A perfect getaway to the Crystal Coast can involve more than beach days and catching sunsets from the end of Bogue Inlet Pier. The communities that make up the coastal destination are filled with restaurants, shops and dozens of attractions. While grabbing a bite to eat and picking out souvenirs are family-favorite vacation traditions, sometimes it’s fun to change things up a bit. With warmer weather and clear skies, a day on the green can be as pleasurable as one spent oceanside. With Father’s Day approaching and sunny days invading nearly every weather forecast, scheduling a day on a wind-swept fairway of the Southern Outer Banks will give your family an unforgettable memory.
Prepare your club bag and practice your drive! Here are some of the best golf courses near Emerald Isle to help you get into the swing of things this year.
Brandywine Bay Golf Club
Morehead City is located just outside of Emerald Isle – about 14 miles. This charming community is the largest on the Crystal Coast and provides visitors with picturesque water views from nearly every location.
Morehead City is also a top destination for anyone looking to get in a few swings while escaping to the coast. This city is home to Brandywine Bay Golf Club. Brandywine Bay Golf Club provides a delightful experience for anyone hitting the links — a genuine retreat and true golfer’s paradise. The course’s water and sand hazards pair perfectly with the picturesque pine trees. With beautifully sculpted greens accompanied by southern hospitality, this golf club will quickly become part of your vacation every year.
Designed for golfers of all skill levels, you can enjoy up to 7,000 yards of tee-to-cup golfing. Rest assured, there are three other tees to accommodate beginners. Brandywine Golf Course provides players with development programs, special golf clinics, practice areas and lessons from an in-house golf pro.
Star Hill Golf Club
Cape Carteret is a quaint little village just over the bridge from Emerald Isle. This coastal town has gained popularity with visitors and locals alike because of its relaxing atmosphere and convenient location to beautiful beaches and specialty shops. Cape Carteret is also home to the Star Hill Golf Club. The 27-hole regulation-length course allows players to play one of three nine-hole, par-36 courses. Fun names like the Sands Nine, the Pines Nine and the Lakes Nine add a bit of whimsey to each tee.
While playing 18 holes at Star Hill Golf Club, you and your guests will have access to the Champions Club and the Grill Room for meals and social gatherings. The Champion’s Club is also available to the public for parties, wedding receptions and other private functions.
Country Club of the Crystal Coast
With a name like the Crystal Coast Country Club, you can expect a memorable world-class experience. This golf course boasts a pristine waterfront setting and stunning views of Bogue Sound, the Intracoastal Waterway Croatan National Forest.
The Crystal Coast Country Club is located in Pine Knoll Shores and provides golfers with an 18-hole championship golf course beautifully situated along Bogue Sound. This par-71 course features three sets of tees, lush fairways, challenging water hazards on 13 of the 18 holes, deep bunkers and much more. The designers of this top-tier golf course made sure players could still experience the natural landscape while advancing down the fairways. As you make your way to the final hole, you travel through natural dunes, water features and the Maritime Forest. To experience the island’s natural scenery and enjoy your favorite game, be sure to stop by the Crystal Coast Country Club.
Emerald Golf Club
New Bern is located just 40 miles from Emerald Isle and is the second-oldest city in the state. This delightful community is situated between the Neuse and Trent Rivers and rewards visitors with unbeatable waterfront vistas. This vibrant waterfront community is filled with historical attractions, miles of beautiful scenery, and abundant outdoor activities.
New Bern also features one of Golf Weekly’s picks for the southeast’s Top 50 Golf Courses, the Emerald Golf Club. If you’re looking to casually hit the links or play a competitive 18 holes, this golf club was created for you.
The club’s par-72 course stretches nearly 7,000 yards and features mixed grasses that create depth and fun challenges. It’s truly a location for beginners and seasoned players alike. If you’re not up for an entire game or just looking to spend some time with your family, there’s also a driving range, practice facilities, a chipping green and an 11,000-square-foot putting green.
North Shore Country Club & Golf Course
The North Shore Country Club is a favorite course for many guests visiting the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This course is located along the Intracoastal Waterway near Topsail Island. North Shore Country Club invites golf enthusiasts to enjoy the beloved sport in a scenic setting on the Crystal Coast year-round.
The semi-private golf course is a par-72 providing an 18-hole layout that stretches nearly 7,000 yards from the champion level tees. The course holds a four-star rating in Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play” and challenges both beginners and professional players. One of the unique features of the North Shore Country Club is that golf isn’t the only activity to do with your family while visiting. Pack your swimsuits and enjoy a dip into the club’s swimming pool. You can also perfect your forehands and backhands on the tennis courts and pick up some new gear for the greens at the club’s golf pro shop.
Sound of Freedom Golf Course
Plan a unique experience for your father this summer and let him yell “fore” as freedom flies over! The Sound of Freedom Golf Course is located on an actual military base, the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Unlike many golf courses back home, this one was not built to accompany a neighborhood and its residents.
The 18-hole course stretches across more than 6,500 yards and provides players with a stocked pro shop, just in case you lose any balls. There’s a chipping area for practice, a snack bar if you crave a bite and putting green for the family to get in some practice. If you’re looking to get in some time without the little ones, check out the driving range. It’s open 24-hours! Although the Sound of Freedom Golf Course is a military golf course, it’s always available and inviting to the public.
The North River Golf Club
The historic town of Beaufort is filled with cultural sites, pirate lore and great tours that detail the town’s past. While the food scene is one to experience and the waterfront’s views are unmatched, a visit to the enticing North River Golf Club will lead to discovering a slice of a golfer’s paradise.
Just a stone’s throw from the trendy downtown area and standing as the community’s centerpiece, you will find the 18-hole course where vacationers and longstanding club members alike joyfully trek the greens and enjoy the pinnacle of the Crystal Coast golf scene.
Challenging enough for seasoned golfers and casual enough for beginners, the North River Golf Club boasts breathtaking water views and the backdrop of a maritime forest. The club also provides extended-stay visitors with access to its Pavilion. You and the family could spend the day in their resort-style pool or enjoy some friendly competition on the volleyball court. With options for the family and five sets of championship tees to challenge golfers, the North River Golf Club is a golfer’s dream that provides everyone with a memorable experience on the Crystal Coast.
Schedule Your Tee Time
Now that you received a sneak peek at the best courses resting on the coast, you’re probably looking for ways to combine the beloved hobby of golf with a relaxing getaway to the beach. Emerald Isle Realty’s inventory of vacation properties provides you with a variety of options located throughout the coast. Be sure to customize your search to discover the perfect property for your time in the Southern Outer Banks. A destination that’s always a delight for outdoor enthusiasts can now be a retreat for golfers. No matter the season, there’s a course ready to welcome you.
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