Golf lovers can find plenty to enjoy in Charlotte, a city that boasts private clubs and public greens. Several of these courses have an interesting backstory.
Named after County Commissioner Charles T. Myers, this Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation course offers the charm of an old-style course. This course features bent-grass greens and Bermuda fairways. Here are some of the best features of Charlotte NC golf course.
History
With a storied golf history, Charlotte has a wealth of great public and private courses. Many of these courses feature scenic rock walls, water hazards and beautiful trees. The city also boasts a variety of challenging holes, including doglegs and steep elevation changes. Charlotte is home to a number of famous golf tournaments, such as the Wells Fargo Championship and the 2017 PGA Championship.
One of the most unique public golf courses in Charlotte is Skybrook, a beautiful and challenging course located just minutes from uptown Charlotte. This Michael Hurdzan design is built on land that was formerly reserved for landfills. The course features plenty of elevation change and sloped fairways, making it a challenge for players of all skill levels. The course also features a variety of interesting holes, such as the short but well-bunkered par-4 15th, the scary pond-guarded par-3 16th, and the S-shaped signature par-5 18th.
Another popular public course is Olde Sycamore. This semi-private course offers a golfing pleasure for players of all ages and skill levels. It is set amid majestic Carolina tall pines and features hybrid Bermuda fairways and bent grass greens. The zoysia grass around the bunkers provides excellent definition and accentuates the beautiful natural setting. Besides offering an incredible golf experience, this golf course is the headquarters for The First Tee of Greater Charlotte, which introduces children to the game and teaches core values like courtesy and honesty.
Fairways
A true local’s golf course, this semi-private gem is located just half an hour west of Charlotte in Fort Mill, SC. The layout was designed by David Postlethwait, who used to work for Pete Dye. The course has a variety of challenging holes and beautiful scenery. You’ll also find a clubhouse with a restaurant and a driving range to practice your swing.
The fairways at this championship golf club are well-groomed and the greens roll fast and true. The staff at the pro shop is friendly and helpful. Whether you’re looking for new equipment or just need a lesson, the staff at this club can help.
Located near Empire Summerwood, this beautiful country club has a scenic natural setting. The fairways are lined by towering trees and meandering creeks. They feature dramatic rock walls and ponds that add to the challenge of playing this course.
One of the best courses in Charlotte, this private course is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts. The course has a great variety of holes with dramatic elevation changes and mature forests. Its North Course has a traditional design while the South Course has more of a modern Rees Jones design.
After a slow start, Skybrook has been a top public golf course in Charlotte since a renovation and change in ownership in 2019. This course has a mountain-like feel with large elevation changes tee to green and sloped fairways. The closing four-hole stretch is among the most difficult in Charlotte, including a tricky, long par-3 16th over water, a scary pond-guarded par-4 17th and the S-shaped signature par-5 18.
Greens
The greens are lush and fast, and the bentgrass at this course is a pleasure to play. It has a beautiful mix of holes, and the layout includes a number of risk-reward opportunities for all skill levels. The course also has a large practice range and two practice putting greens.
This picturesque course is located near Lake Wylie, and it is a great place for players of all skill levels to enjoy the game. Its unique location on a high woodland peninsula provides scenic views of the water, and its 18 visually dynamic golf holes offer a challenging and rewarding experience.
Originally designed by Dan Maples, this golf course features Bermuda fairways and undulating Bentgrass greens that put a premium on precise shotmaking. The course’s challenging design and excellent condition make it a popular choice for locals and visitors alike.
The golf course at Renaissance Park is a great challenge for all skill levels. It has wide fairways and several elevation changes, making it a good course for beginners to work on their short game. Renaissance Park’s clubhouse and restaurant offer delicious food and drink options, as well as a full-service pro shop. The golf course is also a great place to practice for any major tournament. The course is located in the upscale Emerald Lake residential community, and it offers great views and challenging play for players of all abilities.
Maintenance
With a host of public courses in the area, Charlotte offers golfers of all skill levels a variety of exciting layouts. In addition to top-notch facilities, many of these courses feature scenic views and challenging holes. Some of the best public courses include Skybrook Golf Club and Rocky River Golf Club.
Located about 30 miles north of Charlotte in the town of China Grove, Warrior Golf Club has quickly earned a reputation as one of the area’s best semi-private courses. Designed by architect Stan Gentry in 1999, the course is centered around a 50-acre lake that comes into play on six holes. Its layout also features forced carries over water and dramatic elevation changes.
The course features a combination of Bermuda fairways and renovated Diamond Zoysia greens, which offer a more stable surface that resists extreme heat and moisture conditions. The front nine is a bit short but the closing stretch is one of the toughest in Charlotte, with a well-bunkered par-4 15th, a pond-guarded par-3 16th, and a scarey S-shaped par-5 18th.
The city’s private golf scene is strong, too, with several classic Donald Ross designs lining the area. Quail Hollow, which hosted the 2017 PGA Championship and 2022 Presidents Cup, is a popular champion-value venue that has a run of dramatic holes on its “Green Mile.”