The weather is turning the page and the professional golf season takes a turn for the best with the Players Championship this weekend and the Masters Tournament less than a month away. Here in the Raleigh-Durham Triangle, we are no short on golfing, with private and public courses left and right, nestled in the Triangle’s hills and forestry.
Amongst the many private golf courses in the area that require a membership, there are several public and community courses as UNC, Duke, and NC State all have top-knotch public courses, and NC State’s Lonnie Poole course being just steps away from downtown Raleigh.
Senior Aarush Kathrani is an avid golfer and recently joined the Gators’ high school golf team. Kathrani called Lonnie Poole his go-to course, citing the quality greens and affordable fares.
“My go-to course is definitely Lonnie Poole because with Youth on Course, you can play it for ten dollars and they keep it at amazing conditions: the greens always roll pure, and whenever you’re there it is always a good time,” Kathrani said.
If you’re a younger golfer looking to get out on the course and get better, the Youth on Course membership is a great deal. For just around fifteen dollars, youth golfers can buy the Youth on Course membership, and get access to thousands of courses worldwide for five dollars or less. Here in North Carolina, Youth on Course’s portfolio includes Triangle golfing hubs Lonnie Poole and Wildwood Green Golf Club, but also gives you access to Pinehurst.
Kathrani got his golfing career off the ground because of Youth on Course. Aside from a Youth on Course membership, Kathrani recommends newer golfers and casual golfers alike to look at Knights Play in Apex for a casual and less challenging experience.
“One course I’d recommend for new golfers is obviously Knights Play,” Kathrani said, adding, “they have a pretty solid range. The course isn’t too great, but with it being all par 3s, it makes it a great beginner experience.”
While it isn’t necessary to be a part of a club or have a membership to a course, private courses in the area are some of the finest and most challenging. In Cary and southwest Wake County, clubs include Prestonwood Country Club and its 54 holes of championship golf, Macgregor Downs Country Club and its impeccable links course; and the newer 12 Oaks course in Holly Springs.
Junior Iggy Perea and the Gators’ number one on the men’s golf team spoke to several courses around the area, but he ultimately settled on Macgregor Downs as leaving the best impression on him.
“Macgregor Downs’ has a relaxed atmosphere and really pretty views,” Perea said, “along with Prestonwood, it’s my favorite course we play during the high school season, and since I’ve played them both many times, it’s like being at home.”
Another private course, The Club at 12 Oaks down in Holly Springs, is one that certainly tests a golfer. A Jack Nicklaus design, 12 Oaks is a modern course known for its risk-demanding play and complex putting greens. Both Kathrani and Perea noted 12 Oaks’ difficulty, suggesting it as a great challenge for experienced golfers.
“The most challenging course in my opinion is 12 Oaks,” said Perea, “it’s difficult because of its hard tee shots and sloping greens, and it’s definitely a great place for experienced golfers to challenge themselves.”
To combine with the courses mentioned above, North Ridge Country Club, Raleigh Country Club, Carolina Country Club, Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club, and UNC Finley Golf Club are all great options for a golf membership, with each of them providing unique challenges and features.
There is no better time than Spring to get out on the links and grow your golf game. With so many courses available in the Research Triangle area, each with their own challenges and natural characteristics that put the Triangle’s rolling hills and thick forestry on display, it’s easy to find a course that suits your game. Whether you’ve been at it for a while, or you’ve never golfed before, the Triangle has something for you. Happy golfing!
