1. The Pearl Golf Links
City: Sunset Beach, NC
Category: Golf
Telephone: (888) 947-3275, (910) 579-8132
Address: 1300 Pearl Blvd. SW
Description: The omnipresent and magnificent Dan Maples strikes again with the Pearl’s two courses. Both the East and West Courses easily qualify as some of the finest in all the nation. Both are ranked among the top courses in the Carolinas and have been nominated Best New Public Courses in America by Golf Digest. The par 72 East Course, encompassing 6,543 yards, is the more traditional of the two. Carved from pristine maritime forest, it boasts a dramatic finishing hole along the Calabash River—a mid-length par 4, uphill off the tee and downhill to the green, with the river and salt marsh on the left.The Pearl’s 6,738-yard, par 72 West Course is links-style; lots of wide-open stretches complemented by thick displays of pampas grass. The 18th hole alone is worth the greens fee; it features a finishing hole—in 1997, it was voted best finishing hole by GOLF Magazine—along bluffs that overlook the blue ribbon of Intracoastal Waterway. Attention to detail and meticulous grooming characterize this course, which has hosted a number of major tournaments.Greens fees vary; no walking.
2. Sandpiper Bay
City: Sunset Beach, NC
Category: Golf
Telephone: (800) 356-5827, (910) 579-9120
Address: 800 Sandpiper Bay Dr.
Description: With some of the best bent-grass greens on the Strand, Sandpiper Bay, a Dan Maples design, has been a locals’ favorite for more than a decade. Players consistently find this 27-hole, 6,020-yard, par 71 course in great shape. With six par 3s and five par 5s, it’s a challenge for players of all skill levels. A magnificent clubhouse, set among wind-whispering pines and glassy lakes, reflects Sandpiper Bay’s commitment to quality and exceptional service.Greens fees start at $61; no walking.
3. Thistle Golf Club
City: Sunset Beach, NC
Category: Golf
Telephone: (800) 571-6710, (910) 575-8700
Address: 8840 Old Georgetown Rd. SW
Description: In a relatively short time, Thistle Golf Club has established itself among the best courses the Strand has to offer. Since opening in 1999, the 27-hole Tim Cates Scottish-links design has been ranked among the Top 100 Fairways in America by Golf For Women magazine. The course also earned four stars from Golf Digest’s “Places to Play.” An engaging layout and complimentary range balls, yardage book, and bag tags make this an enviable golf experience. The 6,997-yard, par 72 course boasts generous fairways, large bent-grass greens, five sets of tees, and 12-minute tee times. Golfers of all abilities will enjoy a day at Thistle. Greens fees start at $95; walking is permitted.