Let’s Go Golf
Timber and Tide's Coastal Carolina Golf Guide: Tee Off Near Surf City & Topsail Beach
For our clients who love to hit the links, Timber and Tide is pleased to present this guide to the excellent golfing opportunities surrounding Surf City and Topsail Beach. Whether you're seeking a challenging championship course, a relaxed round with scenic water views, or a unique golf and craft beer experience, you'll find it just a short drive from the island.
Nearest to the Beaches:
North Shore Country Club
Location: 101 North Shore Dr, Sneads Ferry, NC (Approx. 9-10 miles from Surf City, just over the high-rise bridge from North Topsail Beach)
Course Type: 18-hole, Par 72 (6,866 yards)
Designer: Bob Moore
Highlights: This semi-public course is beautifully situated alongside the Intracoastal Waterway, offering a blend of stunning scenery and thrilling play. The layout incorporates coastal marshes and tall pines, providing a diverse experience. Features Bermuda fairways and Bentgrass greens (though some sources mention 419 Bermuda fairways). Offers five tee boxes to accommodate all skill levels.
Amenities: Pro shop, practice facilities (driving range mentioned in some contexts), swimming pool, tennis courts. Golf packages are often available.
Good to Know: Known for its player-friendly layout that is enjoyable for both beginners and seasoned golfers.
Pirates Turf (Driving Range)
Location: 807 S Anderson Blvd, Topsail Beach, NC
Type: Golf Driving Range
Highlights: A convenient spot right on Topsail Beach for golfers of all skill levels to practice their swing and improve their game.
Contact: (910) 510-0426
Hampstead Golfing Corridor (Approx. 10-22 miles from Surf City):
Ironclad Golf and Beer Garden (Formerly Belvedere Country Club)
Location: 2368 Country Club Dr, Hampstead, NC (Approx. 10-11 miles from Surf City)
Course Type: 18-hole, Par 71 (Public)
Designer: Russell Birney (course divided into a back nine and the Ironclad course)
Highlights: A unique and laid-back 178-acre entertainment complex featuring an 18-hole golf course, driving range, craft beer garden (Ironclad Brewery), and an on-site Shaka Taco restaurant. Encourages "fun golf" and offers night golf. Features Bermuda grass and a six-choice tee box.
Amenities: Driving range, pro shop, golf lessons (Jonathan Fackler, PGA Professional), restaurant, beer garden, pickleball complex.
Good to Know: A great option for a relaxed atmosphere and a full entertainment experience.
Olde Point Golf & Country Club
Location: 513 Country Club Dr, Hampstead, NC (Approx. 11-12 miles from Surf City)
Course Type: 18-hole, Par 72 (6,913 yards) (Semi-Private, open to the public)
Designer: Jerry Turner
Highlights: Opened in 1975, this course features Bermuda fairways and Paspalum greens. It's set along the Intracoastal Waterway with rolling terrain, tree-lined fairways, elevated tees, strategically placed bunkers, and challenging greens. Wind can be a significant factor.
Amenities: Full-service restaurant and bar, practice range (10 practice tees), pro shop, golf lessons, swimming pool, and tennis courts (for full members).
Dress Code: Collared shirts are required. Jeans and denim slacks are acceptable if clean and neat; no tank tops, gym shorts, or bathing suits.
Castle Bay Country Club
Location: 107 Links Ct, Hampstead, NC (Approx. 22 miles from Topsail Island)
Course Type: 18-hole, Par 72 (6,328 - 6,713 yards, depending on the source) (Public)
Highlights: A true Scottish links-style championship course known for its challenge, especially with the coastal winds. Features open spaces, water hazards, tall bunkers, and Bermuda grass.
Amenities: Driving range, short game practice facility, pro shop, lessons, and the New York Corner Pub for traditional pub grub.
Good to Know: If you enjoy a links experience and a good test of your shot placement, Castle Bay is an excellent choice.
Worth the Drive (Approx. 30-40 miles from Surf City):
Wilmington Municipal Golf Course
Location: 311 Donald Ross Dr, Wilmington, NC 28409
Course Type: 18-hole, Par 71 (Approx. 6,784 yards) (Public)
Designer: Donald Ross (1926), Renovated by John Fought (2014)
Highlights: A historic Donald Ross design, this course is the only public facility within the city of Wilmington and is highly regarded for its classic layout and affordability. The 2014 renovation restored many Ross features, including doubling green sizes and redoing bunkers. The 3rd hole has been previously named one of NC's best by Golf Digest, and the course was named a Top 50 Municipal by Golf Week.
Amenities: Pro shop, practice green, short driving range (newly added with a 3-hole short course).
Good to Know: Offers a genuine Donald Ross experience at a municipal price point. Can get busy, so book tee times in advance. Known for its challenging green complexes.
Cape Fear National Golf Club
Location: 1281 Cape Fear National Dr, Leland, NC 28451 (Just west of Wilmington, part of the Brunswick Forest community)
Course Type: 18-hole, Par 72 (Up to 7,217 yards) (Semi-Private, offers public play)
Designer: Tim Cate (2010)
Highlights: An award-winning championship course consistently ranked among North Carolina's best public-accessible courses. Known for its stunning natural beauty, meandering through cypress wetlands and native grasses. Features dramatic bunkering, large, undulating greens (averaging 14,000 sq ft), and requires strategic play with water or wetlands in play on every hole.
Amenities: Clubhouse with dining, pro shop, extensive practice facilities, and a high level of customer service. Golf memberships are available.
Good to Know: Offers a premium, visually spectacular, and challenging golf experience. Despite its intimidating name, multiple tee boxes cater to various skill levels. Expect excellent conditioning. Located in Leland, it's a straightforward drive from Wilmington.
Paradise Point Golf Course
Location: Building 2015, Brewster Blvd, MCB Camp Lejeune, NC
Course Type: Two 18-hole courses (Military, but open to the general public with sponsorship by an Active Duty/Retired Military or Civilian DoD ID Cardholder - verify current access policy)
Gold Course: Par 72 (6,857 yards), wider fairways. Requires proof of a golf handicap of 24 or less (except during winter hours).
Scarlet Course: Par 70 (5,865 yards), shorter but requires tighter shots.
Designer: George Cobb (a former Marine)
Amenities: Two driving ranges (one grass, one covered with 20 bays), three putting greens, practice field, pro shop, PGA instruction available.
Contact: (910) 451-5445
Good to Know: Visitors without installation access must be sponsored. Check the Lejeune Marines Base Access website for current procedures. Children 5 years old and younger are not permitted on the courses or carts.
Other Driving Ranges in the Broader Area:
The Golf Driving Range: 6987 Market St, Wilmington, NC (Approx. 13 miles from Hampstead) - 40 practice tees.
Grand Oaks Driving Range: 536 Pine Village Dr, Rocky Point, NC (Approx. 18-19 miles from Hampstead) - 20 practice tees.
Tips for Golfing in the Coastal Carolinas:
Book Tee Times in Advance: Especially during peak season, it's always wise to call ahead or book online.
Prepare for Wind: Coastal courses are often subject to breezy conditions, which can significantly impact your game.
Hydration & Sun Protection: The Carolina sun can be strong. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.
Check Dress Codes: Some clubs, like Olde Point, have specific dress code requirements.
Verify Public Access: For military courses like Paradise Point, always confirm current public access policies before your visit.
Timber and Tide wishes you a fantastic time on the greens! Enjoy the beautiful courses and the challenging play our coastal region has to offer.