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Outer Banks Golf Courses: Top OBX Links & Where to Play

Outer Banks Golf Courses: Top OBX Links & Where to Play

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 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. The course stretches over 7,000 yards and offers golfers a blend of challenge and beauty with its lush fairways and smooth, fast greens.

  • Location: Grandy, NC

  • Type: Semi-private

  • Key features: Par 72 course over 7,000 yards; championship layout with lush fairways and smooth greens; driving range and putting green; clubhouse with 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.

  • Location: Powells Point, NC

  • Type: Public

  • Key features: Par 72 Tom Steele design; natural wetlands and water features integrated into the course; consistently top-rated conditioning; 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 combines a championship layout with the stunning beauty of the Currituck Sound.

  • Location: Corolla, NC

  • Type: Semi-private

  • Key features: Rees Jones-designed Par 72 course; breathtaking views of the Currituck Sound; bentgrass greens; comprehensive practice facilities and 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. This Ellis Maples-designed course winds through dense maritime forests, offering a golfing experience that is as peaceful as it is prestigious.

  • Location: Southern Shores, NC

  • Type: Private

  • Key features: Par 71 course in a serene woodland setting; Ellis Maples design; well-groomed fairways and greens for all skill levels; private club amenities including dining, tennis, and pool.

Nags Head Golf Links

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 features wind-swept dunes and ocean vistas that challenge golfers to play with precision and strategy.

  • Location: Nags Head, NC

  • Type: Semi-private

  • Key features: Scottish links-style Par 71 course with ocean views; challenging holes with natural coastal elements; rolling dunes; clubhouse dining with panoramic views.

Sea Scape Golf Links

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 and a varied terrain of hills, dunes, and water hazards.

  • Location: Kitty Hawk, NC

  • Type: Public

  • Key features: Par 70 Art Wall design with ocean views; bar and grill for dining and events; varied terrain of hills, dunes, and water hazards; pro shop with 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. This public course boasts an inviting yet challenging layout with A-1 bentgrass greens that are among the best in the region.

  • Location: Powells Point, NC

  • Type: Public

  • Key features: Par 71 player-friendly layout; A-1 bentgrass greens known for speed and smoothness; extensive practice facilities including a redesigned range and chipping greens; full-service bar and grill and 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: Ideal — comfortable temperatures and less-crowded courses.

  • Summer: The busiest season; early-morning or late-afternoon tee times help you avoid peak heat.

  • Winter: Mild compared to inland North Carolina; expect some pleasantly cool days, 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: The first wind-powered brewery in America, offering a variety of craft beers and a lively atmosphere.

  • Weeping Radish Farm Brewery: North Carolina's oldest microbrewery, brewing in accordance with the Reinheitsgebot purity law.

  • Trio Wine, Beer, and Cheese (Kitty Hawk): A wide selection of craft beers from around the world alongside wine and cheese.

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.