North Carolina has long been recognized as an outstanding destination for golfers from all over the country. Not only is it a sensational place to play for the most competitive golfers, but it's also great for newer and less-experienced golfers who are still in the process of learning the game. The courses are beautiful and challenging, and the prices are competitive.
Pinehurst No. 2
This is perhaps the most famous and storied course in North Carolina. It was the site of the 1999 and 2005 U.S. Opens, and it will host the national tournament again in 2014. The par-72 course was designed by the legendary Donald Ross in 1907 and remains one of the highest-ranked courses in the United States.
Pine Needles
Another classic North Carolina course. This is a test of accuracy and shot-making. Pine Needles is 7,015 yards long, but the length is not the issue. Golfers must be accurate, or they will face a long afternoon on the course. The fifth hole is one of the most picturesque par-3 holes in the state of North Carolina, and its elevation forces golfers to contend with tough winds on a regular basis.
National Golf Club
Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this 7,144-yard course tests and rewards golfers who can hit the ball a long way. The course is loaded with hills and has many water hazards, but it also has wide fairways that make it easier for golfers who prefer to use their drivers and long clubs on a regular basis. However, once golfers get to the green, they will find plenty of undulations that make putting quite challenging.
About The Author
Steve Silverman is an award-winning writer who has been covering sports for 28 years. He is the author of "The Minnesota Vikings: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" (Triumph Books, Chicago) and two other books on the Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers.
