Raleigh, NC Best public courses

[stuckntx]

Putting together a golf weekend with some friends and, since I am new to Raleigh, need some help with the best public tracks in the area.

I think that we will play UNC Finley but need some other suggestions.

Thanks for the input!

[nikemike]

What price range are you looking for? There are many nice tracks in Raleigh and the surrounding areas. I just played River Ridge in Knightdale today and was impressed.

[stuckntx]

Price is not a big issue. I have already booked UNC Finley and Heritage in Wake Forest. Wondering if I should make the trip down to Pinehurst for a round or are there plenty of worthwhile tracks locally?

Thanks!

[lhsgolfer2]

dukes course is really nice, and the public can play

 

mike

[whmims1]

Welcome to the area!

 

I just talked to my girlfriend who was on the NC State golf team and graduated in December. She said try Devil's Ridge. I would recommend "The Preserve" or the new Freddy Couples course the JUST opened in Chapel Hill. I mean, they just opened it up like April 4 th I believe. Sorry I don't know the name. If you are ever up to, I am sure I can get you on for free or really really cheap at my home course. Hedingham. It isn't Augusta National or that long, 6700 from the tips. But I am really chill with my pro. It is a golfers dream out here. We get to play for free after 3 pm and 1 pm during the winter. It is all included on our home owners fees. 92 bucks...just because I live in a townhouse. If you live in a stand alone house....it is only 36 bucks. So basically I get to golf for free everday. For a golf addict like me....it is heaven for me and my girlfriend. I live on the tee box on the number 7. A nice par 4 (431 yards) where you can cut the corner only if you can carry (282 yards :) ) over a fairway bunker.

 

Sorry to get off topic.

 

WHM

 

If you got to Pinehurst area...play Tobacco Road or The Pit.

[Sixtyfive]

Nuese in Clayont

River's Landing just outside Garner

Both nice places....

If back east, try Challenge near Mebane.

 

Welcome

[stuckntx]

Thanks for the responses everyone :)

 

Looks like UNC, Duke, The Preserve and Heritage in Wake Forest.

[utopiapga]

If it is not to late DO NOT play The Preserve............long story but do not give them any business.

 

I live in Pittsboro and HIGHLY reccomend Chapel Ridge just opened 3 weeks ago and a Fred Couples design and well worth the trip and also a better value than the Preserve.

 

If you are looking to fill a spot I am always looking for a game in the area but go out and give Bruce the Head Pro and Rob the assistant head pro the business you will not be disapointed!!!!!!

[Ryun]

Preserve is a nice course.

 

Devil's ridge has gone completely private.

 

Drive 30mins toward Greensboro and play the Challenge. Nice course.

Plenty of others in town but I havent checked them out this spring to see what kind of condition they are in: the Crossings, Falls Village, Crooked creek are all fairly nice depending on what type of course you enjoy

[Sisu]

Just played Neuse Golf Club in Clayton today. What a GREAT course. No one was out there and it was only $39 to play. Gave me a certificate for me and 3 others to play again for $25, Tues-Friday.

 

One of the prettiest courses I've ever played.

 

129 slope from the Mens/Blues. Quite a challenge. I shot a 44/41 for 85.

 

I will definately play again. Only about 25 minutes from Raleigh.

[mgags]

Keep the recommendations coming guys and gals. I too am moving to Raleigh next Fri!! Coming from NJ, I'm excited because 'winter golf' in NC is nothing like winter golf in NJ. And its is so cheap to live here.......which means more golfing and more equipement!!

 

Thanks for the help!!

 

Mike

[GOLF FTW]

What price range are you looking for? There are many nice tracks in Raleigh and the surrounding areas. I just played River Ridge in Knightdale today and was impressed.

 

ah yeah. i live in knightdale! riverridge is literally 3 minutes from me. My favorite course is "The Nuese". I think its some fred smith design idrk.

 

Hopefully my dad will drive me down this weekend! woo!

[Blues Golfer]

Raleigh Golf Association- Cary-- Not difficult, but fun. No advance tee times, just show up and play. No driving range, but cheap too.

 

Crooked Creek- Nice course, well maintained. TARGET golf. It's tough if you spray it, not long really.

 

Lockmere - Not long either, fairly well designed, greens can be strangely shaggy. Very good for the price, easy to get to in Cary. Decent round.

 

Chapel Ridge - Agree it's a nice course. Very pretty, interesting, well maintained. Not too high $$.

 

Preserve - I liked it, though it's not perfect. Similar to Chapel Ridge, but not the same. Tough from the back tees.

 

Oconeechee - Long drive, but nice course in the country. Not expensive, a couple "nothing" holes but a fun place to play.

[Pinehurst1999]

I lived in Raleigh for 8 years (after frowing up in NJ) and really enjoyed all the good public golf for reasonable rates. Please, Please, Please, Please, Please check out Tobacco Road in Sanford. It is about 45 minutes south of Raleigh on highway 1 on the way towards Pinehurst, but much closer. Golf Magazine has featured the course as one of the top 10 most adventerous courses in all of america. You will pay anywhere from 50-100 depending on the day of the week...but well worth every penny. I have NEVER in my life played such a beautiful and amazing layout. Many publications have called the course "Pine Valley on steroids". Being from NJ I hope you are at least familiar with Pine Valley and all the sand and waste-land around...well Tobacco Road is identical. At least check out some reviews online and check out their website just to see the amazing pictures of the course.

 

You have my full guarantee that you will leave there with the following thoughts:

 

1. "I have never hit so many blind shots in my life"

2. "I have never hit out of so many sand traps in my life"

3. "For no OB on the course I sure lost a lot of golf balls"

4. "Damn this layout is amazing"

5. "Wow, this place is crazy...yet so damn awesome"

 

 

Good Luck!!!

[Peoples Golf]

how is unc finley guys? is it a real nice course or what? fazio designed it!

[Pinehurst1999]

It is really nice but it is also really expensive...but definately worth the play at least once or twice.

[Peoples Golf]

it says on the website it is 45 for this month i will be down there on the 30th. i am going to check it out.