#10 Course: Sequoyah National
City: Cherokee, North Carolina
If we had to describe Sequoyah National with one word, it’s fun. The course is 6600 yards, so while it might not be the longest course in the area, it makes up for it around the greens. It’s almost like a hybrid between a links and parkland course in the sense that there are few trees and fairly open fairways. We like getting the opportunity to get creative around the greens, and you get that opportunity here.
#9 Course: Tidewater
City: North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Tidewater is a course for good ball strikers. The long holes and fast greens can work both ways, either rewarding or punishing risk-takers, so bottom-line, this course can be your best friend on your best days or your worst enemy when you’re not playing particularly well. Either way, the long holes will not look highly on conservative play, so be sure to hit it hard when the opportunity arises.
#8 Course: Bald Head Island Club
City: Bald Head Island, North Carolina
When it comes to courses with natural beauty, Bald Head Island Club is what comes to mind in the Carolinas. Between the natural aesthetics and the animals that call it home, it really makes for an ideal course to play on a relaxing vacation.
#7 Course: Pinehurst #8
City: Pinehurst, North Carolina
Of Pinehurst’s 9 different golf‘>, this is our favorite, so much so that it made this very list. It’s not considered to be one of the most difficult courses, or most demanding, but it has a certain something that just makes it a fun experience, regardless of skill level. Their second course would be our next pick, so we figured we’d give them a special shoutout!
#6 Course: Grove Park Golf
City: Asheville, North Carolina
Unlike the Pinehurst #8, Grove Park is one of the more demanding courses in the area. Between the terrain and awkwardly positioned fairways and greens, there is no break where you can attack many pins, making every hole a grind. The possibilities around the greens alone are something to be considered, so if you’re a decent handicap, give it a shot.
#5 Course: May River Golf Club
City: Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina
May River is a must play, just don’t forget to bring your driver! This 7,200-yard par 72 was designed by none other than Jack Nicklaus and is known for its steep fairways and challenging conditions. There’s a bit of water around some of the greens, so bring your lob wedge too…9
#4 Course: Leopard’s Chase
City: Ocean Isle, North Carolina
Of all the Big Cat courses, this is the most recent. We find the Leopard’s Chase to have more variety as far as the clubs you’re going to be using. There is a fair amount of sand traps, some (but not a ton) of water, some long par 5s and short par 3s, making it the perfect course to test all of your skills
#3 Course: Wild Dunes
City: Isle of Palms, South Carolina
So there are 3 courses in total, and while they’re all fantastic, we’re here to talk about the links course. Designed by Tom Fazio, it’s considered to be one of the top links courses on the east coast. Right off the beach, the course is built for peak relaxation. Go there.
#2 Course: Old North State Club
City: New London, North Carolina
Talk about a beautiful course- Old North made it to number 2 on our list for a reason. The back 9 is especially gorgeous, with greens right off the water. Naturally, you’ll have to be careful with your approach shots, but the aesthetics are second to only one in the area. Seriously, the views are amazing.
#1 Course: Tiger’s Eye
City: Sunset Beach, North Carolina
There’s one more Big Cat course for our list. Are you ready to chase more birdies? This place is insane, it’s designed from a pine forest and is known for its drastic changes in elevation throughout the course. The beauty does come with its set of challenges. You have to really think and make your shots to avoid penalties, though even if you don’t play great, you’ll still have a wonderful time.
