Hedingham Golf Club
Hedingham Golf Club is an 18-hole championship course nestled in the Hedingham Community and along the Neuse River. Designed by David Postlethwait, it features scenic fairways, wooded edges, water hazards, and rolling terrain. While the layout offers solid value and a fun challenge, players frequently report poor tee box conditions, slow pace of play, and minimal course maintenance.
4801 Harbour Towne Drive, Raleigh, NC 27604
Visit WebsiteOcconeechee Golf Club
Occoneechee is definitely one of the more underrated courses in the area. It’s nothing flashy, and it starts off with a short, fairly unremarkable par 4—but it gets better from there. As you work your way through the round, the course reveals some solid design elements like doglegs, tiered greens, and water hazards that keep things interesting. The real highlight is the back 9, which features one of the best layouts in the region. Rates are reasonable, and you can usually grab a same-day tee time without much trouble. Memberships are available, but this is mainly a public course.
1500 Lawrence Road, Hillsborough, NC 27278
Visit WebsiteTwin Lakes
Budget friendly, 9 hole course, that is great for beginners and those looking to get in a quick 9 after work. The conditions could use some improvement, but the layout is good and it’s a great deal for $13. Call for a tee time.
648 Willow Way, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Visit WebsiteThe Crossings Golf Club
The Crossings Golf Club in Durham offers a distinctive golfing experience on one of North Carolina’s rare Ron Garl designed courses. This 18-hole, par-72 layout stretches 6,690 yards and features a memorable island green on the signature 12th hole—one of the most unique designs in the Triangle area. Under new ownership since 2024, the course has seen noticeable improvements. Golfers have praised the upgraded greens, refreshed bunkers with new sand, and well-maintained fairways and tee boxes. There is no driving range, so you’ll need to warm up somewhere else.
4023 Wake Forest Hwy Durham, NC 27703
Visit WebsiteUNC Finley Golf Course
The official home of the University of North Carolina’s men’s and women’s golf teams. In 2023, Finley underwent a major $13.5 million transformation led by Davis Love III. One of the most dramatic changes was the reversal of the front and back nines. The new finishing stretch now ends on what was previously the ninth hole—offering a more memorable and scenic conclusion. While some golfers don’t like opening with a par 3, the overall layout is great and the undulating greens are very challenging. Go early to take advantage of the best practice facilities in the region. Tee times can be reserved on GolfNow.com.
500 Finley Golf Course Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Visit WebsiteThe Preserve at Jordan Lake Golf Club
Semi-private Davis Love III signature course. While there are no views of Jordan Lake, the course is beautiful and hard (145 slope rating from the back tees) with lots of elevation changes and very fast greens. While the layout is praised by most golfers, some are disappointed with the overall condition – especially considering the price. Don’t try and walk The Preserve. Carts are a must!
840 The Preserve Trail, Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Visit WebsiteLonnie Poole Golf Course
Lonnie Poole Golf Course is the home course for the NC State golf teams. Designed by the legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, the course beautifully combines challenging play with stunning natural scenery and skyline views of downtown Raleigh. Getting a non-member tee time isn’t easy so be flexible and book far in advance.
1509 Main Campus Dr, Raleigh, NC 27606
Visit WebsiteKnight’s Play Golf Center
27 hole Par 3 course that you can play during the day or under the lights at night. Hole 7 features an island green. While it’s not 17 at Sawgrass, it’s still a lot of fun. Play 9 or all 27 holes.
2512 Ten Ten Road Apex, NC 27539
Visit WebsiteHillandale Golf Course
A beloved “muni” that is approachable for golfers of all levels. It’s not fancy, but the holes are interesting and the greens are usually very fast. Rates are reasonable with 18 holes costing less than $50. Be prepared to have run and to stay awhile. Pace of play can be an issue durning busier times.
1600 Hillandale Road Durham, NC 27705
Visit WebsiteGolf Club of Chapel Ridge
18-hole championship golf course designed Fred Couples. One of the best deals in the Triangle with good conditions, challenge holes, and reasonable rates. Booking is available online and tee times are usually available same day. Carts are a must as the holes are spread far apart.
1010 Chapel Ridge Dr Pittsboro, NC 27312
Visit WebsiteDuke University Golf Club
Home to the Blue Devils, the Duke University Golf Club is consistently ranked among the top public courses in North Carolina. With a challenging slope rating of 145 from the back tees, it’s a true test for even the most skilled golfers. The course features demanding forced carries, thick rough, and lightning-fast greens. Known for its pristine conditions and thoughtful layout, it has played host to numerous prestigious tournaments. Tee times aren’t cheap, but the conditions and layout justify the cost.
3001 Cameron Blvd. Durham, NC 27705
Visit WebsiteBrevofield Golf Links
Family-owned course that is a great option for beginners. Wide open, relatively short par 4s that are drivable for longer hitters, and large greens. First come, first served. No tee times.
13601 Camp Kanata Rd. Wake Forest, NC. 27587
Visit WebsiteLochmere Golf Club
Lochmere Golf Club is a flat, walkable par-71 course stretching 6,627 yards from the tips. Known for its tight, tree-lined fairways and small, well-bunkered greens, accuracy is key off the tee and on approach shots. Water hazards from nearby Swift Creek come into play throughout, especially on the back nine. While drainage can be an issue after heavy rain, improvements have been made in recent years. The greens are fast, true, and considered some of the best in town. Friendly, attentive staff and well-maintained conditions make it a consistently enjoyable round.
2511 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27511
Visit WebsiteUmstead Pines Golf and Swim Club
George Cobb-designed golf course. Cobb, celebrated for his work at Augusta National, has incorporated similar strategic elements in his designs. Golfers may notice the resemblance between Umstead’s No. 8 and Augusta’s No. 3, particularly in the strategic placement of bunkers. Umstead Pines is considered one of the more underrated courses in the area.
253 Country Club Dr, Durham, NC 27712
Visit WebsiteFalls Village Golf Club
An 18-hole championship course carved through Carolina pines and hardwoods, providing dramatic elevation changes. Recent improvements include new carts and bunkers, but golfers report that the greens and fairways still need work.
115 Falls Village Ln, Durham, NC 27703
Visit WebsiteEagle Ridge Golf Club
Eagle Ridge Golf Club, located just minutes from downtown Raleigh, NC, is considered the gem among the Fred Smith courses. Designed by 1992 U.S. Open Champion Tom Kite, who played an active role in its development, the 6,904-yard, par-71 course winds through rolling, wooded terrain and offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for players of all skill levels. The course features lush fairways, thick rough, and soft, well-maintained bunkers—demanding accuracy off the tee. However, one consistent downside is the slow pace of play, as the course can get crowded during peak times.
565 Competition Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603
Visit WebsiteTobacco Road Golf Club
While technically not in the Triangle, many golfers are willing to make the hour-long drive to experience this “bucket list” course. Carved from an old sand quarry, Tobacco Road Golf Club features natural waste areas, towering dunes, and undulating greens that demand precision.The course is known for its unconventional and quirky layout, which adds to the fun and challenge of the game.
442 Tobacco Rd, Sanford, NC 27332
Visit WebsiteThe Neuse Country Club
The Neuse Country Club features a stunning 7,000-yard course. With 6 sets of tees, it accommodates golfers of any skill level. Nestled next to the Neuse River, the course boasts breathtaking scenery, including rock outcroppings, rolling hills, and picturesque views of stately pines and the lazy river.
918 Birkdale Drive, Clayton, North Carolina, 27527
Visit WebsiteRiver Ridge GC
River Ridge Golf Club is a scenic and thoughtfully designed public course in Raleigh, carved into rolling hills and ravines along the Neuse River. Designed by Chuck Smith, it offers a challenging and rewarding layout with slick greens, blind tee shots, and a wide variety of holes that demand strategic play and full use of your bag. Known for its excellent course conditions, true-rolling greens, and a strong practice facility, River Ridge is a must-play for any Triangle-area golfer.
3224 Auburn-Knightdale Rd, Raleigh, NC 27610
Visit WebsitePine Hollow Golf Club
Par-71 golf course located near Raleigh, North Carolina. While its relatively short, 6,508 yards from the back tees, the layout is great, the fairways are firm, and the greens are fast. The course recently got new golf carts with GPS so you’ll know exactly the club to hit when you try and reach the par 5 17th in two.
3300 E Garner Rd, Clayton, NC 27520
Visit WebsiteWildwood Green Golf Club
Stretching 6,500 yards from the back tees, the par 70 layout is challenging enough for the best players yet still fun for the occasional golfer. There are four sets of tees to choose from so each golfer can play at the length best suited for them. Generous landing areas allow some margin for error from the tee although there is no shortage of trees and traps. The large greens provide tempting targets for your approach shots, but you also need a skillful touch to get the ball in the hole.
3000 Ballybunion Way, Raleigh, NC 27613
Visit WebsiteSouthwick Golf Course
Southwick is an 18 hole public golf course set along the banks of the Haw River. At only 5786 yards, this par 70 course is a great option for beginner players and those looking for a chill round at a good price. Don’t expect anything fancy.
3136 Southwick Dr Graham, NC 27253
Visit WebsiteQuaker Creek Golf Course
Nice course set in the countryside of Mebane. With open fairways, relatively slow greens, and a low price, this course is great for beginners and those looking for a chill round.
2817 Barnett Road Mebane, N.C. 27302
Visit WebsiteMill Creek Golf Club
Payne’s Place! Voted “Most Fun Course to Play in the Triad” by the North Carolina Golf Panel. Known for it’s challenging layout and good conditions, the course stretches 6,992 yards from the longest tees.
1700 St Andrews Dr, Mebane, NC 27302
Visit WebsiteWendell Country Club
Short course, measuring 6147 from the back tees. Fairways are narrow and the greens are small. Course is fun and well maintained.
180 Jake May Drive Wendell, NC 27591
Visit WebsiteRiverwood Golf Club
Riverwood Golf Club is a hidden gem nestled along the scenic Neuse River in Clayton, just a short drive from Raleigh and Cary. What sets Riverwood apart is its unique and flexible layout, featuring three distinct 9-hole courses — Deer Run, Riverview, and Meadowlands — that rotate daily to form an ever-changing 18-hole experience. From tee to green, Riverwood delivers unmatched variety — elevation changes are everywhere, and flat lies are a rare luxury. It’s a true test of golf where every shot demands strategy.
400 Riverwood Drive, Clayton, NC 27527
Visit WebsiteHeritage Golf Club
Just 10 minutes north of Raleigh, Heritage Golf Course is a hidden gem with a spacious, straightforward layout that rewards strategy and course knowledge. It’s walkable with some elevation changes and offers a fun mix of challenge and playability. The standout hole is #18, a 505-yard par-5 with a risk-reward carry over water, offering options for all skill levels.
1250 Heritage Club Avenue Wake Forest, North Carolina 27587
Visit WebsiteRaleigh Golf Association
Raleigh Golf Association (RGA) offers 27 holes, with 18 open to the public and 9 reserved for members, leagues, and tournaments. Known for its walker-friendly layout, RGA provides an affordable and relaxed golf experience. While the course is relatively short and not overly challenging, conditions vary, with fairways and tee boxes generally in decent shape, but greens needing improvement. Book online at GolfNow.com
1527 Tryon Rd, Raleigh, NC 27603
Visit WebsitePaschal Golf Club
Paschal Golf Club, located in historic Wake Forest, NC, is a charming 9-hole course with a rich history—famously played by Arnold Palmer during his time at Wake Forest College. While conditions are fair, Paschal is an excellent spot for beginners and casual golfers looking for a relaxed, low-pressure round.
555 Stadium Dr, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Visit WebsiteKeith Hills Golf Club
Keith Hills Golf Club, home to Campbell University’s Fighting Camels golf teams, offers 27 holes that rotate between three distinct nines: Orange, Black, and White. The Orange and Black courses provide a classic tree-lined challenge, while the White course features a more open, farm-style layout.
216 Country Club Drive Lillington, NC 27546
Visit WebsiteThe Challenge Golf Club
The Challenge Golf Club, located in Graham, NC, lives up to its name with a well-designed and demanding 18-hole layout set on rolling farmland along the Haw River. While there’s no driving range, warm-up facilities include a hitting net and a large putting green. Players praise the course’s fast, well-maintained greens, friendly staff, and enjoyable layout. While limited memberships are available, this is mainly a public course. Book on GolfNow.com.
1179 Challenge Drive, Graham, NC 27253
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