Here are 16 public golf courses to hit the green in the Wilmington area

Cheryl M. Whitaker, Wilmington StarNews
Updated ·3 min read
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Golfing is a good recreational sport, whether you are a beginner, a golf enthusiast or a professional.

During COVID-19 when the sports scene halted to a standstill, one sport the pandemic couldn't stop was golf.

Here are 16 public golf courses in the Wilmington area that offer beautiful scenery, coastal breezes and great play.

Brunswick

Haley Goldberg comes out of the sand on the 15th hole at Magnolia Greens in Leland, N.C. [KEN BLEVINS/STARNEWS]
Haley Goldberg comes out of the sand on the 15th hole at Magnolia Greens in Leland, N.C. [KEN BLEVINS/STARNEWS]

Big Cats Golf Courses of Ocean Ridge Plantation: The four courses of Big Cats feature challenging holes for all levels, beautiful landscapes, elevation changes, diverse fairways and sloping greens. All of the courses have been designed to take advantage of the land’s natural setting, providing a unique personality for each hole. Open 7 a.m.-6 p.m., the courses are located at 351 Ocean Ridge Parkway SW in Ocean Isle Beach. Details: 800-233-1801.

Carolina National Golf Club: The 27-hole Fred Couples Signature Design offers great views of the Lockwood Folly River in Winding River Plantation. Located on 1643 Goley Hewett Road, S.E., Bolivia. Details: 910-755-5200.

Crow Creek Golf Club: Is located at 490 South Crow Creek Drive in Calabash. The 18-hole public golf course was designed by architect Rick Robbins. Details: 910-287-3081.

Lockwood Folly Golf Course: The 18-hole, par 72 Willard Byrd-designed course is located midway between Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and Wilmington. The links-style course winds its way among salt marshes, creeks, forests, and fields. 910-842-5666.

Magnolia Greens Golf Club: Located in the Magnolia Greens Golf Plantation residential community on U.S. 17 in Leland, it offers 27 holes. Recognized as one of the top golf courses in the Southeast, the club has hosted several PGA and USGA qualifying events. Details: The Golf Store, 910-383-0999.

Oyster Bay Golf Links: An 18-hole golf course, part of Legends Resort, is located at 614 Lake Shore Drive, Sunset Beach. It offers serve marsh-oriented holes, two island greens, freshwater lakes, and more. Details: 910-579-3528.

Old Fort Golf Course: This 18-hole regulation course located at 3189 River Road, S.E., Winnabow. Details: 910-371-9940.

Rivers Edge Golf Club: An Arnold Palmer Signature Course, it sits along the bluffs and tidal marshes of the Shallotte River and is located at 2000 Arnold Palmer Drive. Details: 910-755-3434.

New Hanover

In this photo from July 2018, Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo tees off for the first time at the newly reopened Inland Greens Golf Course, which the city purchased and renovated for public use.
In this photo from July 2018, Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo tees off for the first time at the newly reopened Inland Greens Golf Course, which the city purchased and renovated for public use.

Inland Greens Golf Course: Renovated and purchased by the City of Wilmington for public use is a nine-hole par three golf course, and is located at 5945 Inland Greens Drive, Wilmington. Pull carts are available for rental. Green fees: $60 monthly pass for city residents, $75 monthly pass for non-city residents. Hours 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Details: 910-765-7459.

Wilmington Municipal Golf Course: The 18-hole championship golf course run by the city of Wilmington Parks and Recreation is located at 311 Donald Ross Drive. Details: 910-791-0558.

More: StarNewsVarsity All-Area Boys Golf 2023 -- Who led the best players from Wilmington?

More: StarNewsVarsity All-Area Girls Golf 2022 -- Who led the best players from Wilmington?

Pender

Ted Kincaid, left, and Rodger Wyland tee off on the second hole at Olde Point Country Club in Hampstead. [FILE PHOTO/STARNEWS]
Ted Kincaid, left, and Rodger Wyland tee off on the second hole at Olde Point Country Club in Hampstead. [FILE PHOTO/STARNEWS]

Castle Bay Country Club: Offers a challenging Scottish links style 18-hole championship golf course and new champion Bermuda greens, it's located at 107 Links Court in Hampstead. Details: 910-270-1978.

Ironclad Golf Course: An 18-hole golf course, it's located at 2368 Country Club Drive, Hampstead. Rates are $35 during the week and $39 on the weekends.

Olde Point Country Club: At 513 Country Club Drive in Hampstead was built in 1974 and opened in 1975. Designed by Jerry Turner, the rolling terrain, wooded areas, lakes and streams has a scenic and challenging course, which matured into a beautiful 18-hole course with Bermuda fairways and Paspalum greens. Practice facilities are also available.

Collared shirts are required to play. Tank tops, gym shorts or bathing suits are not permitted. Denim slacks or blue jeans may be worn if clean and neat. For hours and rates, call the Pro Shop at 910-270-2403.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Where to play golf in Wilmington, NC