11 Best Golf Courses in Raleigh NC

Raleigh, N.C., is a city that beautifully blends Southern charm with modern sophistication. Known for its thriving arts scene, top-tier universities, and rich history, Raleigh also boasts a robust offering of outdoor activities, particularly for golf enthusiasts. The city's rolling landscapes and mild climate make it an ideal location for golfing year-round.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best golf courses in Raleigh, NC, providing all the details you need to enjoy a fantastic round of golf.

Located on the campus of North Carolina State University, Lonnie Poole Golf Course is a public course designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer. Opened in 2009, this 7,358-yard course features beautiful views of downtown Raleigh and the NC State campus. The course is known for its environmentally sustainable design, incorporating natural features such as native grasses and strategic water hazards. To score well here, strive for accuracy off the tee, which will help you navigate holes fraught with bunkers.

Raleigh Country Club, established in 1948, is a private course designed by Donald Ross, a celebrated course architect. This 7,394-yard course is renowned for its classic layout and meticulously maintained greens. Certain holes demand precise tee shots to avoid water hazards and strategically placed bunkers. This course was renovated in 2020 and ranks among the state’s 20 best courses, according to the North Carolina Golf Panel; members enjoy the challenging course and the beautiful clubhouse and top-notch amenities.

Prestonwood Country Club in nearby Cary offers three 18-hole courses: the Highlands, the Meadows, and the Fairways. Each course, designed by Tom Jackson, provides a unique golfing experience. The Highlands Course is known for its scenic views and Prestonwood’s signature 17th, an island par-3 hole. The championship Meadows Course is considered one of the best local courses and has hosted the SAS Championship on the PGA Tour. Meanwhile, the shorter Fairways Course includes family tees designed to make golf more accessible to youth and beginners.

Pine Hollow Golf Club, located in Clayton, is a semi-private course designed by Maurice Brackett. Opened in 1968, this 6,583-yard course offers a traditional layout with tree-lined fairways and well-placed bunkers. The fifth hole requires a water carry onto a par-3 green, and other holes include doglegs, emphasizing accurate tee shots and strategic short game around the greens.

River Ridge Golf Club is a public course that offers 6,769 yards of golf from the longest tees. Designed by Chuck Smith and opened in 1997, this course features rolling terrain and scenic views of the Neuse River. River Ridge is known for its friendly atmosphere and challenging yet fair layout, making it a favorite among locals and visitors. While public, the course gives members certain privileges, including more accessible tee times.

Located in nearby Wake Forest, Heritage Golf Club is a semi-private course designed by Bob Moore. Measuring 7,016 yards from the black tees, the course is set within the Heritage community and offers a mix of challenging holes and beautiful scenery. The par-5 18th hole is the standout, featuring a narrow fairway lined with trees and a green protected by water. The Heritage Club earned 4.5 stars from Golf Digest in their Best Places to Play. Also offered is a full driving range with target greens, a private teaching tee, a chipping green with a practice bunker, and an 8,000-square-foot putting green.

Wildwood Green Golf Club, a public course, opened in 1986 and was designed by John LaFoy. At 6,473 yards, it offers a challenging yet enjoyable round of golf. The course is known for its well-maintained greens and welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular choice for golfers of all skill levels. Skilled players take aim at the course records (58 from the blue tees, 62 from the white, 62 from the gold, 65 from the green, and 64 from the reds).

Located in Holly Springs, Devils Ridge Golf Club is a private course designed by John LaFoy. The course is relatively long — the shortest hole measures 194 yards from the back tees.

The first handicap hole is the par-4 seventh, a dogleg right; the signature hole is the par-4 seventeenth, with an elevated green backed by a 20-foot drop-off. Members enjoy practice facilities and access to the Juniors Program.

The Neuse Golf Club in Clayton is a semi-private course designed by John LaFoy. Opened in 1993, this 7,011-yard course offers a beautiful layout with rolling terrain and scenic views of the Neuse River. The most difficult hole, the par-4 sixteenth, demands a long, straight tee shot and a precise approach guarded by a false front and bunkers. To score well, focus on precise tee shots and careful navigation of the course's many hazards.

Hedingham Golf Club is a semi-private course designed by David Postlethwait. Opened in 1991, this 6,509-yard course offers a mix of challenging holes and beautiful scenery. You’ll encounter lakes, ponds, sculpted sand traps, emerald greens, and thickly wooded boundaries framing rolling fairways. The course is known for its friendly atmosphere and well-maintained greens, making it a popular choice for golfers of all skill levels.

Located in Fuquay-Varina, Bentwinds Golf & Country Club (nicknamed the Breeze) is a private course designed by Tom Hunter. The front nine comprises two long par-5s, five par-4s, and two challenging par-3s. After refueling at the Bar & Grill, players navigate the slightly shorter back nine, including two risk-reward par-5s. This 6,770-yard course features rolling terrain, mature trees, and several water hazards. Members enjoy the club's excellent facilities and the camaraderie of a close-knit golfing community.

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