North Carolina is one of the most popular golfing states in the US. There are more than 670 golf courses to choose from, and this state offers a very diverse range of designs. It is home to the famed Pinehurst Resort, but there are plenty of North Carolina golf courses to choose from.

You can find a full listing of North Carolina golf courses in our directory, but here are some of the top courses open to the public that you can play:

Pinehurst Resort (Pinehurst, North Carolina)

The Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina golf at its best. The property features nine courses, which are suited for golfers of any level. You are more than likely familiar with the famed No. 2 course, which was designed by Donald Ross originally in 1907. This is one of the top-rated golf resorts in the entire world, and not to be missed by golfers who want to cross courses of their bucket list.

Dormie Club (West End, North Carolina)

If you are headed towards Pinehurst, then you can’t miss the Dormie Club either. This is the only original design by famed architects Coore & Crenshaw in all of North Carolina. Built on 310 acres of secluded nature, this course exemplifies getting away from it all. Dormie Club has been ranked second in Golfweek’s list of North Carolina golf courses, and as high as 43rd in the country by Golf Digest.

Leopard’s Chase Golf Links (Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina)

Leopard’s Chase was quickly recognized as one of the best public golf courses when it opened in 2007. It features an iconic design that incorporates over 220 acres of the pristine North Carolina coastline. This course features 5 sets of tees, which will suit the needs of any level of golfer.  There are plenty of other great courses to play in the Ocean Ridge Plantation area (Tiger’s Eye is another highly-ranked course) as well if you are planning an extended stay.

Duke University Golf Club (Durham, North Carolina)

You might not expect it, but Duke University boasts one of the North Carolina golf courses that the public can play. This collaboration by Robert Trent Jones and Rees Jones has been treating golfers since 1957. Robert Trent Jones Sr famously remarked, “the golf holes were on the ground, just lying there, waiting to be grassed over.” If you are in the Durham area you certainly want to book a tee time here.

Cape Fear National (Leland, North Carolina)

Cape Fear might evoke memories of the Robert De Niro thriller from the early 90s, but it’s actually the setting for one of the most beautiful North Carolina golf courses. Located in the Brunswick Forest, this golf course was crafted by Tim Cate to feature the natural landscape of the area. This is just another example of the breathtaking golf that North Carolina features.