Dan Maples

Oyster Bay Golf Links

Sunset Beach, NC

Situated on the Intracoastal Waterway near the Atlantic Ocean, Oyster Bay features tree-lined doglegs that open to surrounding marshland on the back nine. The signature par-3 17th plays to a small island green requiring a precise iron shot.

Rocky River Golf Club

Concord, NC

Rocky River Golf Club, Concord's premier public golf facility, stands as a testament to designer Dan F. Maples' philosophy of crafting memorable courses that prioritize accuracy over sheer length. Maples, a renowned American architect, imbued the layout with distinctive rocky outcroppings, wetland areas, and gracefully rolling fairways that demand thoughtful shot-making. The terrain presents a captivating visual character, seamlessly blending natural elements with strategic challenges. While specific signature holes are numerous, the course is known for its engaging par-4s and par-5s that require precise tee shots to navigate tree-lined corridors and well-placed bunkers. The overall playing experience is both rewarding and challenging, appealing to golfers of all skill levels who appreciate a course that tests their strategic acumen. Recognized with a 2026 Quality Business Award, Rocky River Golf Club offers a resort-like feel, making it an ideal destination for both visiting golfers seeking a quality round and locals desiring a consistently excellent public option.

Santee National Golf Club

Santee, SC

The Pit Golf Links

Pinehurst, NC

Weaver Ridge Golf Club in Peoria, Illinois, is an 18-hole, par-72 championship public course designed by Steve Smyers. Smyers' design philosophy centers on creating courses that make every golfer a better player by offering strategic options and demanding creativity. The course is renowned for its spectacular views and is considered one of the best layouts in Illinois. While the front nine, which winds through a neighborhood, is solid, the back nine is truly stunning, offering dramatic elevation changes and memorable holes. The 10th tee box provides a preview of the exhilarating challenges to come. Weaver Ridge is celebrated for having several of the best signature holes in Illinois, with its old oaks, hills, and valleys contributing to its beautiful and challenging terrain. Ranked as one of the very best public courses in the country, Weaver Ridge offers an exceptional golf experience that combines strategic design with breathtaking natural beauty.

Willbrook Plantation Golf Club

Pawleys Island, SC

The George Fazio Course at Turtle Bay Resort, located on Oahu's fabled North Shore, offers a classic Hawaiian golf experience with a design that emphasizes playability and strategic shot-making. Designed by George Fazio, this course is often considered the more forgiving of Turtle Bay's two championship layouts, featuring generous fairways that invite confident swings. While specific details on Fazio's design philosophy for this course are less documented, his broader approach focused on creating courses that were both challenging and enjoyable, a characteristic evident here. The course is known for its beautiful setting, winding through lush tropical landscapes with glimpses of the Pacific Ocean. It has a notable history of hosting professional events, including LPGA tournaments and the first edition of the Seniors Skins Game, underscoring its championship pedigree. The Fazio Course provides a delightful round for golfers of all abilities, combining scenic beauty with a well-conceived layout that rewards thoughtful play and offers a true taste of Hawaiian golf.

Ford's Colony Country Club (Marsh Hawk)

Williamsburg, VA

Waverly Golf Club in Waverly is a charming and challenging 9-hole course that is a favorite of golfers in the area. While the architect is unknown, the course was built in 1923 and has a classic, old-school feel to it. The course is set on rolling terrain, with tree-lined fairways and small, well-guarded greens. The course is known for its playability, with a variety of hole lengths and a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. The signature hole is the par-3 9th, a beautiful and challenging hole that requires a tee shot over a pond to a green surrounded by bunkers. Waverly Golf Club is a great place to enjoy a quick and fun round of golf, and it's a course that will make you want to come back for more.

Keith Hills Golf Club - North Course

Buies Creek, NC

Oyster Bay Golf Links

Sunset Beach, SC

The Hualalai Golf Course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature design, epitomizes the Golden Bear's philosophical shift towards creating more accessible yet strategically engaging layouts. Carved from the dramatic black lava flows of the Big Island, the course seamlessly blends pristine green fairways with the rugged, ancient landscape, offering a unique visual contrast. Nicklaus masterfully incorporated the natural terrain, culminating in a series of breathtaking finishing holes that return to the ocean, providing a dramatic seaside golf experience. Hualalai is renowned for annually hosting the prestigious PGA Tour Champions "Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai," bringing golf's legends to its fairways. The course is celebrated for its impeccable conditioning and the unique challenge presented by the lava fields, which are not merely hazards but integral to the course's aesthetic and strategic appeal. Playing Hualalai offers a blend of challenge, serenity, and sophistication, making it a truly memorable Hawaiian golf destination.

Sound Golf Links At Albemarle Pla...

Hertford, NC

Longleaf Golf & Family Club

Southern Pines, NC

Whisper Creek Golf Club in Huntley, Illinois, is an 18-hole, par-72 course designed by Rick Jacobson. Jacobson's design philosophy aims to create unforgettable layouts that stir the imagination and challenge the competitive spirit, embracing the grand traditions of golf course architecture while respecting the environment. The course is characterized by rich bluegrass rough, native fescue grasses, protected wetland environments, and magnificent rock formations with cascading waterfalls, creating a visually stunning and strategically diverse landscape. While the course has undergone renovations, its core design offers a realistic, challenging, and thoughtful experience without relying on gimmicky signature holes. When in prime condition, Whisper Creek plays like the best private country clubs in the area, offering meticulously manicured greens that roll perfectly. Its blend of natural beauty and strategic design makes it a highly regarded course for those seeking a challenging and immersive golf experience.

Man O' War Golf Club

Myrtle Beach, SC

Man O' War Golf Club in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, stands as a testament to innovative golf course architecture, uniquely defined by its "all-water" design where water comes into play on every single hole. Crafted by the renowned Dan Maples, this course masterfully integrates vast lakes and intricate water hazards into its layout, creating a visually stunning and strategically demanding experience. The terrain is largely flat, allowing the water features to dictate the flow and challenge of each shot, demanding precision and thoughtful club selection. Signature holes include the dramatic par-4 9th, featuring an island green that requires a bold and accurate approach, and the formidable closing stretch of the 17th and 18th, which can make or break a round with their demanding water carries. The overall playing experience is both exhilarating and challenging, suitable for golfers who appreciate a strategic test and a pristine, well-maintained course. While not laden with historical accolades, its unique design has garnered a loyal following. Man O' War is ideally suited for destination golfers seeking a memorable and distinctive round in the heart of Myrtle Beach, as well as locals looking to hone their water-hazard management skills.

Ford's Colony Country Club (Blue Heron)

Williamsburg, VA

Alvamar Golf Club, now known as The Jayhawk Club, is a classic Robert Trent Jones Sr. design nestled in Lawrence, Kansas. Opened in 1973, this 18-hole championship course embodies Jones' renowned philosophy of 'hard par, easy bogey,' challenging golfers with strategic bunkering, artistic landscaping, and thoughtful green complexes that demand both precision and daring. Jones Sr. was a master at creating heroic architecture, where risk-reward shots are paramount, and Alvamar is no exception. The course has a rich history, having once been a 36-hole facility and hosting significant golf events throughout its existence. A notable redesign in 2005 further enhanced its playability and aesthetic appeal. While specific signature holes are not widely publicized, the course's overall design encourages strategic play, with water hazards liberally used to frame holes and elevate the challenge. Playing Alvamar offers a quintessential Robert Trent Jones Sr. experience, where every shot requires careful consideration, making it a rewarding test for golfers of all skill levels.

The Heritage Club

Pawleys Island, SC

Dan Maples' design weaves along the Waccamaw River Trail and borders vast abandoned rice fields. Lush native flowers line rolling fairways, and riverside holes offer passing boat views — a quintessential Lowcountry golf experience.

World Tour Golf Links

Myrtle Beach, SC

Natanis Golf Course (Tomahawk)

Vassalboro, ME

Natanis offers two distinct 18-hole layouts, Tomahawk and Arrowhead, near Augusta, providing a public golf experience with varied terrain and water features.

Apple Valley Golf Club

Lake Lure, NC

Oyster Bay

Sunset Beach, NC

Rumbling Bald Resort (Apple Valley)

Lake Lure, NC