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North Carolina golf

Best golf courses in North Carolina.

Ranked by LooperScore, BogeyMap's own algorithm. 225 of the 225 courses we publish in North Carolina are playable without a member invite.

BogeyMap publishes 225 golf courses in North Carolina, of which 225 are playable without a member invite (public, resort, municipal, or semi-private). Pinehurst No. 2 in Pinehurst currently leads the state with a LooperScore of 99.0. The cities with the most courses are Pinehurst, Sanford, Charlotte.

225

Courses published

182

Public

21

Resort

22

Semi-private

Top-rated courses in North Carolina

Approach up the closing fairway toward the clubhouse and sandy waste bunkers at Pinehurst No. 2 in Pinehurst, North Carolina
Resort18 holes

Pinehurst No. 2

Pinehurst, NC

The most famous course in America

99.0 LooperScore
Pure greens
Resort18 holes

Pinehurst No. 10

Aberdeen, NC

Tom Doak's newest Sandhills masterpiece

95.5 LooperScore
Pure greens
Narrow fairway framed by sandy bunkers and wiregrass-topped dunes at Tobacco Road Golf Club
Public18 holes

Tobacco Road Golf Club

Sanford, NC

94.6 LooperScore
Pure greens
Resort18 holes

Pinehurst No. 4

Pinehurst, NC

A modern Hanse masterpiece at Pinehurst

91.0 LooperScore
Pure greens
Pine Needles fairway framed by longleaf pines and wiregrass under a blue sky
Resort18 holes

Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club

Southern Pines, NC

Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club in Southern Pines, NC, a Donald Ross masterpiece, is celebrated for its championship pedigree and natural beauty. This resort course has hosted multiple U.S. Women's Opens, showcasing its challenging yet fair design. This course provides a rewarding challenge for golfers of all abilities, set against a picturesque backdrop that enhances every round.

90.3 LooperScore
Resort18 holes

Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club

Southern Pines, NC

A classic Donald Ross design at the historic Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club in Southern Pines, NC, this course embodies the golden age of golf architecture. Its strategic bunkering and subtle greens demand thoughtful play, offering a timeless and revered golf experience.

88.5 LooperScore
Golfer teeing off across a pond toward a pine-framed fairway at Pinehurst No. 8 in Pinehurst, North Carolina
Resort18 holes

Pinehurst Resort No. 8

Pinehurst, NC

Tom Fazio's design at Pinehurst Resort, opened in 1996. Considered one of the best courses at the legendary Pinehurst complex, featuring dramatic elevation changes and classic Sandhills character.

83.9 LooperScore
Public18 holes

Sequoyah National Golf Club

Whittier, NC

Perched amidst the breathtaking peaks of the Great Smoky Mountains, Sequoyah National Golf Club offers an unforgettable golfing experience defined by its dramatic elevation changes and panoramic vistas. Designed by the renowned Robert Trent Jones II, the course masterfully integrates with the natural topography, presenting a challenging yet rewarding journey through lush fairways and pristine conditions. Jones II’s philosophy shines through in the strategic bunkering and thoughtful green complexes, demanding precision and course management. The par-3 4th, famously known as “the cave” hole, stands out as a signature challenge, requiring a precise shot over a natural rock formation. Another memorable stretch includes the downhill par-5 14th, offering stunning long-range views. The overall playing experience is both picturesque and demanding, with slopes that can send even well-struck shots astray, ensuring a true test of skill. Owned by the Eastern Band of the Cherokee, this public-access gem is consistently praised for its excellent conditioning and friendly staff. Sequoyah National is ideally suited for destination golfers seeking a unique mountain golf adventure and locals looking for a consistently engaging round.

83.9 LooperScore
Public18 holes

Lonnie Poole Golf Course

Raleigh, NC

83.8 LooperScore
Resort18 holes

Pinehurst No. 7

Pinehurst, NC

Pinehurst No. 7 was designed by Rees Jones and is known for its dramatic elevation changes and bold bunkering. Considered one of the more challenging courses at the resort, it rewards precise ball-striking and course management. Access is semi-private through the Pinehurst Resort.

83.0 LooperScore
Resort18 holes

Pinehurst No. 6

Pinehurst, NC

Pinehurst No. 6 is a Tom Fazio and Rees Jones collaboration, offering a more open and links-influenced layout compared to the tree-lined courses at the resort. Set on rolling terrain with panoramic views, it provides a different but equally enjoyable Pinehurst experience. Access is semi-private through the Pinehurst Resort.

82.0 LooperScore
Public18 holes

The Cardinal by Pete Dye (Cardinal Course)

Greensboro, NC

Pete Dye's Cardinal Course — one of the Triad's premier public layouts

82.0 LooperScore
Public18 holes

Southern Pines Golf Club

Southern Pines, NC

Donald Ross classic in the Sandhills — one of the region's oldest courses

82.0 LooperScore
Resort18 holes

Omni Grove Park Inn Golf Course

Asheville, NC

82.0 LooperScore
Public18 holes

Finley Golf Course

Chapel Hill, NC

80.6 LooperScore
Public18 holes

Cape Fear National at Brunswick Forest

Leland, NC

80.3 LooperScore
Public18 holes

Bryan Park Golf Club - Champions Course

Browns Summit, NC

80.3 LooperScore
Resort18 holes

Pinehurst No. 9

Pinehurst, NC

Pinehurst No. 9 is a Donald Ross design that plays as a par-3 course — a delightful short game challenge set among the longleaf pines. It's a great way to experience the Ross touch and the Pinehurst setting without the full commitment of an 18-hole round. Accessible to resort guests.

80.0 LooperScore
Public18 holes

The Pit Golf Links

Pinehurst, NC

78.0 LooperScore
Public18 holes

Wilmington Municipal Golf Course

Wilmington, NC

77.4 LooperScore
Hidden gem
Public18 holes

Asheville Municipal Golf Course

Asheville, NC

77.0 LooperScore
Hidden gem
Resort18 holes

Grandover Resort (East)

Greensboro, NC

76.5 LooperScore
Resort18 holes

Grandover Resort (West)

Greensboro, NC

76.5 LooperScore
Resort18 holes

Pinehurst Resort No. 3

Pinehurst, NC

Classic Donald Ross at Pinehurst — walk-on welcome

76.0 LooperScore

Golf by city in North Carolina

Architects behind North Carolina's best golf

Common questions about North Carolina golf

How many golf courses can you play in North Carolina?
BogeyMap publishes 225 courses in North Carolina. 225 of them are public, resort, municipal, or semi-private, meaning a visiting golfer can usually book a tee time directly with the course.
What is the best public course in North Carolina?
Tobacco Road Golf Club in Sanford holds the highest LooperScore among public courses we publish in North Carolina (94.6).
How does BogeyMap rank North Carolina courses?
Every list is generated by LooperScore, BogeyMap's own 0-100 composite of course quality signals, verified golfer ratings, and editorial review. We never republish another publication's rankings, and a course only shows a score once the underlying evidence exists. See how the rankings work.
Can BogeyMap get me on a private club in North Carolina?
No. BogeyMap doesn't sell tee times and never guarantees access. For clubs that allow limited outside play, Looper Pro members can read researched Access Intel describing how that access generally works — the club is always the final authority.