Best public golf courses in the Raleigh, North Carolina area

Raleigh, North Carolina, with its lush landscapes and temperate climate, is a haven for golf enthusiasts looking to tee off under vast blue skies. This vibrant region, known for its Southern charm and hospitality, offers an array of public golf courses that cater to both seasoned players and those new to the game. Each course showcases the natural beauty of the Raleigh area, providing a perfect backdrop for a day spent on the fairways and greens. Whether you're a local looking to discover a new favorite spot or a visitor aiming to hit the links, you're in for a treat with the best public courses this corner of the Tar Heel State has to offer.

Knights Play Golf Center 2512 Ten Ten Road, Apex, North Carolina Knight's Play Golf Center in Apex, North Carolina, offers an 18-hole par-3 course and a 9-hole par-3 course, catering to both new players and those seeking a less challenging round. The facility is well-maintained, featuring a driving range, putting green, and a clubhouse with dining options and a pro shop. Tee times are available up to a week in advance, with options for playing under lights for late-night rounds.

Duke University Golf Club 3001 Cameron Boulevard, Durham, North Carolina

River Ridge Golf Club 3224 Auburn Knightdale Road, Raleigh, North Carolina River Ridge Golf Club in Raleigh, North Carolina, offers a challenging 18-hole course with a par of 72, sprawling across 100 acres with a design that harmonizes with nature. Known for its excellent conditions, friendly staff, and great value, it's a preferred choice for golfers of all levels. With a course rating of 73.1 and a slope rating of 139 on Bermuda grass, it promises an engaging round for both local and visiting players.

UNC Finley Golf Course 500 Finley Golf Course Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina The UNC Finley Golf Course, enhanced by a Tom Fazio design, offers a high-quality golfing experience with its well-maintained greens and a layout that appeals to frequent players. Renovations including new bunkers and greens have modernized the course, which is complemented by a range of amenities and a reputation for friendliness and good pace of play. It's recognized as one of the top collegiate courses and a standout in the Chapel Hill/Raleigh/Durham area.

Falls Village Golf Club 115 Falls Village Lane, Durham, North Carolina

The Crossings Golf Club 4023 Wake Forest Highway, Durham, North Carolina The Crossings Golf Club in Durham, North Carolina, is a semi-private, scenic 18-hole course designed by Ron Garl, featuring a signature island green on the 12th hole. With a variety of tees, it accommodates all skill levels, offering a fair challenge amidst well-maintained Bermuda grass greens and fairways. Friendly staff and the potential for membership perks enhance the golfing experience.

Brevofield Golf Links 13601 Camp Kanata Road, Wake Forrest, North Carolina Brevofield Golf Links is a family-owned, public golf course in Wake Forest, North Carolina, featuring well-maintained Crenshaw bent greens and wide fairways that cater to all skill levels. The 18-hole course, designed by Earl Prevoort, offers a straightforward layout with minimal water hazards and is known for its first-come, first-serve policy without tee times. Overall, Brevofield provides a good value and a friendly atmosphere for golfers looking for a casual round.

Riverwood Golf Club 400 Riverwood Drive, Clayton, North Carolina Riverwood Golf Club in Clayton, NC, offers a championship layout along the scenic Neuse River, featuring 27 holes of dramatic play designed by David Postlethwait. Lauded as one of the "Top Ten Best New Courses in North Carolina" upon its opening in 1997, it presents a challenging yet rewarding experience with its well-maintained fairways, quick greens, and diverse elevation changes. The course is a favorite for its excellent conditions and has received accolades for its quality and design.

Heritage Golf Course 1250 Heritage Club Drive, Wake Forest, North Carolina Heritage Golf Club in Wake Forest, NC, designed by Bob Moore, offers a challenging yet player-friendly 18-hole championship course with rolling terrain and scenic views. Rated 4-1/2 Stars by Golf Digest, the semi-private club features well-maintained fairways, fast greens, and a variety of elevation changes. Amenities include a full driving range, practice areas, and a clubhouse restaurant open to the public.

Pine Hollow Golf Club 3300 Garner Road, Clayton, North Carolina Praised for its excellent condition and challenging greens, this course offers a great value and a welcoming atmosphere for both locals and visitors. The staff is known for being accommodating, contributing to an overall enjoyable experience. It's recommended for anyone looking for a quality round of golf in a well-maintained setting.

Eagle Ridge Golf Club 565 Competition Road, Raleigh, North Carolina Eagle Ridge Golf Club in Raleigh, North Carolina, designed by Tom Kite, offers a par 71, 6,904-yard course set in a wooded, rolling terrain. It's known for its lush fairways, thick rough, and challenging layout, including tough par 5s and strategic holes that cater to all skill levels. The course, enjoying a reputation as one of the nicest tracks in the area, provides a variety of holes that require a mix of strategies, making it a rewarding experience for golfers seeking a challenge.

Meadowbrook Country Club 800 White Oak Road, Garner, North Carolina Meadowbrook Country Club in Garner, North Carolina, offers a historic 9-hole, par 36 golf course that spans 3,110 yards with a slope rating of 124. Established in 1959 and located at 800 White Oak Rd, this semi-private club features four sets of tees to cater to various skill levels.