The leaves are turning Fall colors, and Summer temperatures are cooling, making it a great time to visit Brunswick County, N.C. Between Little River on its southern end and Wilmington on its northern end, Brunswick County and the Brunswick Islands are quieter respites than Myrtle Beach to the south.
Encompassing 45 miles of beaches – six beaches on five islands – North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands are low-density playgrounds for everything from golf to fishing to kayaking. Or just sitting on the beach and doing nothing.
The Wilmington airport, less than one hour away from popular beach towns such as Ocean Isle Beach and Oak Island, Brunswick County, is an ideal destination for summer surf and sand and quality, affordable golf deep into November and early December.
Ocean Isle Beach, NC
Family-friendly, white sand beaches with lots of restaurants, local attractions, events, and outdoor activities for everyone, Ocean Isle Beach is the perfect destination for everyone.
With accommodations ranging from resorts such as Brunswick Plantation & Golf Resort, small beach hotels, and multi-bedroom beachfront homes managed by companies such as Sloane Vacation Rentals, the Brunswick Islands are a haven for golf buddy trips and family vacations. Sloane’s Misty Isle House is a prime example of the ideal beachfront house for families and buddy trips. Located on the north end of Ocean Isle Beach and easily recognized because of its bright red exterior, the multi-level house features eight bedrooms, a large living area, a fully equipped kitchen, a carport, a gas fireplace, a swimming pool, and a wooden walkway to the beach. Misty Isle is an easy walk to shops and restaurants of Ocean Isle Beach and, in the mornings, is an unparalleled viewing spot for beach sunrise.
Brunswick Plantation, in Calabash, for example, offers custom “stay and play’’ packages. They include accommodations at its one- and two-bedroom villas combined with play on the resort’s 27 holes designed by Willard Byrd and Clyde Johnston, as well as several other of the more than 30 courses (more than 500 holes) in the county.
Brunswick Plantation
Heritage Golf Group, which purchased Brunswick Plantation & Golf Resort in 2022, has done an outstanding job of resurrecting the property that had once been the most popular locale in the area. These days, one-third of the play at Brunswick Plantation is locals, one-third is a local membership, and one-third is from package groups.
The land throughout Brunswick County is more rolling than to its immediate south in South Carolina, meaning that its courses offer more movement and variety. Carolina National Golf Club, designed by PGA Tour star Fred Couples and Gene Bates, is a good example. Its 27 holes offer subtle elevation changes and great views of the Lockwood Folly River.
Carolina National
Crow Creek, in Calabash, is a Rick Robbins design that plays through towering pine trees and along the Caw Caw River. It’s an excellent “starting’’ course for first-time visitors to Brunswick County who want to combine golf with dinner at one of Calabash’s seafood restaurants, the most famous of which is Oyster Rock, known for its fresh-shucked oysters, jumbo shrimp, and the “must have’’ 14-ounce “Heritage Hog’’ pork chop.
Explore the town’s eclectic shops before or after golf and dining, and take the 20-minute walk to Sunset Beach.
Looking for more Lowcountry authenticity? Companies like Cape Fear Boil Company on Oak Island, will cater delicious seafood and barbeque feasts ideal for large groups.
Back to golf: The Pearl, a 27-hole facility designed by Dan Maples in Calabash, has been a long-time favorite among locals and visitors. The West nine is particularly popular, thanks to six holes set along the Calabash River.
Arnie’s Revenge: The most famous hole in Brunswick County.
The most famous hole in Brunswick County is the ninth hole at Rivers Edge in Shallotte. Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, the hole is reminiscent of the sweeping 555-yard, par-5, sixth hole at Palmer’s Bay Hill Club in Orlando. But, “Arnie’s Revenge’’ might be more difficult. It’s a par-5 that plays from 570 yards (back tees) to 429 from the forward tees. Regardless of the tee box, “Arnie’s Revenge’’ is a challenge, as it requires an accurate (and long) drive that sets up a second shot over the marsh. Accomplish those two things and you should have a short third shot into a narrow green. Miss any of those shots, and well… Arnie gets his revenge.
It’s a hole worth challenging for golfers of all skill levels, and it’s a perfect reminder that golf in the Brunswick Islands in North Carolina is a royal treat.
Visit ncbrunswickgolf.com to plan your royal golf vacation.
Feature Photo: Oak Island Lighthouse
Photos Courtesy of North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands