Golfers appreciate the southern coast's relaxed, laid-back feeling. Great weather, beautiful views, majestic long-leaf pines, stately live oaks and flat to gently rolling land are just a few of the reasons golf is popular here. Plus, most of the local courses offer prices that encourage multiple rounds per day. More new golf courses sprout up along the southern coast than anywhere else in North Carolina. Brunswick County alone boasts dozens of courses, many located in residential golf communities. The area features challenging course designs bearing the signatures of Arnold Palmer, Rees Jones, Tom Fazio, Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Dan Maples, Donald Ross, Hale Irwin, Fred Couples, Tim Cate, George Cobb, Clyde Johnston and Willard Byrd, among others. Most local courses are semiprivate, which means they're open to the public and club memberships are available. Membership, of course, offers various benefits and privileges, such as lower fees or preferred tee times. Greens fees vary according to season and location. At semiprivate courses, fees range widely, from about $30 to $100 and more, but average between $30 and $50 for 18 holes. Fees are highest at the more exclusive clubs and during the peak seasons (March 1 to mid-May and mid-September to early November). Look for special packages during non-peak times, such as three rounds at drastically reduced prices for either morning or afternoon. Discounts for seniors, corporations and groups are commonplace. Overall, the region's courses offer an excellent balance between price and playing conditions. Many courses also offer practice ranges and club rentals. Teaching pros are plentiful and eager to help you polish your game. You'll find a proliferation of golf publications at visitors centers, hotels and other touristy locations. In this chapter we describe some of the area's better courses, judged by overall beauty, location and variety of challenge. We've also included independent driving ranges, retail shops that offer equipment and repairs, information about golf packages and services and a listing of some local annual tournaments. Complete listings of courses can be found at chambers of commerce (see our Area Overview chapter for a listing of local chambers).
