Charlotte, NC Golf Course Neighborhoods
Charlotte is home to several golf-course neighborhoods, ranging from posh in-town communities that abut established courses to more reasonably priced modern developments off the outer belt.
The city also boasts a strong private golf scene, including a Donald Ross design and an assortment of modern gems. Plus, it hosts the Charlotte City Amateur, one of the country’s most prestigious local tournaments. Here are some of the best clubs and Charlotte, NC golf course areas.
Rocky River Golf Club
Located just a pitching wedge away from the Embassy Suites Charlotte/Concord Golf Resort & Spa, Rocky River is a Dan Maples design that uses existing features of the land to create a unique course. Beautiful rock outcroppings and various species of native wetland grasses are featured along the edges of gently rolling fairways, adding a touch of ruggedness and links feel to the course.
Originally opened in 1996, the course is home to the Charlotte 49ers’ short-game practice facility and appeals to players of all abilities. Designed with many of the existing features of the land, the routing flows through the existing contours of the terrain effortlessly creating a succession of sensational holes.
This city-owned course was renovated in 2012 to feature new Mini Verde ultra-dwarf bermuda greens. Compared to traditional bent grass greens, these modern strands are less prone to disease and have the ability to handle higher temperatures without aeration.
Carolina National Golf Club
Carolina National Golf Club, a 27-hole Fred Couples Signature Design, is a 4 1/2 star facility that has been named one of the finest playing experiences on the East Coast by Golf Digest. Its natural setting along the Lockwood Folly River offers an endless variety of golfing challenges.
Located in Brunswick County, between Myrtle Beach and Wilmington, Carolina National is the only Fred Couples Signature Course on the Grand Strand! This 27-hole championship layout features three nines, Egret, Heron & Ibis and was designed to accommodate all skill levels through its innovative design and multiple tee placements.
In addition to its challenging play, Carolina National offers a variety of activities and events for members and their guests. The Men’s Association holds regular Play Days, a Four-Ball Match Play Tournament, annual Battle of the Neighborhoods and more. The Women’s Golf Association also hosts various events, games and club tournaments throughout the season and participates in local interclub leagues.
The Trail Golf Club
Located in a north Charlotte upscale community, Highland Creek Golf Club winds through towering trees and meandering creeks. With its premier bentgrass greens, this course is a great place to play for a variety of players.
The Trail Golf Club is comprised of seven top clubs in the Charlotte area. All are ranked among the best public courses in the region.
It’s also home to a Preferred Player Program and offers a wide variety of tournaments and events. It has an excellent practice facility and a great restaurant for lunch or dinner after your round.
Several former Carolina Trail courses have struggled, but this one has bounced back under new ownership and renewed community support. It’s a mountain-style course that changes from elevated tee boxes to sloped fairways and undulating greens.
Charlotte Country Club
Located in northwest Charlotte, this course is a great place for beginning golfers. It offers two courses to choose from, as well as a driving range and chipping area.
Founded in 1910, Charlotte Country Club was redesigned by Donald Ross and later by Robert Trent Jones Snr. More recent restoration work by Ron Pritchard, who has a fine track record of sympathetically restoring old Ross designs, has brought the course into better shape than ever before.
This is a very quirky course that requires precision and creativity to get around. The course has a lot of blind shots, drastic elevation changes, hazards, and large rocks. It is a challenging and fun course for all levels of golfers.
