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 that will not disappoint any golf lover.

For many, golf isn't just a sport or hobby; it's a lifestyle. When considering moving to the Triangle, you might wonder how you can still ensure golf will be a part of your life.

Depending on what area of the triangle you are in, this article will cover a wide variety of golf courses that will fit any lifestyle and budget. From ultra-exclusive gated communities to easily accessible semi-private clubs, we have compiled a list of the best golf courses for any golf lover.

1. North Ridge Country Club - Raleigh, NC

North Ridge Country Club is situated in the heart of North Raleigh. This golf club requires a membership by invitation only. This is the most exclusive golf community on our list. Here, you will find various amenities suitable for the entire family. 

Your golfing experience at North Ridge Country Club encompasses two impressive 18-hole courses on 400 acres. Each course's meticulously planned design has been thoughtfully and carefully crafted over the years. 

The original course was designed by George Cobb, an architect most notably known for the Par 3 courses at Augusta National, Quail Hollow, and East Lake. Later, architect Gene Hamm designed an additional 18-hole course.

The country club offers lessons and instruction in various settings. Offerings such as private lessons, group clinics, and junior programs are easily accessible to golfers at any level of experience, ensuring a positive golfing experience. 

In addition to golf-related things, North Ridge also offers Dining, Tennis Courts, Youth Programs and camps, Fitness classes, and aquatics. 

2. 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. 

Your golf membership grants full family access to amenities such as the pool, tennis, fitness, pickleball, the kids' club, and dining and social events. 

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.

In addition to the golf membership, families indulge in other amenities such as the swim team or utilize the tennis complex, which includes four lighted state-of-the-art hydro courts. Tennis pros are available for private and group lessons, and there is even a Tennis Pro shop outfitted with gear, apparel, and refreshments. 

The Wakefield community is one of the best neighborhoods in Raleigh and does not require membership, but by living in this community as a golfer, you can see that the offerings at Wakefield are endless. 

3. Governor's Club - Chapel Hill, NC

Ranked in the top 5% of clubs Worldwide, The Governor's Club is the Triangle's only gated golf community and private club. This community is nationally recognized just minutes from downtown Chapel Hill and offers an award-winning Jack Nicklaus 27-hole golf course and member-owned country club.

This private gated community lends a lifestyle for any golf enthusiast. The beautiful, lush neighborhoods, gorgeous parks, and gathering areas will benefit families. 

The golf course covers over 1400 acres and encompasses 27 holes, with varied terrain intended to suit casual, social, and competitive golfers alike. Fun social golf events are hosted throughout the year. For example, the "FIVE after 6" program draws singles and couples to play five holes of golf with cocktails on the range and dinner following play. 

4. The Hasentree Club - Wake Forest, NC

Hasentree Country Club in Wake Forest offers resident and non-resident golf and social memberships. 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.

Amenities include dining, swimming, tennis, pickleball, a Child Development Center, and the resort's signature Oasis Spa.

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." 

Hasentree's impressive 16,000-square-foot clubhouse offers stunning views of the golf course and allows members to have a drink at the bar and grill room, private dining room, or covered outdoor dining and firepit area.

5. Prestonwood Country Club - Cary, NC

Prestonwood is located in the heart of Cary's premier residential community, Preston. What makes this golf community somewhat different from many of the others on this list is the flexibility of its offerings and wide range of activities for the whole family to choose from. 

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).

Other benefits from membership at Prestonwood include Men's Association, Junior Golf, Instruction, Tennis, Fitness, Aquatics, Kids Club, and Dining options. 

6. MacGregor Downs Country Club - Cary, NC

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. 

Members can join and leave both clubs as they please and have several different membership options to choose from. Amenities range from dining and social events to tennis and pickleball courts, pool access, and fitness center.

Since the club opened in 1967, MacGregor Downs has strived to fit in the Cary community as a place for the entire family to enjoy what is offered. MacGregor Downs offers social events throughout the year, a large pool area, championship golf, and tennis facilities.

For more experienced golfers, MacGregor Downs offers a men's golf association, a senior men's golf association, a ladies' golf association, junior golf programs, and Operation 36 Junior Golf Academy. Operation 36 is a recurring weekly class designed in a 6-level step program, coached by their staffed golf pros, and offered year-round for Men, Ladies, and Juniors. 

7. Twin Lakes Golf Course - Chapel Hill, NC

Twin Lakes Golf Course, located in Chapel Hill, NC, is an excellent place for any golfer, especially beginner golfers. This public course is open year-round and offers a 9-hole regulation-length course. 

Located in the southern part of Chapel Hill and just outside Fearrington Village, this community golf course is more affordable and accessible to golfers who may not golf regularly or are just trying to get into the sport. 

A la carte options for electric golf carts, rental clubs, pull carts, snacks, drinks, gloves, balls, tees, and towels are available at the Pro Shop on-site. 

If you're considering moving to Chapel Hill and want to enjoy golf without the long-term commitment, Twin Lakes Golf Course would be a great option.

8. The Preserve at Jordan Lake - Chapel Hill, NC

If you are moving to Raleigh, Golfweek Magazine voted The Preserve at Jordan Lake 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. 

Located South of Chapel Hill and just West of Raleigh, it focuses primarily on golf and offers golf lessons for adults and Juniors looking to sharpen their skills. 

Events can be found on their calendar throughout the year, but while you're on-site, if you're looking for a good meal, you will want to check out The Grille at The Preserve. Here, you will indulge in the culinary works of Executive Chef Geoff Stevens. His menu offers a nice variety of small bites, burgers, salads, sandwiches, and a kid's menu option. 

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.

9. Lochmere Golf Club - Cary, NC

Lochmere Golf Club is nestled in Cary's coveted Lochmere community. This East Cary community invites many family members to enjoy the three lakes, countless walking paths, two community pools, tennis, pickleball, and volleyball courts. 

Lochmere Golf Club is also a semi-private golf course, offering memberships and options for the public to play without a membership! Living in Lochmere, most residents who love golf will want to take advantage of all that Lochmere Golf Club offers. 

Lochmere Golf Club features an 18-hole course of Bermuda fairway grass designed by Gene Hamm and opened in 1985. Boasting as "Cary's favorite Golf Course," Lochmere eludes a friendly atmosphere and a great location to improve and enjoy the great sport of Golf. 

10. The Neuse Country Club - Clayton, NC

The Neuse Country Club incorporated the Glen Laurel pool and Neuse Golf Course into a club that offers amenities to the residents of Clayton and its surrounding communities. 

One of the best in Johnston County, The Neuse Country Club is considered semi-private, allowing members within the Glen Laurel community and other Clayton and Johnston County members to enjoy some of its offerings. 

Amenities include a family-oriented environment to enjoy golfing, a pristine pool, dining, member and guest events, social gathering spaces, and recreational activities for the entire family.

Multiple dining options are available here, including 918  Bar & Grill, which features a fully stocked bar and full menu. Menus are available to order from the golf course, as no outside alcohol or food is allowed on the course. You will also have access to a seasonal pool bar that offers food options from "The Sugar Shack" and can be delivered poolside.

Methodology

We used data and local sources including North Ridge Country Club, The Country Club at Wakefield Plantation, The Governor's Club and others to determine the best golf communities in the triangle area.

FAQ

How many golf courses are in Raleigh?

There are 18 golf courses in Raleigh, nine 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 has several different areas within and outside of Raleigh that encompass the Raleigh area.  There are 12 cities and towns in all, from Apex to Raleigh out to Zebulon.

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

As you can see, many options exist when determining which golf community you would like to move to. 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!

Whether you're visiting the Triangle area or you live here now, you will quickly realize that active lifestyles and outdoor living remain one of the Triangle's biggest assets. You do not have to go far to find a place to play a round of golf, and you can play year-round here.

If you're considering moving to Raleigh and would like more assistance determining which golf community would best suit your needs, please get in touch with any of our stellar agents here at Raleigh Realty. We are happy to help in any way we can.