8 Best Golf Courses Near Topsail Island, NC

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Topsail Island, North Carolina is a 26-mile-long barrier island. The island width varies between 500′ and 1500′, providing protection to many marine and wildlife refuges. North Topsail Beach can be found at the northernmost tip of the island, while Surf City lies in the middle and Topsail Beach at the southernmost tip.

Vacation rental homes and hotels with varying amenities and atmospheres can be found in each area, making it the perfect place to spend a beach holiday. Golfing is also a popular activity for visitors to the island, with several public courses and driving ranges within a few miles of the island, as well as miniature golf locations.

Topsail Island offers vacationers a plethora of activities from beach activities, fishing charters, visiting the sea turtle rescue center, shopping, and some of the best golf courses on the coast. Here are nine of the best public golf courses near Topsail Island and North Topsail Beach, North Carolina.

Castle Bay Country Club

Castle Bay Golf Course is a Scottish links-style 18-hole championship course located in Hampstead, North Carolina. With no trees, the course presents the typical links hazards of tall bunkers, water and waste areas, requiring the golfer to demonstrate excellent shot placement on almost every hole. Located on the coast, prevailing sea breeze makes perfect play challenging.

The golf course is part of the award-winning Castle Bay Country Club, which is a semi-private club that has hosted numerous tournaments over the years. Castle Bay is a favorite among golfers of all skill levels, and it is designed to provide a challenge and a great experience to every golfer.

You can practice your golf skills with a full facility that includes a Short Game area and Driving Range. The Short Game area features a Sand Trap, Chipping and Pitching area, and Wedge game practice up to 80 yards with three target greens. Additionally, there is a large bent grass practice green that allows you to hone your putting abilities and warm up before a round. The Driving Range has grass teeing areas and quality synthetic mats for bad weather. The golf course is open to the public and also offers golf lessons, clinics, and tournaments.

Olde Point Country Club

Olde Point Golf & Country Club is located in Hampstead, North Carolina, just outside of Wilmington. Opened to the public in 1975, Olde Point Country Club is a beautiful 18-hole course with Bermuda fairways, Paspalum greens, and a scenic and challenging layout courtesy of its designer, Jerry Turner. The course is set along the Intracoastal Waterway and features several elevated tees, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging greens. Olde Point offers great views of the surrounding area and provides a challenging round of golf for all levels of players, especially on windy days. Golf carts are available for golfers to use during their round.

The semi-private course is open to the public. Tournaments and small group outings are welcome. Full members can also take advantage of the swimming pool, tennis courts, and golf course, plus practice facilities open to the public. The club also features a full-service restaurant and bar, a practice range, and a pro shop.

If you’re looking to improve your golf game, golf lessons are available from the club professional. Please be aware that collared shirts are required when playing; tank tops, gym shorts, and bathing suits are not permitted, while jeans and denim slacks are acceptable as long as they are clean and neat.

North Shore Country Club

North Shore Country Club is located in Sneads Ferry, NC, just a short drive from Topsail Island.

Nestled alongside the Intracoastal Waterway, the beautiful North Shore Country Club provides the perfect combination of stunning scenery and thrilling golf. Architect Bob Moore designed the course to blend seamlessly into the surroundings, giving both amateur and experienced players an enjoyable and thrilling experience.

When stopping by the Topsail Island region, North Shore is a must-play. Moore used the various natural features of the area to craft the course, incorporating the coastal marshes of Eastern North Carolina into the layout. The inland holes provide an escape from the ocean breeze and are bordered by tall pines, presenting a unique look and feel.

The North Shore community presents impressive water and golf course views, as well as elegantly designed neighborhoods. Whether you’re here for vacation or retirement, you can enjoy golfing, swimming, tennis and other activities. Golf packages are available for out-of-town guests and can be booked directly on the North Shore Country Club website.

Paradise Point Golf Course

The 18-hole “Gold” course at the Paradise Point Golf Course facility in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina features 6,857 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The course rating is 73.0 and it has a slope rating of 126 on Bermuda grass.

Paradise Point Golf Course was designed by George Cobb, a world-renowned golf architect and former Marine. Paradise Point Golf Course has two golf courses, the Scarlet and the Gold. The Scarlet is an 18-hole course with par of 70. The Gold opened in 1945 and stretches up to 6,857 yards with a rating of 73.0 and a rating of 126 on Bermuda grass. The Gold is an 18-hole course with par of 72.

Also available are two driving ranges, one green grass and the other covered with 20 bays. There are three putting greens and a practice field on the premises. The facility is managed by MCCS – Business and Support Services, with John Johnson as the Golf Professional.

All players must show proof of a golf handicap 24 or less (except during winter hours, when this is waived) to have golf privileges on the Gold Course. Children 5 years old and younger are not permitted on the courses or golf carts.

Tee times may be made manually (i.e., over the telephone or in person) 7 days in advance. Paradise Point Golf Course is open to the general public. All visitors without installation access must be sponsored by an Active Duty/Retired Military or Civilian DoD ID Cardholders. Visit https://www.lejeune.marines.mil/Base-Access/ for more information.

Purchases in the Pro Shop for “convenience merchandise incidental to daily participation,” is permitted. Private lessons are available for all skill levels, from the beginner who wants to learn the basics of golf to the good player who wants to hone his or her skills. Lessons are given by a PGA Professional. Please call the golf course for more information.

Ironclad Golf and Beer Garden

Ironclad Golf and Beer Garden offers an 18-hole golf course, driving range, craft beer, seltzers, and night golf for a truly unforgettable experience. The golf course is on 178 acres of property that is part of a larger multipurpose entertainment complex in Hampstead, NC. Ironclad boasts a laid-back atmosphere and encourages what they call, “fun golf” where patrons can hit balls into the waste areas and ponds without worry of embarrassment. Check the Ironclad Golf and Beer Gardens website for the latest rates and course conditions.

Once you’re done dominating the course, head to the brewery for an on-site restaurant for a selection of delicious lagers and IPAs. Shaka Taco is open every day 11am-8pm with an assortment of yummy tacos, wings, and acai bowls.

Need some golf supplies? The property also has a golf shop which is open Sunday-Thursday 8am-7pm and Friday-Saturday 8am-9pm. Golf lessons are available from Jonathan Fackler, a Golf Professional in the Wilmington Area since 2006 who has worked at some of the most prestigious Golf Clubs along the east coast including Hershey C.C., Pinehurst Resort & C.C. and Cape Fear C.C.

Wilmington Municipal Golf Course

Wilmington Municipal Course was designed by Donald Ross in 1926 and is located approximately 30 minutes from Topsail Island in the city of Wilmington, NC. The course is maintained by Wilmington’s Park and Recreation Department which means that it is kept in top condition and is a favorite among local golfers.

On the course you will find rolling mounds and high wall bunkers, providing a challenging 18-hole championship round of golf for the public.

Rockfish Golf Course

Rockfish Golf Course is located at 6722 S NC 41, Wallace, North Carolina. This is the farthest course from Topsail Island but definitely one to check out especially if it’s on your way to or from the island.

This is a semi-private golf course with 18-holes. It opened in 1957. Rockfish Golf Course measures 6369 yards from the longest tees and has a slope rating of 111 and a 69.6 USGA rating. The course features 3 sets of tees for different skill levels.

Rock Creek Golf & Country Club

Designed by Jerry Turner and Associates, Rock Creek Golf and Country Club is a stunning 18-hole golf course located near a short drive from Topsail Island. This course is a highly sought-after destination for both locals and those vacationing in the area.

The 7102-yard, par 72 championship golf course features North Carolina’s first Jensen Dwarf greens. Lakes have been carefully placed throughout the course, and the 419 Bermuda fairways are wide, long and lush. The first nine are lined with loblolly pines, and the Jensen Dwarf greens provide a polished, manicured putting surface year-round. Developed by Morton Farms Inc., Rock Creek is Onslow county’s first planned recreational community, with the golf facilities at its core.

Get Golfing!

Topsail Island, NC is the perfect destination for golfers with 8 great courses within driving distance. With its stunning intracoastal waterway views and breathtaking scenery, the area offers challenging courses and plenty of opportunities to improve your game even for the most experienced players. The variety of courses allow players of all levels to find the perfect course to suit their needs. Plus, the area is renowned for its warm hospitality and mild climate.

With its beautiful courses, stunning scenery and friendly atmosphere, it is the perfect place to spend a few days enjoying the game of golf. So go find a fun course to play and have a wonderful time in Southeastern North Carolina.