Golfing the Outer Banks of North Carolina
By Bill F. Hensley
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| Cape Hatteras Lighthouse |
North Carolina’s famed Outer Banks has long been one of the nation’s favorite—and most unique—travel destinations. The reasons are simple: rare beauty, a historic past, barrier islands, fishing, swimming, boating, hunting, sightseeing, hang gliding, bird watching and dozens of other assets. It’s a “don’t miss” kind of place.
In recent years, another amenity has added to the OBX’s tremendous popularity and has played a key role in attracting visitors. It’s a simple four-letter word: GOLF.
In the past decade a number of fine golf courses have been developed in the area much to the delight of the homefolks as well as the traveling public.
“Golf has become a major part of the Outer Banks mystique,” said golf pro Bryan Sullivan, who grew in the area and played at UNC-Chapel Hill, “and it gives visitors another outdoor activity in this enchanting and exciting destination.”
Currently, there are eight courses in the area centering around Nags Head that offer a variety of seacoast terrain and challenging holes. On occasions, a stiff ocean breeze can make play more demanding over the sand dunes, wetlands, sea grass, and maritime forests.
The courses (and designers) are:
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| Currituck Club golf course |
Nags Head in Nags Head (Bob Moore); Sea Scape, Kitty Hawk (Art Wall); Duck Woods, Kitty Hawk (Ellis Maples); Goose Creek, Grandy (Jerry Turner); Currituck Club, Corolla (Rees Jones); Kilmarlic, Powell’s Point (Tom Steele); The Pointe, Poplar Branch (Russell Breeden); and the Carolina Club, Grandy (Russell Breeden).
All are open to the public and are open throughout the year.
“The Outer Banks is becoming well-known for its good golf,” offered Kevin Brafford of Greensboro, director of the North Carolina golf panel. “Players of all skill levels can find excitement and challenges on the courses there and enough scenic beauty to last a lifetime.
Believe me, it’s an enjoyable and memorable experience.”
A number of top tournaments have been played on the Banks in recent years, including the North Carolina Open which was played at Kilmarlic in 2004 and 2009.
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| Sea Scape golf course |
In addition to golf and a wide assortment of seafood restaurants, the Outer Banks offers a variety of accommodations, including local and chain motels, country inns, B&Bs, cottages and small family establishments. Many are located on the beach and offer spectacular ocean views.
A special favorite is the stately Sanderling Resort and Spa in Duck, a 13-acre beachfront property that is highly regarded for its excellent rooms, cuisine and service. There are 88 spacious and well-appointed guest rooms and suites and five rental homes with sweeping vistas. The resort has two fine restaurants and a full-service spa. Several golf courses are nearby.
For more information on golf, accommodations and things to see on the Outer Banks, contact the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau at 1-877-629-4386 or log on to www.outerbanks.org.
Special golf package information is available by calling 1-800-916-6244 or logging on to www.PlayOBXGolf.com.
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