Coastal Carolina’s Best Kept Secrets: Golf, Gourmet Dining, and Local Wildlife

by Walt O'Berry

Coastal Carolina’s Best Kept Secrets: Golf, Gourmet Dining, and Local Wildlife

If you are planning a golf getaway to the Crystal Coast of North Carolina, you are in for more than just 18 holes. This region offers a unique blend of championship-level play, coastal luxury, and even some fascinating local residents—of the four-legged variety. Whether you are looking for an affordable weekend round or a high-end country club experience, the North Carolina coast has a course for every style.

1. Beaufort Club: A Top-Ranked Gem with Southern Flavor

Recently voted one of the top 25 public courses in North Carolina, the Beaufort Club (formerly North River Golf Club) features an 18-hole course designed by Bob Moore. It is known for its challenging layout—be prepared for plenty of water hazards—and its premier practice facilities.

The Vibe: Relaxed yet sophisticated, with lush greens and a tranquil atmosphere.
The Amenities: Beyond the golf, members and guests can enjoy walking trails, boat storage, and a private pool.
Dining Highlight: No trip is complete without a stop at the Blue Heron Restaurant & Bar. Specializing in local seafood and Southern cuisine, it offers stunning views of the greens.
Pricing: Public rates for 18 holes are roughly $115 during the peak spring season.

2. Crystal Coast Country Club: Luxury on the Sound

Located on the island of Bogue Banks in Pine Knoll Shores, the Crystal Coast Country Club offers a semi-private experience that is hard to beat. Having undergone major renovations, the course features GPS-equipped carts and premium Celebration Bermuda grass.

The Vibe: Breathtaking. The course runs alongside the sound, offering views of the Intracoastal Waterway that are unparalleled in the area.
The Amenities: This club is a social hub, featuring a fitness center, tennis, and pickleball courts. Their newly renovated pool and splash pad even offer full food and beverage service right to your lounge chair.
Pricing: As a premier destination, peak season public rates (available after 12:00 PM) are $150 for 18 holes.

3. Star Hill Golf Club: 27 Holes and a Private Airstrip

For those who want variety and value, Star Hill Golf Club in Cape Carteret is a standout. It is the only club in the area offering 27 championship holes, ensuring a different experience every time you tee off.

The Vibe: Sporty and accessible. The club is famous for its "always on the course" cart policy, regardless of rain.
The Amenities: Star Hill features a fully stocked pro shop, a pool, and Birdies Restaurant. Most uniquely, it even has its own private airstrip for members who prefer to fly in for their tee time.
Pricing: Star Hill offers some of the most competitive rates in the region at $61 for 18 holes, which includes a golf cart.

A Local Highlight: Look Out for the Fox Squirrels

While you are focusing on your swing, keep an eye on the treeline. North Carolina golf courses are a primary habitat for the fox squirrel, the largest tree squirrel in North America.

These "bushy-tailed residents" are nearly the size of a housecat and are easily identified by their white ears, white noses, and black faces. Because golf courses mimic the open, park-like landscapes of the fox squirrel's native longleaf pine forests, they have become a sanctuary for the species. Seeing one loping across a fairway is often considered the highlight of a coastal golf round.

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Planning Your Trip? Whether you’re aiming for an eagle or just hoping to spot a fox squirrel, the Crystal Coast offers a golfing experience that goes far beyond the scorecard. From the scenic views at Crystal Coast Country Club to the Southern hospitality of the Beaufort Club, your perfect round is waiting.

Walt O'Berry

Real

252-646-7163

walter.oberry5@gmail.com

Coastal Carolina’s Best Kept Secrets: Golf, Gourmet Dining, and Local Wildlife

by Walt O'Berry

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