What are the best golf resorts in North Carolina?

Introduction

In the blog post we’ll take a look at some of the best golf resorts in North Carolina. 

Located on the country’s east coast, North Carolina is immensely popular for a number of reasons. 

Clearly the quality of golf is one thing, with one of the best golf courses in the U.S., Pinehurst No.2, open to the public. As are many more great courses open to the public.

And the village of Pinehurst itself is without doubt, one of the golfing capitals of the world.

Not only is there a decent quantity of courses, but it prides itself on the quality too. And it is in Pinehurst that a good number of the golf resorts on this list are located.

North Carolina also has so much to offer in respect to its varied geography. Dense forests, mountain ranges, thriving cities and hundreds of miles of coastline, it has something for everyone. 

Let’s jump into the best golf resorts in North Carolina.

See also: What are the best public golf courses in North Carolina?

The best golf resorts in North Carolina

Pinehurst Resort, Pinehurst

It just wouldn’t be right to kick off this list without starting with the epic Pinehurst Resort. For over one hundred years this resort has been one of the leading golf destinations in the world, not just the U.S.

Pinehurst as a village is located in the south of the state, nestled between Charlotte in the west and Fayetteville in the east. 

In itself, it is a relatively normal and plain village. Nothing out of the ordinary and certainly nothing that really sets it apart from many other cities and villages in the state.

But today, Pinehurst is home to around forty golf courses which cater to all different abilities of golfers. It is known the world over as one of the ‘places to golf before you die’!

The resort is the largest in the U.S., with at the time of writing ten championship golf courses, a nine-hole course and an immense putting course. 

Each course is named after a number, running in chronological order from when it was built. For example, work on Pinehurst No.1 first started in 1897, with the great Donald Ross adding the finishing touches. 

But Ross’s name will forever be associated with the iconic work he did designing Pinehurst No.2. 

Now a regular venue to host the U.S. Open, it has hosted numerous major championships over the years. Granted, it has benefitted from various renovations over the years. But the core essence of this course has never been lost. If anything, it has been amplified.

The other nine courses have been designed by a who’s who of great designers. Ellis Maples, Gil Hanse, Tom & George Fazio, Rees Jones and Jack Nicklaus amongst others. 

There is genuinely something for everyone. And regardless which course you play, you’ll experience the same quality and conditioning.

There are six choices for your accommodation. These range from upscale and luxury, like The Carolina Hotel, to the informal group focused Villas and Condos. 

Clearly everything here is optimized towards improving the golf experience. But there is still so much to see and enjoy off the course. There are plenty of dining options, both on and offsite. 

Whilst there is a range of amenities and the Spa is sensational. Non-golfers will enjoy themselves as much as the golfers will! 

Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville

Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the outskirts of the city of Asheville, is the luxury Omni Grove Park Inn.

Yet another resort which has been delighting guests for over a century, this is without doubt one of ‘the’ places to visit in western North Carolina. 

The main hotel first opened in 1913 and oozes character. Positioned on a lofty plot atop Sunset Mountain, the hotel exterior is instantly recognisable. 

Naturally, throughout the century further developments were added, exponentially increasing the capacity to house guests. This has ensured the resort has been able to cater for the increase in demand over the years.

Asheville has a reputation for being a culinary destination. And the Omni Grove Park Inn certainly plays its part in upholding that tradition. 

With that in mind, there are some wonderful dining options with both the Blue Ridge restaurant and Sunset Terrace popular options. Expect Southern cuisine enhanced by a farm-to-table approach. 

If you’re looking for something more informal, you’ll no doubt enjoy the recent addition, Edison, Craft Ales + Kitchen.

There is a wonderful spa offering a range of wellness treatments, as well as a sauna, relaxation pool, a lap pool, steam room and more. Add to this the large resort pool, fitness center and ample outdoor activities, you can see why this is so popular.

And lastly, on to the golf with the fantastic Donald Ross designed Grove Park Golf Course, recognised as one of the best golf courses in Asheville. 

Although only 6,400 yards from the back tees, it features tree-lined fairways and a number of elevation changes to keep you focused from hole one to eighteen.

Omni Grove Park Inn is without doubt one of the best golf resorts in the North Carolina mountains.

See also: What are the best golf courses in Asheville, North Carolina?

Grandover Resort & Spa, Wyndham Grand Hotel, Greensboro

A short drive out of the city of Greensboro, is the superb Grandover Resort & Spa.

Recently renovated, this AAA Four Diamond Resort is perfectly located to enjoy the city’s rural outskirts, whilst also being just a fifteen minute drive into downtown. 

It’s fair to say, there are many resorts on this list which have better golf courses, or have more spectacular locations, or even have more for the non-golfer to enjoy. But the Grandover Resort & Spa does many of the small things right. 

It is renowned for its first-class service. The rooms have all been recently renovated and epitomize class. And the hotel is grand and welcoming. There is a reason this is one of the most popular places to stay in the city.

Its AAA award-winning DiValletta Restaurant attracts diners from far and wide. Offering an upscale, yet comfortable dining experience, the setting is sensational, enhanced by floor to ceiling windows.

Two bars, one renowned for its cocktails and the other in more of a pub style will always be busy.

Guests can expect the usual resort amenities including an outdoor pool, fitness center and tennis courts. Whilst the onsite spa offers an extensive menu of messages, facials and other treatments.

For the golfers, there are two championship courses to enjoy, the East & West courses. Both were designed by the highly respected duo of Gary Panks and David Graham. Traditional parkland courses, the East measures a huge 7,250 yards from the back tees. Whilst the West is a more palatable 6,800 yards.

See also: What are the best golf courses in Greensboro, North Carolina?

Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club, Pinehurst

Regarding itself as a sanctuary of excellence, Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club is another of Pinehurst’s most desirable places to stay.

This isn’t big, grand or obnoxious. This is all about superior comfort and an informal, relaxed setting. 

Hidden away amongst the imperious pine trees, the accommodation at Pine Needles consists of 74 guest rooms located in the chalet-style lodges. Even the architecture just oozes a chilled-out ambience. 

Depending on the size of your group and your budget, there is a range of different lodges to choose from. Or if you are a larger group of 8-20 people, you might want to consider one of the premier lodges overlooking the course.

There are two dining options onsite. The Crest Dining Room & Patio, which offers an intimate atmosphere plus outdoor space. Whilst the laid back, In-the Rough Lounge, serves up comfort food and classic American dishes. 

It’s worth knowing that Mid Pines Inn is the sister resort to Pine Needles. As such guests are welcome to meander across the road and enjoy some of the fine dining on offer there too (also on this list further below).

An outdoor pool is there to be enjoyed by guests. But really it all comes down to the golf. And boy what a golf course this is.

Initially a Donald Ross creation, it opened back in 1927. But more recently in 2017, it was painstakingly restored by the impressive Kyle Franz. 

Over the years, it has been littered with praise and is considered one of the best golf courses in North Carolina. It has also been chosen to host the U.S. Women’s Open on numerous occasions. 

This is a resort which is perfect for golf groups.

See also: What are the best golf courses in Pinehurst, North Carolina?

Rumbling Bald Resort on Lake Lure, Lake Lure

With a prime spot in Rutherford County, overlooking the beautiful Lake Lure, is the Rumbling Bald Resort. 

Lake Lure is a magnificent destination, renowned for its natural beauty. Those of a certain era may recognise the lake for the part it played in the Dirty Dancing movie featuring Patrick Swayze. 

But cultural references aside, this is a stunning location, miles and miles from any major cities. The nearest city is Ashville, which is around an hour’s drive away.

The resort climbs up into the hills surrounding this part of the lake, occupying a vast plot of over 3,000 acres. 

And within the site you’ll find a whole range of vacation rentals, 120 to be precise, which cater for all group sizes and budgets. There are studios, condos and mountain homes, all of which offer a slightly different character and finish.

Regardless of whether you’ve traveled here with the family, a large group of golfers, or with the other half, there are copious activities to enjoy. 

Being in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there is no shortage of places to explore outside. Lake visits, mountain trails, discovering stunning waterfalls, a litany of water sports, an adventure club, there really is something for everyone. 

This includes a fitness center, outdoor pools, various racket courts, and a lazy river. And to round things off the Spa & Salon, where you’ll enjoy sumptuous pampering across a range of different massages, facials and various body treatments.

The resort has two dining options which range from quick bites to more refined culinary experiences. Legends on the Lake offers you the casual dining experience with a selection of American classics.

Whilst The Gardens offers a modest choice of seasonal delights. Be it the catch of the day, a choice of salads, or choose one of their epic sandwiches.

And finally the golf, where you can choose from two great fun layouts. Apple Valley, designed by Pinehurst native Dan Maples, and Bald Mountain designed by W.B. Lewis. 

Both courses are heavily wooded and offer magnificent views of the surrounding mountainscape. Expect plenty of elevation changes, meandering creeks, lakes and plenty of strategy. 

Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club

Just over the road from its sister resort Pine Needles, reviewed further up on this list, is yet another discerning golfer’s destination, Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club.

I say discerning, as like Pine Needles, you have one of the finest golf courses in Pinehurst onsite. 

The Mid Pines Golf Course is another Donald Ross masterpiece, which opened in 1921. Ninety-two years later, it was masterfully restored by Kyle Franz, who specializes in old-school course renovations.

This work was so highly appreciated, it was highlighted by GOLF Magazine as being the Best U.S. Resort Renovation and Restoration of the Year. Fair to say, this golf course has never been better to enjoy. 

As for the resort itself, your first impression is the sensational Georgian-style inn, which features some hundred bedrooms. 

Staying within the inn is clearly the optimal way to soak up the Southern hospitality. But if you are looking for a bit more space, consider the course-side villas, perfect for groups of 6-12.

The dining choices are somewhat limited, with only the casual Pop’s Lounge offering boxed lunches or snacks whilst enjoying a drink. 

You can wander over to the Pine Needles resort. Or alternatively, you’re just minutes away from the historic downtown, with its quaint shops and choice of restaurants.

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, Durham

The superb Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, is a mighty impressive retreat, just a ten minute drive out of central Durham. 

Nestled away in a verdant 300 acres, populated with hardwoods and tall pines, the resort is conveniently located right next to the Duke University campus.

The grand building gives the impression of a classic English country manor, with the elegant decor further maintaining this premise. 

There are nearly 300 guest rooms in the resort, including a whole range of different suites. Don’t expect minimalist modern decor, but instead refined and classic elegance. And although the decor harks back to a classical era, the rooms feature all the modern amenities you would expect at any decent hotel. 

When it comes to dining, what the Washington Duke Inn maybe lacks in quantity, it certainly makes up for in quality.

The outstanding AAA Four Diamond Fairview Dining Room is an award-winning and hugely popular choice for foodies from all around the local area. 

However, for something a bit more informal, such as a light lunch or breakfast, these can be enjoyed at the Bull Durham Bar and the Vista Restaurant respectively.

Yes there is a fitness center, as well as a relaxing indoor pool and jacuzzi. But the main activity is enjoying the golf onsite.

The Duke University Golf Club is a sensational championship course designed by the great Robert Trent Jones Senior. It opened for play in 1957 and was tastefully renovated by Ree Jones in 1993.

See also: What are the best golf courses in Raleigh, North Carolina?

Etowah Valley Golf Resort & Lodge, Etowah

Last on our list of best golf resorts in North Carolina, is yet another option hidden away amongst the mighty Blue Ridge Mountains. This is the laid back and friendly Etowah Valley Golf Resort & Lodge.

Outdoors spaces and being at one with nature seems to be a running theme throughout many of the options on this list. And at Etowah Valley Golf Resort, you have that in aplenty.  

Half an hour’s drive south of Asheville, through Mills River and up into Etowah, the resort offers fantastic lodging accommodations. There is the South Lodge, North Lodge offering a combined 63 guest rooms. As well as a number of cottages which are perfect for larger groups.

Zeke’s Greenside Tavern is where all the dining will take place. Offering delightful scenic views, guests can enjoy lunch and dinner here. Whilst this is also where most golfers will settle post-round to enjoy a well-earned cold drink. 

Whether you’re a non golfer, or just want to relax when not playing golf, there is a heated outdoor pool, open during the season. There are also two clay tennis courts if you’re feeling particularly active.

As for the golf course, you’ll have 27 holes to enjoy, all designed by Edmund Ault. The three nine holes are the South, North and West, with each offering a range of tee positions. This enables a variety of different 18-hole combinations. 

With this in mind, all three nines are perfectly approachable for any level of golfer, yet offering enough of a challenge for more seasoned players. There is also a good variety of holes ensuring this continues to be one of the more popular golf resorts in North Carolina’s mountains.

Talamore Golf Resort

Yep, we head off to that place Pinehurst again, this time to the popular Talamore Golf Resort.

Right in the mix of things, the resort is less than a ten minute drive from central Pinehurst and close to Mid Pines and Pine Needles. 

Talamore Resort consists of a selection of 2 and 3 bedroom villas, perfect for groups of buddies or families. Delightfully appointed, these are some of the most luxurious accommodations in the Sandhills area.

The Talamore Golf Villas are where most people stay, accommodating up to 400 golfers. All the sumptuous villas have views over the Reservoir Park and its serene lake. Likewise, you’ll be right next to the Rees Jones designed New Course and a short walk to the newly opened BBQ pavilion area

The Lodges at Mid South take the luxury scale up a notch. These high-end condominiums, designed in the Low-country feel, are dotted around the Mid South clubhouse – no better location. 

There is also the brand new Palmer Cottage, which sleeps 8 people across four bedrooms. Spacious, full of all the modern amenities, with some extra fun thrown in like a pool table, darts board and a “65 TV. 

Rees Jones’ New Course surrounds the Talamore Resort and has been littered with awards and recognition. It initially opened in 1991 but was the recipient of a major overhaul and renovation in 2016. This project, overseen by Jones again, has elevated the course making it one of the finest in the area.

Your dining options when staying at the resort, are mostly dotted around central Pinehurst, where there is a wealth of choice. Cafes, pubs, restaurants, clubhouses, inns, tavernas, fusion cuisine…you name it, you’ve got it.

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