The Outer Banks is a renowned destination for beach vacations, fishing, surfing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, boating, birding, hiking and exploring history. But did you know that the Outer Banks is also a top location for golfing?
With nine golf courses in the area – four on the barrier islands from Corolla to Nags Head and five on the nearby Northern Outer Banks Mainland – golf is a big deal here. The mild climate suits play almost all year round, and the beautiful local landscape adds incredible scenery and natural features to the course layouts.
With so many courses to choose from, golfers from novice to experienced can hone their skills on a variety of fairways and greens. Add practice facilities, options for food and drink, pro shops, event spaces, lessons, tournaments and so many local accommodations options, and you’ll see that the Outer Banks makes for the perfect golf getaway.
Photo: Golf with a view of the Roanoke Sound at Nags Head Golf Links.
Golf at the Beaches
The Currituck Club
Designed by the legendary Rees Jones, this semi-private championship 18-hole course stretches across the stunning natural setting of Corolla, with picturesque views of the Currituck Sound. There’s an on-site practice facility equipped with a putting green, a driving range and a bunker as well as experienced staff ready to assist and instruct as needed. In summer there are clinics available for all ages. Pair a round with the breakfast, lunch and drinks menus from the club’s Hunt Club Tavern. 619 Currituck Clubhouse Drive, Corolla.
Duck Woods Country Club
Duck Woods Country Club has spectacular 18-hole championship golf course and practice facilities, which are situated on 300 acres of maritime forest in the heart of Southern Shores. Memberships for residents and nonresidents are offered but not required, and they also offer a full-service pro shop, twilight rates, PGA/LPGA instruction and club fittings plus other golf programs, tournament activities and events. Guests of members may play golf at Duck Woods, either accompanied or unaccompanied (unaccompanied guest rates are slightly higher than accompanied). Visitors may play at tourist rates when tee times are available. 50 S. Dogwood Trail, Southern Shores
Sea Scape Golf Links
Sea Scape is a Scottish links-style golf course among windswept dunes in Kitty Hawk. The course features nicely groomed tees and greens. The on-site restaurant, Sandtrap Tavern, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the pro shop you'll find gear and golf club rentals. Several tournaments are held at Sea Scape each year, and it's open year-round. 300 Eckner Street, just off The Bypass, MP 2.5, Kitty Hawk, seascapegolf.com
Nags Head Golf Links
Play 18 holes on this Scottish links-style course, which features relaxing views of Roanoke Sound. Wind adds a challenge to the course. After golf, relax at the bar, browse through the golf shop and practice your shots at the driving range and putting green. Rentals are available. 5615 W. Seachase Drive, Village of Nags Head, Nags Head
Photo: The natural beauty of the Currituck County landscape at Kilmarlic Golf Club.
Golf on The Northern Outer Banks Mainland
Kilmarlic Golf Club
On more than 600 acres of Powells Point’s maritime forest, this highly rated course is a nature lover’s paradise only 4 miles north of the Wright Memorial Bridge. Kilmarlic’s clubhouse is home to the Black Tartan Taproom. New to the Kilmarlic Golf Club are the Cottages at Kilmarlic, a handful of cottages that are ideally suited for groups, tournaments and packages. 215 West Side Lane, Powells Point
The Pointe Golf Club
The Pointe is a well-equipped 18-hole public course with a driving range, a short game practice area, two chipping greens, a practice bunker and a practice putting green. It is great for folks of any age or expertise who want to polish their skills. Be sure to check out their snack bar. 308 Pointe Club Drive, Powells Point
The Carolina Club
The Carolina Club in Grandy is an 18-hole golf course with five sets of tees to accommodate all skill levels and preferences. For a bite to eat after a great game, head over to ‘Tuckers for some delicious food and drink. 127 Carolina Club Drive, Grandy
Holly Ridge Golf Course and Driving Range
In Harbinger, Holly Ridge boasts 18 holes, a well-stocked pro shop, a lighted driving range with automatic ball machines and a practice putting green. Holly Ridge is family-friendly and happily caters to a wide range of abilities and skill levels. 8818 Caratoke Highway, Harbinger
Eagle Creek Golf Club and Grill
Closer to the Virginia border in Moyock, Eagle Creek is known for its excellent bar and grill and its equally excellent 18-hole links-style course. This is a public course that welcomes golfers no matter their age or skill level. They’re even dog-friendly! Eagle Creek also has an on-site event venue, perfect for corporate events, fundraisers and weddings. 109 Green View Road, Moyock
Photo: Practicing on the Trackman Indoor Hitting Bays at Outer Banks Golf Club
Golf Gear and Instruction
Outer Banks Golf Club
A local golf shop in Nags Head, Outer Banks Golf Club offers gear, club repairs, club fitting and Trackman Indoor Hitting Bays. On the indoor hitting bays you can play more than 300 courses for an hourly rate. 4711 S. Croatan Highway, Nags Head
Turf's Up OBX
Turf’s Up is a fun activity for world-class custom designed HD golf (and other sports) simulation technology to play, practice, compete and even get lessons or take classes from the in-house golf professional. They have more than 91 golf courses to choose from. Golfers can also get lessons from a pro. 3712 N. Croatan Highway, Kitty Hawk
About the Author Molly Harrison
Molly Harrison is managing editor at OneBoat, publisher of OuterBanksThisWeek.com. She moved to Nags Head in 1994 and since then has made her living writing articles and creating publications about the people, places and culture of the Outer Banks.
