Discover the charm and challenge of golfing in the Outer Banks, a picturesque strip of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina.

This guide introduces you to the premier golf courses in the area and provides insights into visiting the Outer Banks in different seasons for golfing. Plus, we'll share a few local breweries and beer stores to enhance your trip.

The Carolina Club

Nestled in the heart of Grandy, NC, The Carolina Club is a semi-private golfing gem known for its impeccable championship layout and welcoming atmosphere. This course, stretching over 7,000 yards, offers golfers a blend of challenge and beauty with its lush fairways and smooth, fast greens. It's a place where both serious and casual golfers can appreciate the intricacies of a well-thought-out course while enjoying the serene backdrop of North Carolina's natural beauty.

  • Location: Grandy, NC

  • Type: Semi-private

  • Key Features:

    • Par 72 course stretching over 7,000 yards

    • Championship layout with lush fairways and smooth greens

    • Practice facilities including a driving range and putting green

    • Clubhouse with a pro shop and grill room

Kilmarlic Golf Club

Kilmarlic Golf Club in Powells Point, NC, stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of natural beauty and golfing challenge. Designed by the acclaimed Tom Steele, this public course is set amidst the Carolina wetlands, offering not just a round of golf but an immersive natural experience. The careful integration of water features and the native landscape with the course’s design provides a tranquil yet challenging game for golfers of all levels.

  • Location: Powells Point, NC

  • Type: Public

  • Key Features:

    • Par 72 Tom Steele design that offers a challenging yet fair golf experience

    • Natural wetlands and water features integrated into the course

    • Conditioning and playability are consistently top-rated

    • Clubhouse amenities include a pro shop and Black Tartan Tap Room

The Currituck Club

Perched on the northern edge of the Outer Banks in Corolla, NC, The Currituck Club offers an unparalleled golfing experience, with its Rees Jones-designed course that artfully combines the challenge of a championship golf course with the stunning beauty of the Currituck Sound. This semi-private course is celebrated for its breathtaking views, manicured greens, and a layout that tests golfers while rewarding strategic play. It's a place where each hole tells a story, and the beauty of the Outer Banks is your constant companion.

  • Location: Corolla, NC

  • Type: Semi-private

  • Key Features:

    • Rees Jones-designed course with Par 72, offering a challenging layout

    • Breathtaking views of the Currituck Sound

    • Bentgrass greens providing smooth and fast surfaces

    • Comprehensive practice facilities and a fully stocked golf shop

Duck Woods Country Club

Tucked away in Southern Shores, NC, Duck Woods Country Club is a private haven where tradition and tranquility reign supreme. This Ellis Maples-designed course is a journey through dense maritime forests and serene landscapes, offering a golfing experience that is as peaceful as it is prestigious. Members are treated to a course that balances natural beauty with a thoughtful design, ensuring a rewarding round for golfers of all abilities.

  • Location: Southern Shores, NC

  • Type: Private

  • Key Features:

    • Par 71 course set in a serene woodland setting

    • Ellis Maples design offering a classic golfing experience

    • Well-groomed fairways and greens that cater to all skill levels

    • Private club amenities including dining, tennis, and pool

Capturing the wild spirit of the Outer Banks, Nags Head Golf Links in Nags Head, NC, offers a golfing experience that mirrors the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. This semi-private, links-style course is a testament to golf’s enduring tradition, with wind-swept dunes and ocean vistas that challenge golfers to play with precision and strategy. It's a place where each shot is framed by the natural beauty of the coast, making for an unforgettable round every time.

  • Location: Nags Head, NC

  • Type: Semi-private

  • Key Features:

    • Scottish links-style course with Par 71, featuring ocean views

    • Challenging holes with natural coastal elements

    • Well-maintained greens and fairways with rolling dunes

    • Clubhouse offering dining with panoramic views

Sea Scape Golf Links in Kitty Hawk, NC, presents golfers with a unique blend of coastal beauty and challenging golf. Designed by Art Wall, this public course offers stunning views of the Atlantic, making it a visually spectacular place to play. The varied terrain of hills, dunes, and water hazards provides a dynamic golfing experience that tests your skills while offering moments of serene beauty amidst the ocean breeze.

  • Location: Kitty Hawk, NC

  • Type: Public

  • Key Features:

    • Par 70 course designed by Art Wall, offering stunning ocean views

    • Bar and grill for dining and events

    • Varied terrain includes hills, dunes, and water hazards

    • Pro shop with a selection of gear and apparel

The Pointe Golf Club

The Pointe Golf Club, located in Powells Point, NC, is renowned for its friendly, player-oriented approach to the game of golf. This public course boasts a layout that is as inviting as it is challenging, with A-1 bentgrass greens that are among the best in the region. The Pointe is a place where the beauty of North Carolina’s landscapes meets the joy of golf, creating a welcoming environment for golfers to improve their game or simply enjoy a day out on the links.

  • Location: Powells Point, NC

  • Type: Public

  • Key Features:

    • Par 71 course known for its player-friendly layout

    • A-1 bentgrass greens known for their speed and smoothness

    • Extensive practice facilities including a redesigned range and chipping greens

    • Full-service bar and grill and a fully stocked pro shop​​.

Visiting the Outer Banks for Golfing

The Outer Banks presents a unique golfing experience throughout the year, with each season offering a different backdrop and conditions:

  • Spring & Fall: These seasons are ideal for golfing, providing comfortable temperatures and less crowded courses.

  • Summer: While it's the busiest season, early morning or late afternoon tee times can help you avoid the peak heat.

  • Winter: Mild compared to inland North Carolina, the Outer Banks can offer some pleasantly cool days suitable for golfing, though wind can be a factor.

Local Breweries and Beer Stores

After a day on the greens, nothing beats a local brew. The Outer Banks has a growing craft beer scene with several breweries and beer stores:

  • Outer Banks Brewing Station: Known as the first wind-powered brewery in America, offering a variety of craft beers and a lively atmosphere.

  • Weeping Radish Farm Brewery: As North Carolina's oldest microbrewery, it presents a range of beers brewed in accordance with the Reinheitsgebot purity law.

  • Trio Wine, Beer, and Cheese: Not only does Trio offer an extensive selection of wines and cheeses, but it also features a wide variety of craft beers from around the world.

Beyond Golf: Local Breweries and Beer Stores

After a day on the links, exploring the local craft beer scene is a must. The OBX is home to several breweries and beer stores, offering a range of styles from traditional ales to innovative craft brews. Notable spots include the Outer Banks Brewing Station, known for being the first wind-powered brewery in the U.S., and Weeping Radish Farm Brewery, North Carolina's oldest microbrewery. For a wide selection of craft beers and imports, Trio Wine, Beer, and Cheese in Kitty Hawk is a popular choice among locals and visitors alike.

Golfing in the Outer Banks offers more than just a game; it's an experience that combines the beauty of coastal North Carolina with the passion of the sport. Whether you're challenging yourself on the windswept fairways or relaxing at a local brewery, the OBX provides an unforgettable backdrop for both.