Best Public Golf Courses in Greensboro, North Carolina

Updated February 2024 to update booking information.

It’s no secret that the Carolinas are a dream destination for serious golfers.  Every year, millions of diehards flock to places like Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, and Pinehurst to chase whitey. 

While destinations like these are world-famous for a reason, there are plenty of other, lesser-known, spots to find great golf at a reasonable price.

One such place is the community of Greensboro, North Carolina.

I haven’t spent much time in Greensboro, but I’ve heard nothing but positive stuff about the golf in the area.  So, with the help of our readers that call the area home, I’ve compiled a list of the best public courses anyone can play.

Carved out of mature, native hardwood forests, Forest Oaks Country Club offers golfers narrow, well-defined fairways and undulating, quick greens for a challenging and rewarding golfing experience. Located in Greensboro, North Carolina, this renowned club has a rich history, having hosted the PGA Tours Wyndham Championship from 1977 to 2007. The course, designed by Ellis Maples, is celebrated for its picturesque setting and demanding layout, making it one of the best public golf courses in the area.

Golfers who visit Forest Oaks can expect a truly exceptional round of golf amidst the stunning natural surroundings. The narrow fairways require precision and strategic play, while the quick greens pose a delightful challenge for even the most skilled golfers. Under new ownership, the country club has invested in enhancing its facilities, ensuring that visitors have access to top-notch amenities and a memorable golfing experience.

With its unique combination of natural beauty, challenging layout, and rich history, Forest Oaks Country Club stands out as a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts seeking the best public golf courses in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Visitors to The Cardinal by Pete Dye will find a visually intimidating and strategically demanding golf course, featuring hazards and bunkers lining most fairways. This challenging golf course, located at the Grandover Resort, was designed by the legendary golf architect Pete Dye.

The course demands precision, as small pot bunkers and mounds protect the greens, requiring players to commit fully to their shots. The Cardinal has gained recognition from Golf Digest for its difficulty and strategic layout, making it a must-play for golfers seeking a true test of their skills.

With hazards strategically placed throughout the course, strategic play is essential for success. The visually stunning landscape adds to the allure of this challenging course, providing a memorable and rewarding golfing experience for those willing to take on its demands.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer looking for a challenge or an enthusiast seeking to test your skills, The Cardinal by Pete Dye offers an unforgettable and formidable round of golf.

Nestled among stately trees, Jamestown Park Golf Course offers golfers a traditional parkland layout that demands precision and variety in shots. When you step onto this course, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the natural beauty of the area, enhancing your golfing experience.

With affordable green fees starting from $21 during the week, Jamestown Park Golf Course provides an accessible yet challenging round of golf. The well-maintained conditions of the course ensure that you’ll enjoy a high-quality game every time you visit.

It’s no wonder that this course is considered a hidden gem in Greensboro, offering a mix of difficulty and value. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer seeking a new challenge or a beginner looking for a course to hone your skills, Jamestown Park Golf Course has something to offer every golfer.

The highly acclaimed Oak Hollow Golf Course, designed by Pete Dye, offers golfers a challenging yet rewarding experience with its small greens, railroad ties, bunkers, and water hazards. The course’s Bermuda grass fairways and fast, true greens provide an exceptional playing surface.

Oak Hollow Golf Course is owned and operated by the city of High Point and is known for its well-maintained and challenging layout, attracting golfers from all skill levels. This public course has received recognition from Golf Digest and Top Links Magazine. It offers multiple tee options, allowing golfers to tailor their experience based on their skill level.

Oak Hollow Golf Course provides a vibrant golfing community, making it an ideal place to socialize and immerse yourself in the local golf scene. With its excellent course conditions and welcoming atmosphere, Oak Hollow Golf Course stands out as a top-notch option for those seeking a memorable round of golf in the Greensboro area.

looking for a golfing experience that offers a mix of challenge and strategic play, Blair Park Golf Course, owned and operated by the city of High Point, provides a picturesque setting with meandering creeks and opportunities for risk-reward shots. The course, built in 1931, has undergone renovations and additions while always maintaining great shape and enjoyable play.

Meandering creeks come into play on many holes, adding to the challenge and beauty of the course.

Here are five reasons why Blair Park Golf Course is a must-visit:

• The course offers a perfect blend of challenge and strategic play, making it an engaging and rewarding experience.
• Blair Park Golf Course is known for its picturesque setting, with meandering creeks adding to the beauty and challenge of the game.
• The course has a long-standing reputation for always being in great shape, ensuring a high standard of play for all golfers.
• The risk-reward opportunities on the course make it an exciting and strategic playing experience.
• Blair Park Golf Course is a part of the rich golfing landscape in the area, alongside Forest Country Club, Willow Creek Golf Course, and Players Course, adding to the appeal for golf enthusiasts seeking great golf experiences.

With its constant elevation changes and dual fairways on several holes, Winding Creek Golf Course offers golfers a distinctive and engaging experience, seamlessly continuing the discussion of challenging and picturesque golf courses in the Greensboro area. This top golf destination requires creativity and smart play due to its uneven lies, providing a different set of challenges each time you play this course.

Winding Creek Golf Course is the perfect place to test your skills as it offers a varied layout and challenges that will push you to adapt to changing conditions. The course’s unique characteristics make it a must-visit for golf enthusiasts seeking a memorable and rewarding experience. Located near the Oaks Country and Tree Golf Clubs, Winding Creek stands out as a course that demands strategic thinking and precision.

To fully appreciate its distinct features, it’s recommended to play Winding Creek multiple times, allowing you to uncover new aspects and nuances with each round.

Nestled within the picturesque Grandover Resort, the West Course beckons with its expansive water hazards and strategically placed bunkers, offering golfers an exhilarating and challenging experience. The West Course is the one you’ve been seeking – a course that tests your skills while providing opportunities to score on par fives and short par fours.

Consistently rated as the best play at Grandover Resort, this course offers a beautiful hotel and surroundings, making it an unforgettable golfing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a newcomer, the Grandover Resort provides world-class amenities for all golfers to enjoy.

Once you step onto the West Course, you’ll find yourself immersed in a golfing paradise, surrounded by stunning landscapes and top-notch facilities. It’s no wonder that many consider the West Course as one of the best they’ve ever played.

One of the newest golf courses in North Carolina is Crooked Tree.  Ever since it opened, it’s been met with rave reviews from golfers near and far. 

Even though it measures less than 6,600 yards, it’s a quality test.  Water comes into play on 9 holes and the bunkering, though modest, is strategic. 

Crooked Tree is also touted for being in spectacular condition year-around.  The fairways are like playing off carpet and the greens are as pure as you’ll find anywhere.

It’s not hard to see why Crooked Tree is so highly sought after.  You should come find out for yourself.

If you’re looking for a private club experience at a public facility price, look no further than Greensboro National.

The facility has been ranked “#11 in North Carolina” by Golf Advisor. 

Greensboro National blends both old school and modern design features.  The holes are framed by verdant trees that clearly dictate where you’re supposed to hit it.  At the same time, large water hazards come into play and the greens are expansive and undulating.  Getting around here without a three-putt is an accomplishment in and of itself. 

If you have a good day striking the ball around here, you’ll be rewarded with some opportunities to score. 

A fun, but challenging test, Greensboro National is more than worth the price you pay.

Links courses are hard to come by in North Carolina.  But that’s exactly what you’ll find at Holly Ridge.  That’s what makes it such a unique track.

Championship Bermuda grass is found from the tee to the green.  However, the course plays firm and fast and encourages you to use the ground to place the ball where you want it. 

Most holes allow you to run the ball into the green which is attractive for golfers that don’t hit it as far. 

In addition to great golf, the amenities here are second to none.  The pro shop is fully stocked, and the Bar and Grill is the place to be on Friday night.  Live music and assorted entertainment are featured all year.

The emphasis is on fun at Holly Ridge.  It’s no wonder this facility is a local’s favorite.

Conclusion

I’ve spent a lot of time in both North and South Carolina.  And truth be told, it’s usually in the Myrtle Beach area.  I do a buddies’ trip out here every year.

However, each time I visit and think I’ve seen it all, I find out I’m sorely mistaken.  The golf scene in Greensboro is a case in point.  While I’ve heard about the quality of public golf in this part of the state, I’ve yet to sample it for myself.  You can bet I’m going to now. 

That’s due in large part to all the insight our readers provided.  Clearly, I’ve been missing out, and you have too if you haven’t ventured to Greensboro.