Outer Banks Golf

The sandy barrier islands that buffer the northern coastline of North Carolina provide an incredible playground for those who love sea and beaches blessed by incredible white sand dunes. Along with a kick-back attitude, exhiliarting salty sea air and even a herd of wild mustangs, the Outer Banks (OBX) also harbors a fine collection of golf courses.

Driving south from Corolla in the north, you pass through Duck, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nag's Head before you hit the wildly natural regions in and around Hattaras where commercial development has taken a back seat. Here those fascinated by shipwrecks can learn about the many sailing ships that sunk in dangerous waters around Cape Hatteras at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum and scuba divers can get their sea fix by exploring the wrecks.

While the big buzz is centered on the summer, in the "off season" the pace is slower, prices lower so it's a win, win any time of year. It's a place where you can stay in one spot and drive to each course in less than a half hour.

Near historic Corella in the northern OBX, Rees Jones spun his magic when he designed the Currituck Club, a pretty resort layout stretching nearly 7,000 yards along the coast with dunes, wetlands and a wide-open feeling despite groves of maritime trees. On this track, the wind can be a big factor.

After golf take a safari tour to see Corolla's wild mustangs freely roaming the dunes and beaches of Currituck County. The horses frequently trot along the water where they have right of way on this wide sandy beach, a state recognized road where cars and trucks tool up and down two lanes roughly defined by tire tracks.

One of the most popular places to play, the Carolina Club in Grandy, is characterized by a buttressed par 3 island green, superb bent grass greens and whimsical ocean breezes. The ninth hole is a beauty, a dogleg left that crosses water twice. The back nine is more dramatic with water hazards that can be game-changers.

Another solid bet, Carolina's sister course, The Pointe Golf Club, is known for its slick A-1 Bent grass greens and fine practice facility. A traditional layout, The Pointe opened in 1995 and continues to evoke a wee bit of Scotland with few trees, run-up greens and
the ever-present wind factor.

Farther south, Duck Woods Country Club in Southern Shores is as well groomed as your grandmother's garden. Designed by Ellis Maples, it is a pleasure to play for all levels and with water on more than half the holes, it certainly holds your interest.

Nearby you'll face a lot of risk and reward challenges when you play Kilmarlic Golf Club in Powells Point, a thinking man's course winding around wetlands and forests, 15 coastal ponds and lakes. Host to past North Carolina Opens, this classic track was designed by Tom Steel.

In Kitty Hawk, Sea Scape Golf Links designed by former Masters champion Art Wall features significant elevation changes affording stunning ocean views from several holes. After golf visit The Wright Memorial, site of the Wright Brothers' first flight in a powered airplane flight at Kill Devil Hills (December 17, 1903). See the exact spot where the craft took off, a replica of the plane and a museum recounting the history of this amazing feat.

Find sea level at Nags Head Golf Links designed by Bob Moore and managed by ClubCorp. Standing on the back tee of the first hole, a blind plunge downhill, all you know for sure is there are water and reeds out there. Getting to your ball you realize there is a lot more landing area then you had originally thought. And so it goes running through dunes, sea grasses and along the Roanoke Sound shoreline. Nags Head can be strongly affected by wind and water as well as distracting scenery.

Where to Stay

Driving from course-to-course along Route 12, you'll see many new houses, many available for rent. There are also seaside hotels like the Hilton Garden Inn in Kitty Hawk, the Ramada Plaza Nags Head Beach and The Sanderling Resort & Spa in Duck as well as The Hampton Inn in Corolla. Groups and families may prefer accommodations in condos, homes and purpose-built bungalows like the Club Cottage at Kilmarlic Golf Club in Harbinger that sleeps eight with four suites, a living area and kitchen. For something different there is the Inn at Corolla Light.

Eating & Drinking

The Outer Banks has many places to eat and drink. For example in Duck for fine dining there is The Left Bank at The Sanderling Resort, plus Ocean Boulevard Bistro & Martini Bar and JK's Restaurant in Kill Devil Hills. For casual fare try North Banks Restaurant & Raw Bar in Corolla - their oysters are excellent - and for seafood in a fun atmosphere there is Blue Moon Beach Grill in Nags Head. "Pirates" serve a killer breakfast at The Jolly Roger (Argh) while en route to your tee time, stop for coffee and pastries or a heap of flapjacks at Stack 'em High Pancakes in Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills. Like oysters? You've gotta go to Awful Arthur's in Kill Devil Hills.

Inner Banks

Reaching out into Albemarle Sound, the Inner Banks has a handful of courses that are challenging and fun offering a variety of golfing experiences for all levels.

Just nine miles from the center of Edenton, Chowan Golf & Country Club has a stunning setting along Albemarle Sound. Chowan's first nine opened in 1963 then morphed into 18 in 1983 and like a fussy old relative, Chowan has it eccentricities. For example, the original nine greens are Bermuda grass while the new nine are Bent so when it comes time to putt, flexibility counts.

Although there is water on 15 holes, it's a short, very playable, not overly challenging track with old-style roll-up greens. Still if you don't use the right club, you may find it's splashdown time.

About 20 minutes from Edenton, Scotch Hall Preserve, an Arnold Palmer Signature course serves as the centerpiece of the 1000- acre master planned community (2008), stretching along Albemarle Sound. Named America's Ninth Best New Private Course in 2009 by Golf Digest, Scotch Preserve is a fair course for all levels with lots of interest, well placed formidable bunker complexes and true-rolling Bent grass greens although subtle undulations can be tricky. The par 3s are particularly dramatic with carries over wetlands to elevated greens. Stay and Play Packages designed to introduce prospective home buyers to the community, include a round of golf and two nights accommodations.

Going north to Hertford, the Sound Golf Links at nearby Albemarle Plantation winds through low country marshland and forests of tall pines and moss-draped cypress. The Dan Maple's course reveals magnificent vistas climaxed by the final three holes overlooking the Albemarle Sound.

Places to Stay and Dine

Edenton and Chowen County have some excellent B&Bs in the historic center such as the Granville Queen Inn, The Pack House Inn, Mulberry Hill Inn and Captain's Quarters Inn while on the outskirts there is a handful of chain hotels.

Good places to eat and drink include Nixon Family Restaurant, Waterman's Grill, a popular local haunt, and Mamasita's Restaurant for Mexican fare. For seafood and local fish try Bayside Marina and Grill and The River House Restaurant and Bar.