and restoration efforts. Woodlake reopened in late 2023. Pinehurst No. 10 opened in 2024. Pinehurst No. 4 opened in 2018. Old Town, Tot Hill Farm, Dogwood and Sedgefield are included in courses receiving major improvements.
