15 Top Golf Courses in Raleigh (and the Triangle Area)

Raleigh is well known for government offices, technology, research labs, and its college campuses, but nestled between the buildings and warehouses are manicured green spaces turned into world-class fairways. Yep, Raleigh is also a popular golfing destination in North Carolina, and it’s easy to see why.

I’ve played several courses here on humid summer mornings, and nothing beats the sight of the pines casting long shadows across the tee boxes, and the sound of traffic being replaced by birdsongs and the thwack of a well-struck drive. It’s not just a sport, but a way to let off steam and forget you’re living in the city, as I’m sure most golfers in Raleigh will tell you.

What makes the golf courses in Raleigh so appealing is the layout. Most of them are carved through tall Carolina pines and oaks, and are maintained by meticulously kept clubs that offer luxury and wellness between games. Many of these courses date back decades, some even centuries.

Whether you’re visiting Raleigh and looking for a public course, or you’re local to Raleigh and fancy joining a private club, there are plenty of courses to get your swing on. Expect reasonable greens fees, courses that feel rooted in the landscape, and a community that welcomes any golfer, no matter where you come from. No to mention, home of American Golf, Pinehurst, is just an hour’s drive away.

Public Golf Courses and Clubs

Lonnie Poole Golf Course, Raleigh

• Address: 1509 Main Campus Dr, Raleigh
• Website: lonniepoolegolfcourse.com

Perhaps the most popular public golf course in Raleigh sits right on NC State’s Centennial campus. This award-winning golf course is the only collegiate golf course in the world designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer and the design team at Arnold Palmer Design Company (including Erik Larsen and Brandon Johnson, both NC State graduates).

Lonnie Poole is used for the university’s men’s and women’s golf teams. Although used by professional golfers, it’s been designed to be playable for any skill level, whether you’re a seasoned pro or novice – anyone who wants to tee off can use this course.

It features 18-holes with views overlooking the downtown skyline and framed by oaks and Carolina pines. Although it’s a public golf course, you should check the website for public times and course conditions before turning up. You can book your tee time up to 10 days in advance. NOTE: there is a dress code, no cut-off shorts, bathing suits, or tank tops, and men should wear a collared shirt at all times. Golf shoes are required for all. And you are not allowed to bring a cooler – there is an on-site dining room where you can get refreshments.

Raleigh Golf Association, Raleigh

• Address: 1527 Tryon Rd, Raleigh
• Website: www.rgagolf.net

Drive 12-minutes out of downtown, and you’ll find yourself at the historic public golf course, Raleigh Golf Association, which features 27 holes in a forested, serene setting. Raleigh Golf Association (RGA) is one of the state’s oldest public golf courses. Although it has 27 holes, 18 of those are open to the public and 9 are reserved for members, stockholders, league members, and tournaments.

The course is designed for all skill levels and is also walker-friendly, so no need for golf buggies. Currently, the course is undergoing a full renovation, which will feature a fully redesigned course and state-of-the-art driving range and teaching center. The course is still open to the public while work is carried out. Book your tee times here.

River Ridge Golf Club, Raleigh

• Address: 3224 Auburn Knightdale Rd, Raleigh
• Website: www.golfriverridge.com

An award-winning golf course in a tranquil area of Raleigh, River Ridge is a rolling-terrain public course with water features, ravines, rolling hills, and forested views. It’s probably the most varied terrain golf course in Wake County, so if you are looking for something a little bit different and more challenging, this artfully designed course is the ideal choice – especially if you love nature. As well as teeing off on the 18-hole course, you can also practice your drive swing in the state-of-the-art practice facility, which has hitting bays. You can also book group or individual golf lessons. It also has pickleball courts.

Eagle Ridge Golf Club, Raleigh

• Address: 565 Competition Rd, Raleigh
• Website: eagleridgegolfnc.com

Nestled in the outskirts of Raleigh, near Juniper Level Botanic Garden and Lake Wheeler Park, Eagle Ridge Golf Club is a par-71 challenge course set in 6,904 yards of woodland. It was designed by 1992 US Open Champion Tom Kite and features rolling terrain, suitable for golfers of all levels. There is also a driving range, practice green, chipping area, golf shop, dining room, and private golf lessons available. Although open to the public, check the website for public tee times and course conditions, as there are members-only time slots.

Pine Hollow Golf Club, Clayton

• Address: 3300 E Garner Rd, Clayton
• Website: www.pinehollowgolf.com

Just outside Raleigh in the beautiful town of Clayton, Pine Hollow is a traditional 18-hole golf course set over a 6,583-yard area. The par-71 course opened in 1968, but it underwent a major renovation in 2006, which added new bunkers, tees, and rolling undulations. Today, it offers a state-of-the-art driving range, putting greens and chipping areas, and a clubhouse with a pro golf shop. Lessons are also available. Book far in advance as tee times get booked up quickly!

Wildwood Green Golf Club, Raleigh

• Address: 3000 Ballybunion Way, Raleigh
• Website: www.wildwoodgreen.com

Wildwood Green Golf Club is an 18-hole course with rolling landscapes and flexible tee times. It’s more expensive than other courses on this list, but there are usually tee times available at the last minute, so it is an ideal option for those looking for a spontaneous tee off. Wildwood Green was originally established in 1986 but had a major redesign in 1996. It’s now a course for all skill levels, but also has a Champion Bermuda Grass green (opened in 2017) for the more experienced players. It also has a driving range and clubhouse, as well as a daily Gaggle.

Paschal Golf Club, Wake Forest

• Address: 555 Stadium Dr, Wake Forest
  • Website: www.paschalgolfclub.com

Over in Wake Forest, Paschal is a small but classic year-round golf course with a historic legacy. Opening in 1917, it’s one of the oldest courses in the Triangle area, and features four 18-hole yardage combinations, so anyone of any skill level can enjoy a tee off here. Its natural setting, characterized by Richland Creek, which meanders through the site, adds to the appeal. It’s not uncommon to see deer on the course, as well as geese and other migratory birds.

It also has a cute historic clubhouse, putting green, a shop, and a snack bar for refreshments. What’s more is that you don’t have to book online; walk-ins are also welcome. Though if you’re visiting on a weekend or on a school holiday, it’s best to book ahead.

Hedingham Golf Club, Raleigh

• Address: 4801 Harbour Towne Dr, Raleigh
• Website: hedinghamgolfnc.com

In the quiet suburbs of northeast Raleigh is Hedingham Golf Club, a challenging course framed by tall Carolina pines and meandering past the Neuse River. This community golf course was designed by David Postlethwait and is a semi-private 18-hole championship course that plays to a par 71. It has modern amenities, such as GPS-equipped EZ-GO carts, TrackMan Range technology, and more. It also has flexible membership options. It’s not a showy destination course, but that’s the charm: an easygoing Raleigh round where it’s all about the game.

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club at Duke University, Durham

• Address: 3001 Cameron Blvd, Durham
• Website: washingtondukeinn.com

Over in Durham, on the Duke University campus, the golf course at the Washington Duke Inn has been noted as one of the top 10 courses in the state and even hosted the 2001 NCAA Men’s Golf Championship. This 18-hole course was designed by Robert Trent Jones and is the only course in the region designed by him. It features lush, manicured grounds and gentle rolling hills, framed by oaks and pines. 

Between tee-offs, you can enjoy the inn’s restaurant, which is well known for its afternoon tea experience. You don’t have to stay at the inn to enjoy this course; you can book a daily golf session via the Duke Golf Club.

Finley Golf Club at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

• Address: 500 Finley Golf Course Rd, Chapel Hill
• Website: www.finleygolfclub.com

Over in Chapel Hill, the University of North Carolina golf club is open to members, Heels Club members, and paying guests. It has a championship 7,223-yard, 18-hole course, which is open from Spring until Fall. The course sits on the southeast of the university campus and was designed by George Cobb in 1949, but it was redesigned in 1999 by Tom Fazio to ensure it challenges the most skilled golfers. The course was renovated in 2024 and is the practice grounds of the UNC Golf Teams. The course has tournament conditions every day.

It has five tee boxes, a large driving range, and two large putting greens. It also has a 9-hole course open from 3:30pm, and costs just $50 at a walking rate. There is also a clubhouse, which has a pro shop and a casual grill restaurant. 

Private Golf Courses and Clubs

Raleigh Country Club, Raleigh

• Address: 400 Donald Ross Dr, Raleigh
• Website: www.raleighcc.com

Raleigh Country Club is one of the most prestigious and historic courses in North Carolina. It was designed by Donald Ross, a legendary golf course designer, in 1948, and was the last one he ever designed. The course was designed to be challenging but also sit elegantly within the natural setting and has been dubbed one of the top 20 North Carolina Golf Panel’s courses.

This private club is not just about golf, but the whole family. It has a five-lane lap pool as well as a children’s pool for toddlers, as well as a kids’ club, so mom and dad can take a break to play a game or two while the kids do arts and crafts or play laser tag.

North Ridge Country Club, Raleigh

• Address: 6612 Falls of Neuse Rd, Raleigh
• Website: www.northridgecountryclub.org

North Ridge Country Club is a longstanding private club in North Raleigh with 36 holes across two contrasting courses: the Lakes and the Oaks. Originally designed by architects George Cobb and Gene Hamm, the layouts both resemble typical landscapes of the region and are meticulously groomed and have Champion Ultra dwarf Bermuda grass.

The Lakes Course, as the name suggests, has water features and strategic bunkering, while the Oaks Course looks more like parkland and has more of an elevation change. Off the course, there are also tennis and pickleball courts, youth camps for kids, a fitness centre, and a junior-size Olympic pool with six lap lanes, three water slides, a diving board, and a splash zone for kids. 

Carolina Country Club, Raleigh

• Address: 2500 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh
• Website: www.carolinacc.net

Established in 1910, Carolina Country Club is one of Raleigh’s oldest and most prestigious private clubs. The 18-hole course, another timeless fairway designed by Donald Ross, is one of the most challenging in the region and has won several awards and accolades for its design. There are also short-game practice facilities, a driving range, and a golf shop. As well as golf, there is also a tennis court and a prestigious clubhouse, which has been recognized as a five-star Platinum Club of America.

Prestonwood Country Club, Cary

• Address: 300 Prestonwood Pkwy, Cary
• Website: www.prestonwood.com

Prestonwood Country Club is another course for golfers who love a challenge. It has manicured fairways made of both bentgrass and Champion bermudagrass greens, and features lakes and sand bunkers to overcome. It features three 18-hole courses, each designed by Tom Jackson, which were all rated one of the top 100 courses in North Carolina by the NC Golf Panel. It was also used to host the SAS ChampionshipTo play at Prestonwood, you must have a membership, which gives you access to 54 holes, 15 tennis courts, and a huge fitness facility and Aquatics Center, plus you can take your kids to the Kids Club. At the moment, memberships are full, so check the website to join the waiting list.

The Hasentree Club, Wake Forest

• Address: 7305 Village Club Dr, Wake Forest
• Website: www.invitedclubs.com

Lastly, the Hasentree Club in nearby Wake Forest is an upscale private club with golf and tennis courts. The 71-par golf course was designed by legendary golfer Tom Fazio, which spans across 7,074 yards and has a peaceful nature trail around it and the lake.

While you’re enjoying the golf course, your family can unwind in the fitness center, six-lane, 25-yard competition pool, or children’s splash pool with a 90-foot, double-loop water slide, or play a game of tennis or pickleball. There is also a child development center that has activities and programmes for toddlers and young children. After a game, grab lunch at the onsite restaurant, the Oak, or unwind with a glass of wine at the Tavern at Oak. 

In summary

There you have it. A list of the top public and private golf courses in Raleigh and the Triangle area. Let me know your favorite Raleigh golf course, or course in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area? Any courses I have missed that should be on this list?