1. The Carolina Club
City: Grandy, NC
Category: Golf
Telephone: (252) 453-3588
Address: US 158
Description: More and more Outer Banks golfers are discovering the courses on the Currituck mainland, and the Carolina Club, designed by Russell Breeden, is one of the nicest of the bunch. Located in Grandy, the course is just 13.5 miles past the Wright Memorial Bridge, about a 20-minute drive from Kitty Hawk. The 7,000-yard, par 72 course has, according to the southeastern director of the US Golf Association (USGA), “among the finest putting surfaces in the eastern US.” Indeed, the Carolina Club management prides itself on its high level of course conditioning, slick bent-grass greens, and plush Tifway Bermuda fairways. Five sets of tees allow you to match your game to an appropriate level of challenge. On this course you will encounter wetlands, woodlands, water, and bunkers galore. Hole 7, a par 3, has an island green that will challenge your club-selection skills. The par 5 hole 18 offers the ultimate in risk versus reward. Water and wind direction factor in on this hole, where the tee shot must be right on the mark. There’s a snack bar on the premises, plus a pro shop. Rental clubs and carts are available. Individual and group lessons are offered. Greens fees, including cart, are a good value, ranging from $99 in June to $35 in January, but they change monthly so call for accurate prices. Youth rates are available. Tee times are booked up to three months in advance. The course is open all year.
2. Goose Creek Golf And Country Club
City: Grandy, NC
Category: Golf
Telephone: (252) 453-4008, (800) 443-4008
Address: US 158
Description: Goose Creek, a 5,943-yard par 72 public course on the mainland, offers an easygoing track complete with a hospitable atmosphere and some of the most affordable greens fees in the area. The greens and fairways on this flat course are blanketed with Bermuda grass. Greens are relatively small. Trees line the course, with tighter fairways on the first nine but more undulating and open terrain on the back. Designed by Jerry Turner and built by Jernigan Enterprises, Goose Creek is a player-friendly golf course. Goose Creek has a Class A PGA golf professional on staff. Water comes into play on five holes. Hole 13 is considered the signature. The hole plays differently according to the wind (it’s generally to your back during the summer and in your face in fall and winter). The clubhouse is a former hunting lodge that the owners converted into private locker rooms. Take some time to relax in the pine-paneled lounge for a cool drink. The clubhouse menu includes all sorts of sandwiches, plus everything from buffalo wings to crab cakes. A driving range and practice green are available. Walking is allowed for members only. This is a great course for the entire family, and children are both welcome and encouraged; however, it’s recommended that young golfers check in after noon.