Best Public Golf Courses in Greensboro, North Carolina

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.

From 1977 through 2007 Forest Oaks played home to the PGA Tour’s Wyndham Championship.

Even though the tournament has since relocated, the former fact is a testament to just how good this track is.

Designed by Ellis Maples, Forest Oaks is carved out of mature, native hardwood forests.  The fairways are narrow and well-defined.  You need to keep it in play if you’re going to score. 

The greens are undulating and quick too.  It’s important to stay below the hole and pay attention to hole locations. 

Ask anyone that’s ever played Forest Oaks and they’ll tell you it’s one of the best values for a true championship test anywhere in the country.

If there’s an architect that’s known for designing visually intimidating golf courses, it’s Pete Dye. 

The Cardinal is no exception.

Opened in 1977, this course has proven a timeless, difficult test.  Hazards and bunkers line most fairways and make choosing the proper sight lines a must. 

The same goes for approach shots into greens which are protected by small pot bunkers and mounds. 

Just like most of Dye’s other courses, it’s important to remember that there’s usually more room than it looks like.  Commit to your shots. 

If you have the chance to play this course more than once, do it.  You’re almost sure to score better the second time around.

Another revered track that dates all the way back to the 1970’s is Jamestown Park Golf Course.

The layout here is traditional parkland over rolling hills.  Stately trees line the fairways.  Keeping the ball in play is paramount. 

A delectable variety of holes demand your very best, while also allowing chances to play aggressively and score.  You’ll hit every club in your bag here.

This course is also one of the most affordable in the area too.  During the week, you can play here for as little as $21.

Jamestown Park often flies under the radar, but should be on your list when you’re in the area.

We don’t have enough room to list all the accolades Oak Hollow has received from the likes of Golf Digest and Top Links Magazine.  Suffice it to say this course more than lives up to its reputation. 

Also designed by Pete Dye, this track has all the features you’d expect: small greens, railroad ties, lots of bunkers, and plenty of water.  This is target golf in every sense of the word. 

Like most other Dye tracks, Oak Hollow is a stern test.  Fortunately, there are plenty of tee options to suit every skill level of golfers.  Locals suggest playing up a set from where you normally would.

Owned and operated by the city of High Point, Oak Hollow is one of the finest public facilities in the Greensboro area.

Also owned and operated by the city of High Point is Blair Park Golf Course. 

The original track was built in 1931 and only consisted of nine holes.  Since then, nine more holes have been added and renovations have resulted in a top-tier modern design. 

Meandering creeks come into play on more than half the holes.  It’s important to know where these are at as they can sneak up on you. 

What players like most about Blair Park are the opportunities for risk and reward.  While you can certainly go for broke, errant shots can lead to big numbers.

Always in great shape and fun to play, don’t miss out on Blair Park.

Winding Creek isn’t the longest course in the world, but it’s one of the more unique tracks in the area.

Unlike a lot of courses in this part of the world, elevation change is a constant theme.  The course also allows you to play to dual fairways on a number of holes.  The key is to keep your ball out of Winding Creek which comes into play throughout. 

Expect to hit a wide variety of shots here too.  Uneven lies ask you to be creative and play smart.  With that said, there are ample opportunities to score if you execute quality shots.

Because this course seems to offer a different set of challenges each time you play it, we suggest playing here more than once if you have time.

There are two courses at Grandover Resort.  The consensus is that the West Course is the one to play. 

A modern design, this track has large features including substantial water hazards, expansive greens, and plenty of bunkers that penalize wayward shots. 

While the West Course sounds like a difficult test, there are actually opportunities to score.  The par fives provide realistic birdie opportunities, and a number of short par fours leave you a short club into the green if you hit a solid tee shot. 

If you’re looking for an opportunity to stay where you play in the Greensboro area, Grandover Resort is an excellent choice.  All the amenities are world-class.

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.