Golf lovers, get ready: the Outer Banks is more than beaches and lighthouses. Tee off on some of North Carolina's most scenic and exciting courses, surrounded by dunes, forests, and ocean views made for year-round play.
Beyond the Outer Banks' beautiful beaches, historic sites, and diverse seaside ecosystems that make this North Carolina paradise a must-visit for beach lovers, there's also a niche group that loves these shores for one unique reason: great golfing.
Golfing in the OBX offers a winning mix of challenging, world-class fairways and stunning seaside landscapes lined with maritime forests. The moderate climate means year-round play with pleasant temperatures, and teeing off here is known for being wonderfully relaxed, just as it should be.
Here's a bite-sized intro to the good stuff:
- Kilmarlic Golf Club (Powells Point): A 605-acre favorite with rolling fairways and maritime forest views.
- The Pointe Golf Club (Powells Point): Par-71 course known for its smooth A-1 bentgrass fairways.
- The Currituck Club (Corolla): This 600-acre masterpiece blends dunes, wetlands, and coastal forest.
- Nags Head Golf Links (Nags Head): A Scottish-style seaside course with stunning sunset views.
- The Carolina Club (Grandy): Budget-friendly course with an island green and water challenges.
- Sea Scape Golf Links (Kitty Hawk): Championship 18-hole course perched above the dunes.
- Duck Woods Country Club (Southern Shores): Semi-private 18-hole course surrounded by maritime forest.
Dreaming of an OBX getaway? Village Realty has been matching beach lovers with the perfect vacation homes for over 25 years. We offer an extensive selection of Outer Banks vacation rentals tailored to meet every need and desire. From stunning oceanfront properties and cozy condos to pet-friendly and newly listed rentals, our diverse portfolio ensures you find the perfect home away from home.
Craving more insider tips? As experts in everything OBX, our destination blog is loaded with fishing tips, the best outdoor adventures, can't-miss foodie finds, and more.
In this blog post, I'll share a list of the best golf courses in the Outer Banks to help you make the most of your golfing adventures.
Ready to hit the greens? Let's dive right in!
1. Kilmarlic Golf Club
Powells Point — 605 Acres of Fairways and Coastal Forest Charm.
Just twenty minutes from Southern Shores, this Tom Steele-designed course is a local favorite and often ranked among the best public golf courses in North Carolina. On your way to the OBX, it's well worth a stop. You'll tee off across 605 acres of pristine, fast greens that weave through maritime forest shaded by towering oaks, dogwoods, and pines.
The layout is classic and fair: challenging enough to keep things interesting but still relaxed and enjoyable for any level. The facilities are top-notch, and the friendly staff go out of their way to make every golfer feel right at home.
2. The Pointe Golf Club
Powells Point — The first course in the country to feature A-1 bentgrass throughout its fairways.
Designed by Russell Breeden and operating since 1995, this par-71 championship golf course is great in all seasons and famous among locals and visitors for being one of the most fun and playable golf courses in North Carolina. The course and its greens are beautiful, and the layout is fun and fair for both old and new players.
It also holds a special place in golf history as the first course in the country to feature A-1 bentgrass throughout its fairways, a premium turf variety known for its smooth roll and consistent feel. Every shot here plays beautifully.
3. The Currituck Club
Corolla — A course stretching across more than 600 acres of rolling dunes, coastal wetlands, and maritime forest.
Designed by renowned golf architect Rees Jones, this course stretches across more than 600 acres of rolling dunes, coastal wetlands, and maritime forest. Every hole offers something different: a mix of beauty, strategy, and just enough challenge to keep things exciting.
The fairways roll and dip in all the right places, adding a nice dose of variety to every round. The course is beautifully maintained, the staff are welcoming, and while it's a bit of a splurge, it's worth every swing.
4. Nags Head Golf Links
Nags Head — Play right alongside the ocean, with sea breezes in your face and waves rolling in beside you.
In operation since 1988, this Par 71, Scottish-style course boasts a very creative design by Bob Moore. The layout guarantees that you'll face many fun challenges, including rolling dunes, island holes, and coastal winds. The latter of which creates a new experience each time you play, sometimes challenging even for the pros.
The course is beautifully kept year-round, and the staff couldn't be friendlier. And those views? Absolutely breathtaking. You'll be playing right alongside the ocean, with sea breezes in your face and waves rolling in beside you. Time your sunset game and you'll get an extra show, golden light, glowing water, and a course that feels almost magical.
5. The Carolina Club
Grandy — A perfect mix of beauty and playability, with greens that challenge without frustrating.
This 18-hole gem sits in a prime spot tucked inside a quiet neighborhood, surrounded by lush greenery and coastal charm. Designed by Russell Breeden and Bob Moore, The Carolina Club offers the perfect mix of beauty and playability, with greens that challenge without frustrating and scenery that keeps you smiling all the way through. Expect an island green, a hole-long bunker, and plenty of water features to keep things interesting.
The staff are welcoming, the rates are fair, and the overall vibe is relaxed and easygoing. It's a solid choice for anyone who wants a great round of golf in the OBX without breaking the bank.
6. Sea Scape Golf Links
Kitty Hawk — A championship 18-hole course perched on a hill with sweeping views.
Designed by architect Art Wall Jr., this championship 18-hole course winds through a peaceful neighborhood perched on a hill with sweeping views of the dunes and ocean. Nearly every hole comes with a backdrop of blue water, so it's as easy on the eyes as it is fun to play.
The greens roll smoothly and stay in great shape, and those subtle elevation changes add a nice twist, something you don't often find at seaside courses. It's challenging enough to keep things interesting but relaxed enough for an easygoing round. The staff are friendly, attentive, and always ready with a few local tips to make your game even better.
7. Duck Woods Country Club
Southern Shores — Semi-private 18-hole championship golf course situated on 300 acres of maritime forest.
Designed by Ellis Maples, with an interesting layout and great views, this semi-private 18-hole championship golf course is situated on 300 acres of maritime forest in the heart of Southern Shores. The layout is suitable for most golfers and offers enough challenge, with a fair amount of water in play on many holes.
Fairways are very well kept, and bent grass greens are fast. Duck Woods Country Club also offers a generous practice area. And it's not all about golfing: the main clubhouse is also beautiful, and the well-maintained pool is well worth the visit for itself.
Extra tips to enhance your golfing experience in and around the Outer Banks
Thanks to its great climate, topography, and breathtaking coastal surroundings, the Outer Banks provides a unique and unparalleled experience for golfers. To have an even better golfing experience in OBX, here are some extra tips:
- Before heading out to the greens, check the current conditions of the golf courses you plan to tee off at and consider weather conditions that might affect play.
- Especially if you're visiting during peak seasons, it's a good idea to book tee times in advance. Greens can get booked well in advance in the OBX!
- Given the coastal location, be prepared for changing weather conditions and bring along appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and a raincoat.
- The Outer Banks is home to diverse wildlife, and some of it may cross your path as you tee off on a green! If that happens, be respectful of local ecosystems and follow any guidelines provided by course administrators. While these beautiful animals can be an extra attraction, always observe them from a distance.
- If possible, consider playing early in the morning or later in the day. You'll not only get cooler temperatures, but as a bonus, you'll probably get to experience the great golden hours.
- Keep an eye out for tournaments and special events that might coincide with your visit; they sure add an extra layer of excitement to your golfing experience.
Wondering where to stay in the Outer Banks during your golfing trip?
The secret to a great OBX getaway? Finding the perfect place to stay. With Village Realty OBX, you'll have your pick of vacation rentals that keep you close to the beach, the fun, and everything in between.
Our rentals range from oceanfront homes with stunning views to cozy cottages perfect for families or couples. Many properties include amenities like private pools, hot tubs, and fully equipped kitchens, ensuring your stay is as relaxing as it is adventurous.
Booking with Village Realty means you can focus on enjoying everything this North Carolina treasure has to offer while resting easy in a home tailored to your needs. Start your journey by choosing the perfect rental for your outdoor getaway today!