Best Golf Course Communities in the Triangle
Are you thinking about moving to a golf course community in the Triangle? Here are the top ten golf course communities in the Raleigh area.
Living on or near a pristine golf course offers an unmatched lifestyle, combining recreational luxury and exceptional real estate value.
The Raleigh-Triangle area boasts some of North Carolina's most prestigious golf course communities, offering unique amenities, architectural styles, and investment opportunities.
From ultra-exclusive gated communities to easily accessible semi-private clubs, many golf courses throughout the Triangle area are great for any lifestyle and budget.
Whether you're an avid golfer or appreciate these communities' manicured landscapes, upscale atmosphere, and Raleigh homes, here's your complete guide to the Triangle's premier golf course neighborhoods.
Check out these great golf course communities in the Triangle
1. Governor's Club - Chapel Hill, NC
Governors Club stands as the Triangle's premier fully-gated golf community, featuring a spectacular 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course. This exclusive Chapel Hill enclave offers luxury that's unmatched in the region.
Ranked in the top 5% of clubs worldwide, The Governor's Club is the Triangle's only gated golf community and private club. Located just minutes from downtown Chapel Hill, this member-owned country club offers a premium lifestyle for any golf enthusiast.
Real estate in the Governors Club features a variety of architectural styles from traditional to contemporary. With golf course views, many homes feature expansive windows overlooking fairways and have large lots that offer privacy.
With close proximity to Chapel Hill and UNC, one of the best colleges near Raleigh, some popular community amenities include a swimming pool, fitness facilities, tennis courts, walking trails, and a fully gated and secure entrance.
Golf Course Amenities:
- 27-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature championship course
- State-of-the-art practice facilities and driving range
- Professional golf instruction and club fitting services
- Prestigious clubhouse with fine dining
2. MacGregor Downs Country Club - Cary, NC
Established in 1967, MacGregor Downs combines Scottish golfing tradition with contemporary Triangle living. This family-friendly community offers social events throughout the year, a large pool area, championship golf, and tennis facilities.
MacGregor Downs Country Club offers a premier golf membership at TWO private clubs. When you join MacGregor Downs in Cary, you also have access to an additional membership to the Club at 12 Oaks in Holly Springs.
Featuring a mixture of townhomes and custom homes throughout MacGregor Downs, this well-established neighborhood is surrounded by mature trees and offers golf course view properties.
Golf Course Amenities:
- Championship 18-hole golf course with Scottish design elements
- Clubhouse with dining and event facilities
- Full-service pro shop and golf instruction
- Practice facilities including putting green and driving range
3. Prestonwood Country Club - Cary, NC
Since 1988, Prestonwood Country Club has been a cornerstone of Triangle golf and social life, serving nearly 1,800 member families. This expansive community offers 54 holes of championship golf across multiple courses.
Located in the heart of Cary, this golf community offers a wide range of activities for the whole family to choose from. Benefits of membership include access to fitness facilities, 15 tennis courts, an aquatics center, active kids club and youth programs, and year-round social and dining events.
As a great outdoor activity, golfers can play at any of their three 18-hole courses, designed by architect Tom Jackson. Members also have the unique option to play both champion Bermuda grass greens (Meadows & Highlands) or the Bentgrass Greens (Fairways).
Homes for sale in Preston come in various styles and price points. Featuring golf course frontage homes with premium views, Preston is a sought-after community for those moving to Cary.
Golf Course Amenities:
- 54 holes of championship golf across three courses
- Extensive practice facilities and teaching programs
- Multiple clubhouses with dining options
- Host to professional and amateur tournaments
4. The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation - Raleigh, NC
The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation offers an 18-hole and a 9-hole course and a wide array of amenities for the whole family to enjoy. Membership is required to access all that the Country Club has to offer.
This North Raleigh location provides easy access to Research Triangle Park and downtown Raleigh. With new construction and custom homes available throughout the community, it is no wonder that Wakefield is one of the best neighborhoods in Raleigh.
Living in Wakefield does not require a membership, but by living in this community as a golfer, you can see that the offerings at Wakefield are endless. Your golf membership grants full family access to amenities including the pool, tennis courts, fitness facility, pickleball courts, the kids' club, and dining and social events.
Multiple membership options are available. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can choose between full golf or full golf (corporate), sports club, or social membership.
If you're looking to hone your golfing skills, The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation offers both private and group lessons from their team of PGA professionals. The Learning Center found on-site homes two indoor-outdoor bays in addition to an indoor putting area.
The indoor bays offer flightscope technology, a leading golf radar technology. Each hitting bay offers video technology to allow any golfer to practice their skill at any time of year, no matter the weather conditions.
Golf Course Amenities:
- Championship course designed for professional play
- World-class practice facilities and instruction
- Premium clubhouse with multiple dining venues
- Golf shop with latest equipment and apparel
5. The Preserve at Jordan Lake - Chapel Hill, NC
Golfweek Magazine voted The Preserve at Jordan Lake as one of America's top 40 new golf courses. It is a semi-private course open to the public and offers an enjoyable golfing experience.
Nestled along the shores of Jordan Lake, this community provides a unique combination of championship golf and natural preservation. The setting features both golf course and lake living opportunities.
If you're looking for a balance of low commitment and luxurious amenities while honing your golf skills and want to move to Chapel Hill, The Preserve at Jordan Lake would be a promising option.
This unique lakefront golf community in the Triangle has established homes for sale and custom home sites with golf and lake views. Surrounded by preserved woodlands, The Preserve at Jordan Lake has an environmental conservation focus with private lake access and water activies.
Golf Course Amenities:
- 18-hole championship course with water features
- Scenic lakefront holes and challenging design
- Full practice facilities and instruction programs
- Clubhouse with lake and golf course views
6. Hasentree Golf Club - Wake Forest, NC
Hasentree Country Club is located in the charming town of Wake Forest. Hasentree offers upscale golf living with small-town charm and big-city conveniences. This community features both golf course homes and luxury estates for homebuyers.
If you're looking to move to Hasentree or are planning on moving to Wake Forest, this Country Club provides everything you could imagine in a golf course community. Resident and non-resident golf and social memberships are available.
The golf course is designed for golfers at any skill level to have fun and be challenged. Coaching and club fitting are also offered, as are kids' programs such as "Crush It" and "PGA Junior Tour League."
Community amenities include a swimming pool, fitness center, spa, community events and social programs, family amenities, and access to excellent schools in the area. Hasentree's impressive 16,000-square-foot clubhouse offers stunning views of the golf course.
Golf Course Amenities:
- 18-hole championship course with unique design
- Modern clubhouse and dining facilities
- Professional instruction and golf programs
- Well-maintained practice areas
7. North Ridge Country Club - Raleigh, NC
North Ridge Country Club is situated in the heart of North Raleigh and requires a membership by invitation only. Considered one of the most exclusive golf course communities in the Triangle, residents get to enjoy beautifully designed homes and golf course access.
This well-established community features two championship golf courses and extensive amenities. With close proximity to top-rated public schools, and a convenient location near some of the best recreational amenities that Raleigh has to offer, the North Ridge Country Club community is perfect for families and retirees.
Golf lessons are available for new players in various settings. Offerings such as private lessons, group clinics, and junior programs are easily accessible to golfers at any level of experience.
Golf Course Amenities:
- Two championship golf courses (Lakes Course and the Oaks Course)
- 70,000-square-foot clubhouse with restaurant and facilities
- Complete practice facilities and professional instruction
- Active tournament schedule and member events
- Well-maintained courses with scenic water features
8. Lochmere Golf Club - Cary, NC
Lochmere Golf Club is nestled in Cary's coveted Lochmere community. This East Cary neighborhood features three lakes, countless walking paths, two community pools, tennis, pickleball, and volleyball courts.
This semi-private golf course is one of the most established in the area and offers memberships and options for the public to play without a membership. Considered one of Cary's best golf courses, Lochmere is known for its friendly atmosphere and great location.
Many homes within Lochmere have a lot of character and feature golf course views. Property values remain stable and home prices range from $400,000 to upwards of $900,000.
Golf Course Amenities:
- Mature 18-hole championship course
- Well-established clubhouse and facilities
- Active golf programs and leagues
- Professional instruction available
9. Pine Hollow Golf Club - Clayton, NC
Pine Hollow Golf Club offers an accessible entry point into golf course living while maintaining quality amenities and course conditions. Clayton's growth makes this an attractive investment opportunity.
Property types in Pine Hollow range from resale single-family homes to new construction. Considered the most affordable golf community option, this neighborhood features a community pool, recreational facilities, and a family-oriented environment.
Golf Course Amenities:
- 18-hole championship course with challenging layout
- Practice facilities and instruction programs
- Clubhouse with dining and event space
- Regular tournaments and member events
10. Bentwinds Country Club - Fuquay Varina, NC
Bentwinds Golf & Country Club in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina is a welcoming, private club offering exceptional social and recreational activities for our member families and guests.
Located on 350 acres, Bentwinds is a place where families connect and lifelong friendships are made. This established club offers both golf and country club amenities in the rapidly growing Fuquay-Varina area.
This established neighborhood features a variety of lot sizes and home styles. Access to private club amenities increases property values within this Fuquay Varina neighborhood.
Golf Course Amenities:
- Championship golf course built in 1980
- Practice Range, Professional Instruction, PGA Professionals on staff
- Full Golf Shop and Private Golf Carts available
- Active tournament schedule including Men's and Women's Invitationals
- Men's Day, Ladies Day, Couples Events, and Group Play
Methodology
Factors such as golf course amenities, community offerings, real estate value, reviews and ratings were considered to determine the best golf course communities in the Triangle.
FAQs
How many golf courses are in Raleigh?
There are 19 golf courses in Raleigh, ten public courses and nine private courses.
Is Raleigh, NC, a good place to live?
Raleigh is a beautiful place to live. The mild year-round climate allows for endless outdoor activities, making it an excellent place to call home. It is also robust in career opportunities and affordable housing options compared to most other parts of the country.
What towns are in Raleigh?
Raleigh is part of the Research Triangle and there are many towns and suburbs that surround the city including Apex, Cary, and Holly Springs.
What is the best suburb of Raleigh to live in?
Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, and Fuquay Varina are considered the top suburbs to live and raise a family outside Raleigh.
Final Thoughts - Best Golf Course Communities in the Triangle
The Triangle's golf course communities represent some of the region's most desirable real estate opportunities, combining exceptional golf with luxury living in one of America's fastest-growing metropolitan areas.
From ultra-private to public courses, many communities throughout the triangle offer various ways to immerse yourself in golf while allowing you to get more involved in your community.
Offering more than just homes, these communities provide a lifestyle centered around golf, social connections, and premium amenities. As the Triangle continues to grow and attract new residents, these golf course communities will remain among the most sought-after addresses in the region.
Ready to explore golf course living in the Triangle? Contact Raleigh Realty today. Our experienced team can help you navigate this premium real estate market throught Raleigh and the Triangle.
