Favorite courses to play in the Raleigh area.

Krosch3 · February 9, 2019

I play a lot around the Raliegh area and I have played pretty much all the public courses there are to play. I have only played a few private ones and know there are some great ones out there. I talk with my golfing friends around the area about their favorite courses to play and we all give varied answers. Below are some of my favorites, and least favorites for a variety of reasons. Chip in and share some of your favorties.

Favorite Courses:

Lonnie Poole: Awesome course with usually good conditions. Great views of the Raleigh Skyline and just a fun course to play. By far my favorite of the University courses.

Chapel Ridge: Super fair course and I go there when I want to score well. I think they used the large amount of land they have well. Some rolling hills and great holes. It sets up well for most players so it is fun to play with all levels of golfers.

The Neuse: A bit of a trek from Durham/Chapel Hill area but with great rates it really is a fun track. They generally have great greens as well. There are some other good courses out in clayton area like eagle ridge and Pine hollow.

The Challenge: For some reason I really like the set up here. I think it is a nice course with some fun holes. Its not too bad of a drive from the Durham area.

UNC Finley: If you get a good rate then Finley is fine. It is nicely laid out and in generally good conditions. Also being that it is 5 minutes from where I live it is nice. However, I find it to be somewhat vanilla. There is nothing that really sticks out as memorable. It is a fine course for the right price, but not worth the Weekend rack rates in my opinion. If you get a rate at $35 or under than it is worth it.

Least Favorite Courses:

Lochmere: Small footprint surrounded by residential. The course is always packed, think 5+ hour rounds. They seem to be in a flood plain or something as it is always wet or looks like a stream ran through the course and dried out.

The preserve: While I do continue to go back due to proximity to my house and the great rates, it has to be the most punishing course in the area. Side hill lies, lose balls in leaves often, bunkers can be rough at times, lots of tree/woods in play. Greens undulate and make for a tough day putting.

Crossings and Falls Village: To be fair, the back nine is not all bad at crossings. But the conditions of the greens generally are rough. It is not the worst in my mind but far from memorable. I would rather go down the street to Falls village and at least take in some good scenery as Falls has barely and houses around. I just wish they would take care of the course better. The conditions are usually pretty poor but I love the setup at Falls. Its also dirt cheap.

If you have played in the area or live and play in the area let me know your favorites and least favorites.

ewe8523 · February 9, 2019

I live right by Wildwood and am a member there so I am partial to it being one of my favorites.

Other than that, I like Lonnie Poole - it’s fun and a good change of pace from most courses in the area. I also like Finley but agree with it being Vanilla.

I’m not really a fan of any of the other public courses. For private courses, I have access to Chapel Hill Country Club and North Ridge Country Club so I like to play both of those.

caniac6 · February 9, 2019

I worked at Raleigh Country Club in the early 90s. One of my favorite courses anywhere.

UNClawgolfer · February 25, 2019

Out of the public courses the best, hands down, are the three university courses. UNC>Duke>NCSU

PeteNC · February 27, 2019

I play a lot around the Raliegh area and I have played pretty much all the public courses there are to play. I have only played a few private ones and know there are some great ones out there. I talk with my golfing friends around the area about their favorite courses to play and we all give varied answers. Below are some of my favorites, and least favorites for a variety of reasons. Chip in and share some of your favorties.

Favorite Courses:
Lonnie Poole: Awesome course with usually good conditions. Great views of the Raleigh Skyline and just a fun course to play. By far my favorite of the University courses.
Chapel Ridge: Super fair course and I go there when I want to score well. I think they used the large amount of land they have well. Some rolling hills and great holes. It sets up well for most players so it is fun to play with all levels of golfers.
The Neuse: A bit of a trek from Durham/Chapel Hill area but with great rates it really is a fun track. They generally have great greens as well. There are some other good courses out in clayton area like eagle ridge and Pine hollow.
The Challenge: For some reason I really like the set up here. I think it is a nice course with some fun holes. Its not too bad of a drive from the Durham area.
UNC Finley: If you get a good rate then Finley is fine. It is nicely laid out and in generally good conditions. Also being that it is 5 minutes from where I live it is nice. However, I find it to be somewhat vanilla. There is nothing that really sticks out as memorable. It is a fine course for the right price, but not worth the Weekend rack rates in my opinion. If you get a rate at $35 or under than it is worth it.

Least Favorite Courses:
Lochmere: Small footprint surrounded by residential. The course is always packed, think 5+ hour rounds. They seem to be in a flood plain or something as it is always wet or looks like a stream ran through the course and dried out.
The preserve: While I do continue to go back due to proximity to my house and the great rates, it has to be the most punishing course in the area. Side hill lies, lose balls in leaves often, bunkers can be rough at times, lots of tree/woods in play. Greens undulate and make for a tough day putting.
Crossings and Falls Village: To be fair, the back nine is not all bad at crossings. But the conditions of the greens generally are rough. It is not the worst in my mind but far from memorable. I would rather go down the street to Falls village and at least take in some good scenery as Falls has barely and houses around. I just wish they would take care of the course better. The conditions are usually pretty poor but I love the setup at Falls. Its also dirt cheap.

If you have played in the area or live and play in the area let me know your favorites and least favorites.

U left out Mill Creek(since you added the challenge) - That's a great track!

I thought the preserve is pretty good and not that hard...since you're talking about leaves it could've just been the time you played it.

sub150 · February 27, 2019

Out of the public courses the best, hands down, are the three university courses. UNC>Duke>NCSU

Everything I have read suggests Duke to the "better" course. First I have seen someone favoring UNC over and your name may have a slight bias haha.

Anyways, why do you like Finley better than Duke? I'm likely moving to the area in the summer and after exploring the options I'm probably going to join one of the two.

I'm sort of a golf hipster into GCA stuff (width, angles, limited rough around greens, plays firm). I think both are very walkable.

BMC · February 28, 2019

I'm a Raleigh local. My favorite course thoughts aren't based on just the course, but the vibe, food, and service plays a part.

In order, I enjoy:

UNC Finley - (good course, solid food)

Pine Hollow - fun, friendly, well conditioned country golf course.

The Neuse - solid course, low green fees

Chapel Ridge - enjoyable layout

Lonnie Poole - difficult course. I play there when I want to be punished. Lousy food, when available.

River Ridge - cheaper green fees, unlimited range ball included. Solid course.

Privates

I work at Prestonwood CC - great conditioned courses (54 holes)

Hope Valley - classic old Donald Ross course. Love the old school atmosphere.

Mcgregor Downs - love the design.

I've played about every course in the area, we're very lucky to have a good selection.

Hakko · March 10, 2019

Out of the public courses the best, hands down, are the three university courses. UNC>Duke>NCSU

Everything I have read suggests Duke to the "better" course. First I have seen someone favoring UNC over and your name may have a slight bias haha.

Anyways, why do you like Finley better than Duke? I'm likely moving to the area in the summer and after exploring the options I'm probably going to join one of the two.

I'm sort of a golf hipster into GCA stuff (width, angles, limited rough around greens, plays firm). I think both are very walkable.

They’re both good layouts, although I think Duke is consistently better, but until UNC converts their greens there is no way to say that Finley is the better course. Bent grass does not hold up well here, especially on a course that sees as much play as Finley. Also, I’ve had far more 5+ hour rounds at Finley than at Duke. I rate both of them ahead of Lonnnie, which is a challenging layout but has had lamentable conditions more often than not in my experience (although I haven’t played it in a while). Lonnie does have the best views of any of the local courses when you get to the highest elevation and can see central Raleigh..

thedanimal58 · March 11, 2019

Heritage is a good track also up in Wake Forest. I have been playing a lot at brevofield, its cheap $38 on Saturday Morning no tee times and BYOB, the greens are in fantastic shape right now.

AppAlum · March 16, 2019

Out of the public courses the best, hands down, are the three university courses. UNC>Duke>NCSU

Everything I have read suggests Duke to the "better" course. First I have seen someone favoring UNC over and your name may have a slight bias haha.

Anyways, why do you like Finley better than Duke? I'm likely moving to the area in the summer and after exploring the options I'm probably going to join one of the two.

I'm sort of a golf hipster into GCA stuff (width, angles, limited rough around greens, plays firm). I think both are very walkable.

They’re both good layouts, although I think Duke is consistently better, but until UNC converts their greens there is no way to say that Finley is the better course. Bent grass does not hold up well here, especially on a course that sees as much play as Finley. Also, I’ve had far more 5+ hour rounds at Finley than at Duke. I rate both of them ahead of Lonnnie, which is a challenging layout but has had lamentable conditions more often than not in my experience (although I haven’t played it in a while). Lonnie does have the best views of any of the local courses when you get to the highest elevation and can see central Raleigh..

Seems odd that LP struggles with conditions. NCSU is known for their Agronomy program and produces many of the southeast’s best superintendents.

ewe8523 · March 16, 2019

Out of the public courses the best, hands down, are the three university courses. UNC>Duke>NCSU

Everything I have read suggests Duke to the "better" course. First I have seen someone favoring UNC over and your name may have a slight bias haha.

Anyways, why do you like Finley better than Duke? I'm likely moving to the area in the summer and after exploring the options I'm probably going to join one of the two.

I'm sort of a golf hipster into GCA stuff (width, angles, limited rough around greens, plays firm). I think both are very walkable.

They’re both good layouts, although I think Duke is consistently better, but until UNC converts their greens there is no way to say that Finley is the better course. Bent grass does not hold up well here, especially on a course that sees as much play as Finley. Also, I’ve had far more 5+ hour rounds at Finley than at Duke. I rate both of them ahead of Lonnnie, which is a challenging layout but has had lamentable conditions more often than not in my experience (although I haven’t played it in a while). Lonnie does have the best views of any of the local courses when you get to the highest elevation and can see central Raleigh..

Seems odd that LP struggles with conditions. NCSU is known for their Agronomy program and produces many of the southeast’s best superintendents.

I’m playing there next Saturday so I can report back. I haven’t been there in a year mostly due to the conditions not justifying the price. The last time I was there the greens were in horrible shape and some of the tee boxes were bare dirt. Prior to that it had always been in good shape. The driving range is fantastic.

sub150 · March 16, 2019

Now I'm officially moving to the area in June. Pumped to be close to Pinehurst and still have good golf locally year round.

ewe8523 · March 24, 2019

> @ewe8523 said:

> AppAlum wrote:

>

> Hakko wrote:

>

> sub150 wrote:

>

> UNClawgolfer wrote:

>

> Out of the public courses the best, hands down, are the three university courses. UNC>Duke>NCSU

>

> Everything I have read suggests Duke to the "better" course. First I have seen someone favoring UNC over and your name may have a slight bias haha.

>

> Anyways, why do you like Finley better than Duke? I'm likely moving to the area in the summer and after exploring the options I'm probably going to join one of the two.

>

> I'm sort of a golf hipster into GCA stuff (width, angles, limited rough around greens, plays firm). I think both are very walkable.

>

> They’re both good layouts, although I think Duke is consistently better, but until UNC converts their greens there is no way to say that Finley is the better course. Bent grass does not hold up well here, especially on a course that sees as much play as Finley. Also, I’ve had far more 5+ hour rounds at Finley than at Duke. I rate both of them ahead of Lonnnie, which is a challenging layout but has had lamentable conditions more often than not in my experience (although I haven’t played it in a while). Lonnie does have the best views of any of the local courses when you get to the highest elevation and can see central Raleigh..

>

> Seems odd that LP struggles with conditions. NCSU is known for their Agronomy program and produces many of the southeast’s best superintendents.

>

> I’m playing there next Saturday so I can report back. I haven’t been there in a year mostly due to the conditions not justifying the price. The last time I was there the greens were in horrible shape and some of the tee boxes were bare dirt. Prior to that it had always been in good shape. The driving range is fantastic.

Here’s an update on Lonnie Poole from today. The course was packed. I called last Saturday to book at 8 AM and the earliest tee time they had available for this Saturday was 2:30 PM. Apparently it’s packed like this on the weekends every week now. Waited 15 minutes to get a spot on the driving range to warm up. Waited to hit every shot on the course. The round took us 4:45. The fairways were in pretty good shape for this time of year, definitely better than other courses I’ve been on (with the exception of #16 which had big gouges in it everywhere). The greens were unreasonably fast - they wouldn’t hold anything. They told us after the round that they double cut them this morning, plus it was pretty windy. Basically, the same thoughts as last year and why I generally only here once a year.