Top Public Golf Courses in Raleigh, Durham & Chapel Hill

North Carolina is renowned as one of the premier states for golf in America. The region’s predominantly mild climate allows courses to maintain lush greens throughout the year.

This article highlights some of the finest public and semi-private golf courses located in Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill. The Triangle benefits greatly from its prominent universities, each offering substantial access to stunning and challenging golf courses typically associated with private clubs.

01. Duke Golf Club / Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club

Established in 1957, this picturesque course located on the Duke University campus meanders through the beautiful Duke Forest. It was previously home to the 2001 NCAA Men’s Golf Championship. The course, designed by Robert Trent Jones and later redesigned by Rees Jones in 1994, boasts a driving range, six putting and chipping greens, seven sand bunkers, and eight target greens. Special rates are available for hotel guests and local residents, with tee times accessible 14 days in advance.

02. Finley Golf Course at UNC Chapel Hill

Located just south of the Chapel Hill campus, the UNC golf course, named after Raleigh businessman A.E. Finley, opened in 1949. Designed by George Cobb, it underwent a significant renovation in 1999 and served as the venue for the NCAA Men’s Regional Championships in 2015.

03. Lonnie Pool Golf Course at NC State University

This modern course, opened in 2008, provides spectacular views of the Raleigh skyline and NC State’s Centennial Campus. Designed by famed golfer Arnold Palmer, it carries the name of its benefactor, businessman Lonnie Poole. Public tee times can be reserved a week in advance.

04. The Preserve at Jordan Lake Golf Club

This award-winning semi-private club, recognized as “One of America’s 100 Best Residential Golf Courses” by Golf Week, features a design by Davis Love III and serves as an Audubon Society sanctuary. Overlooking Jordan Lake to the west of Raleigh, tee times for non-members can be reserved seven days in advance.

05. Falls Village Golf Course

This course, opened in 1999, is conveniently located near Raleigh-Durham Airport and Research Triangle Park. It provides five sets of tees across 18 holes, offering challenging elevations and varying degrees of difficulty.

06. The Neuse Golf Course

Designed by John LaFoy and opened in 1993, this 18-hole course is strategically located just outside Raleigh in Clayton. It was awarded “Best New Public Golf Course” by Golf Digest. Public tee reservations are accepted five days in advance.

07. Occoneechee Golf Club

This semi-private, family-owned course in Hillsborough has been a cherished local secret since it opened in 1963. It offers excellent pace of play, even during weekends, with special rates available for junior and senior golfers. Public tee times can be booked five days in advance.

08. Eagle Ridge

Opened in 2000, this par 71 course in Raleigh was designed by the 1992 U.S. Open champion, Tom Kite. It is owned by the Fred Smith Company, offering a quality golf experience for enthusiasts.