Our Top Picks of Greens in The Outer Banks
The Outer Banks, NC, is well known worldwide for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and diverse seaside ecosystems, all of which combined make it a perfect destination for vacationers wanting to explore the East Coast of the USA.
Still, there’s a niche group that also loves these shores for one unique reason: North Carolina’s great golfing. Golfing enthusiasts are generally attracted to OBX because of the winning combination of challenging, world-class fairways and stunning seaside landscapes with maritime forests.
There’s more; the moderate climate of the Outer Banks allows for year-round golfing with pleasant temperatures, and swinging the clubs in the area is famously a relaxed experience — as it should always be!
Golfing anywhere in North Carolina is already in high esteem, but let’s zero in for you. Wondering where to tee off in OBX? In this blog, we’ll bring you a list of our picks of the best golf courses in the Outer Banks, NC!
Ready to hit the greens?
Kilmarlic Golf Club, Powells Point, North Carolina
On the way to OBX and a mere twenty-minute drive from Southern Shores, this Tom Steele-designed golf course is considered one of the best public golf courses not just around OBX but in North Carolina. It offers that quintessential scenery everyone is looking for when vacationing in the region: You’ll play through 605 acres of pristine (and quick) greens spanning maritime forest with giant native oak canopies, beautiful dogwood, and pine.
The classic design presents fun yet fair challenges to players — simply perfect for a pleasurable round of golf. The facilities are great and the staff are very friendly; they’ll make you feel right at home and will provide you with all the information and help you need.
Address: 215 West Side Ln, Powells Point, NC
The Pointe Golf Club, Powells Point, North Carolina
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 is recognized for being the pioneer in the country to incorporate A-1 bentgrass throughout its fairways, a specific variety of bentgrass that’s particularly well-suited for golf, creating a smooth and consistent playing surface. The course and its greens were beautiful, and the layout is fun and fair for both old and new players.
The club is great for beginners and intermediate-level players to practice their golfing. This one is suitable for players of all skill levels and even offers a great practice area. It’s a sure bet for a great round for you and your crew. The staff is friendly and professional. All in all, it’s definitely worth the drive from the island, but you might encounter some other players; The Pinte is, after all, a pretty popular course.
Address: 308 Pointe Golf Club Dr, Powells Point, NC
The Currituck Club, Corolla, North Carolina
Designed by Rees Jones, a golf course architect whose designs are generally well-regarded for their quality as well as their strategic challenges, this pristine course extends over 600 acres of dunes, wetlands, maritime forests, and seascapes. Its challenges will guarantee a fun and captivating experience.
With lots of undulation that makes it very interesting, the course is in good shape. The staff is top-notch, and although it’s a slightly more expensive option, it tends to be a challenging (but not overly difficult) and fun play!
Address: 620 Currituck Clubhouse Dr, Corolla, NC
Nags Head Golf Links, Nags Head, North Carolina
In operation since 1988 and considered one of North Carolina’s Top 5 golf courses, 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!
Generally, the course is well-maintained and in great condition. The staff is super helpful. What to say about the views? Just beautiful. You’ll golf along the ocean, and if you do it during sunsets, you’ll have an extra spectacle at your disposal. With this one, be ready to take some stunning pics during your round of golf.
Address: 5615 S Seachase Dr, Nags Head, NC
The Carolina Club, Grandy, North Carolina
Designed by Russell Breeden and Bob Moore, this 18-hole course sits in a prime location, tucked away in a local neighborhood, surrounded by plenty of vegetation. The Carolina Club boasts beautiful greens that are challenging yet pleasurable, making it a popular choice for anyone looking to golf in the OBX. There’s an island green, a hole-long bunker, and plenty of water to provide players with all kinds of challenges.
The staff is very friendly, the costs are reasonable, and in general, this is a great option for someone looking for a nice round of golf without having to overpay. There’s no doubt about it: this one is a favorite of locals and visitors alike — and for good reasons!
Address: 127 Carolina Club Dr, Grandy, NC
Sea Scape Golf Links, Kitty Hawk, North Carolina
The creation of architect Art Wall Jr., this championship 18-hole course gracefully meanders through a neighborhood perched atop a hill overlooking the sand dunes and the ocean. This means you’ll have great views of the water for every hole.
The greens are nice and very playable. The elevation changes here and there, something that is not so common when it comes to seaside courses. Still, the course is not overly challenging, and even with competitive bits, it makes for very enjoyable rounds for everyone. The staff is friendly and very helpful!
Address: 300 W Eckner St, Kitty Hawk, NC
Duck Woods Country Club, Southern Shores, North Carolina
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. The staff is very professional, receptive, and willing to assist you with whatever you need
Address: 50 S Dogwood Trail, Southern Shores, NC
Extra tips to enhance your golfing experience in and around the Outer Banks
Due to its great climate, topography, and breathtaking coastal surroundings, the Outer Banks in North Carolina provides a unique and unparalleled experience for golfers. To have an even better golfing experience in OBX, NC, 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 included!
- As you can see, there is so much variety in the area, so it’s a great idea to stay long enough to explore different courses. Each one is very unique!
- 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 probably get to experience the great golden hours.
- The Outer Banks is a vacation wonderland! Beyond golfing, take advantage of other attractions and activities like gorgeous beaches, historical sites, and local restaurants.
- 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.
No doubt, golfing in the Outer Banks will deepen your appreciation for the game, as well as the breathtaking landscape of North Carolina.
Wondering where to stay in the Outer Banks, NC during your golfing trip?
Booking your stay with Village Realty means staying in one of our exceptional, handpicked homes. From the oceanfront to the soundfront, we offer outstanding OBX vacation rentals from South Nags Head to Corolla.
Our number one priority? Your ultimate comfort and happiness. Our local staff will always go the extra mile to make sure you and your family have a special vacation in OBX.
Staying with us, all you have to care about is letting the coastal beauty whisk you away – and you can rest assured it will!
