Fabulous views, layouts are par for North Carolina golf courses
Posted By Admin on March 31, 2011
Among the many benefits of golf in North Carolina is the abundance of choices. Its like walking into one of those golf superstores but instead of clubs, you can take your pick of outstanding courses.
Here are some easy getaways you should consider if youre looking to make a golf trip or just looking for a new place to play.
-THE COLLEGE TOUR
Duke University Golf Course: Originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and reworked by his son, Rees, in 1994, Duke Golf Course is a strong, demanding layout good enough to have hosted the NCAA championship. The good news is its easier to get a tee time there than it is to find tickets to a game at Dukes Cameron Indoor Stadium. www.golf.duke.edu.
Finley Golf Course: Located on the edge of the Chapel Hill campus, Finley has been a fixture for decades but its profile changed a few years ago when noted designer Tom Fazio reworked the layout. It perennially lands on the list of top 10 college golf courses. www.tarheelblue.com.
Lonnie Poole Golf Club: This is the newest course among the Triangle universities, designed by Arnold Palmer and his group. Its home to the Wolfpack golf teams and is close enough to downtown to offer views of the Raleigh skyline. www.lonniepoolegolfcourse.com
-THE MOUNTAIN TOUR
Mount Mitchell Golf Club: If you want the full experience of NC mountain golf, you can get it here. The course offers spectacular views of the peaks surrounding the property; mountain streams gurgle through the layout. Its a wonderful summer escape. www.mountmitchellgolfresort.com.
Linville Golf Club: This classic Donald Ross design is a private club, but if you stay at the adjacent Eseeola Lodge a pleasure in itself you can play one of the states most popular and highest-rated courses. Its worth every penny. www.eseeola.com.
Grove Park iInn Golf Course: The Inn itself is spectacular and the golf course, originally designed by Donald Ross and updated 10 years ago, fits beautifully into the surroundings. A day on the course and a night in the hotel is tough to beat anywhere. www.groveparkinn.com.
-THE SANDHILLS TOUR
Pinehurst No. 2: One of the worlds most famous layouts recently reopened following an extensive restoration project by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, and the results are spectacular. Theres a reason the 2014 mens and womens US Opens are heading here. Its that good. www.pinehurst.com.
Pine Needles and Mid Pines: Theyre situated across the street from each other and provide one of the most enjoyable and challenging one-two punches in golf. Its golf the way it should be played. www.pineneedles-midpines.com.
Tobacco Road: If you want something out of the ordinary, this is it. Designed by the late Mike Strantz, Tobacco Road is a thrill to look at and just as much fun to play. Annually ranks among the most popular courses in the state. www.tobaccoroadgolf.com
Southern Pines Golf Club: Its not fancy or as famous as some others, but its a Donald Ross original that showcases the best in Sandhills golf. Its the kind of place you could play over and over. www.southernpinesgc.com.
Ron Green Jr. is The Charlotte Observers veteran golf writer.
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