Your Guide to Emerald Isle Golf

emerald isle golf courses

Ah, you’re headed out on a family vacation to the Emerald Isle, and everyone’s excited about all the amazing activities you’ll enjoy during your time away. Whether you’re looking to spend some classic together time on the beach, try your hand at fishing, or check out the most memorable attractions in the area, you certainly won’t run out of options.

One of our favorite things to do here is play a round or two on an Emerald Isle Golf Course. While many of these courses aren't in Emerald Isle itself, they're just a short drive away, and are definitely worth the drive.

Take some time away from the sand and surf, and try out your swing in a brand-new setting! We have several courses nearby that will challenge you to play some great golf and allow you to create vacation memories to last a lifetime.

Ready to dive in? Let’s do it. These are the top golf courses in and around Emerald Isle!

Is There Good Golfing in North Carolina?

The short answer is yes! There are several golf courses in and around Emerald Isle that are perfect for a few rounds of golf. If you have enough time, you can check out several of the courses.

When is the Best Time to Golf in Emerald Isle?

The best time to golf in Emerald Isle is during the spring and fall—temperatures are pleasant and mild, and there are fewer crowds. However, you can still have a great time if you golf here in the summer, too! Here’s a more detailed breakdown of golfing months in North Carolina:

Spring:

Average temperatures range from around 50-60°F in March to 70-80°F by May. There are also occasional rain showers (You remember the old saying, “April showers bring May flowers"). That being said, spring is a great time to golf here. You won’t be too hot, and the summer crowd won’t be sticking around the course! Plus, you can see the beauty of Emerald Isle as it comes alive again in spring.

Summer:

Summer temperatures are, of course, a bit higher, ranging from mid-80s to mid-90s °F. It’s also quite humid in the summer, and you can expect to see some thunderstorms. While the storms are frustrating, they can provide some necessary relief from the heat! If you don’t mind some heat and humidity, you can enjoy a game of golf in the summer in Emerald Isle. Cool off at the beach after your game!

Fall:

Similar to spring, fall temperatures bring some relief from the heat and humidity of summer. Daytime temperatures range from the 50s to 60s°F, and nighttime temperatures can dip into the 30s and 40s°F. Autumn is definitely up there among our favorite times to golf in Emerald Isle!

Winter:

Emerald Isle experiences pretty mild weather year-round, so there are plenty of opportunities to golf in the winter! Keep in mind that weather can be unpredictable, though—in the rare case of a winter storm, courses will, of course, close. It’s best to contact golf courses directly to learn about their seasonal hours!

golf in emerald isle

Alright, now that we know the best time to golf in Emerald Isle…let’s explore where you should go!

Crystal Coast Country Club

  • Par: 71
  • Amenities: 18-hole championship course, practice facilities, clubhouse with dining options, event spaces, and waterfront views.​
  • Location: 152 Oakleaf Drive, Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512​
  • Course Designer: Maurice Brackett​
  • Notable Features: Offers a picturesque sound-front setting and luxury amenities, making it a premier club on the North Carolina coast.​
  • Public or Private: Public​
  • Distance from Emerald Isle: Around 25-minute drive

Star Hill Golf Club

  • Par: 72​
  • Amenities: 27-hole course, practice greens, driving range, clubhouse with dining, and event hosting services.​
  • Location: 202 Club House Drive, Cape Carteret, NC 28584​
  • Course Designer: Russell T. Burney​
  • Notable Features: Known for its well-maintained, challenging course that remains in excellent condition year-round, situated in the heart of eastern Carolina's famed Crystal Coast.​
  • Public or Private: Public​
  • Distance from Emerald Isle: About a 10-minute drive

Brandywine Bay Golf Club

  • Par: 71​
  • Amenities: 18-hole course, practice facilities, clubhouse with dining, and swimming pool.​
  • Location: 177 Brandywine Boulevard, Morehead City, NC 28557​
  • Course Designers: Bruce Devlin and Ellis Maples​
  • Notable Features: Offers multiple membership packages, hosts regular tournaments and events, and provides golf lessons, catering to public golfers and members.​
  • Public or Private: Semi-private​
  • Distance from Emerald Isle: Approximately 15 miles east​
  • Estimated Driving Time: Around 30 minutes​

The Beaufort Club

  • Par: 72
  • Amenities: 18-hole championship course, clubhouse, resort-style pool, playground, volleyball court, and event spaces.​
  • Location: 300 Links Drive, Beaufort, NC 28516​
  • Course Designer: Bob Moore​
  • Notable Features: Provides resort-style living with a top-ranked golf course and luxury amenities, making it a central feature of the Beaufort community.​
  • Public or Private: Public​
  • Distance from Emerald Isle: About a 45-minute drive

Emerald Golf Club

  • Par: 72
  • Amenities: 18-hole course, practice facilities, clubhouse with dining, and event hosting services.
  • Location: 5000 Clubhouse Drive, New Bern, NC 28562
  • Course Designer: Rees Jones
  • Notable Features: Known for its challenging layout and beautiful scenery, offering a welcoming atmosphere for golfers.
  • Public or Private: Public
  • Distance from Emerald Isle: Around a 1 hour drive

North Shore Country Club & Golf Course

  • Par: 72
  • Amenities: 18-hole course, practice facilities, clubhouse with dining, swimming pool, and tennis courts.
  • Location: 101 North Shore Drive, Sneads Ferry, NC 28460
  • Course Designer: Tom Bendelow
  • Notable Features: Offers a challenging layout with scenic views, providing a comprehensive country club experience.
  • Public or Private: Semi-private
  • Distance from Emerald Isle: About a 50-minute drive

Sound of Freedom Golf Course

*Note: This course is only open to active or former US military members.*

  • Par: 72​
  • Amenities: 18-hole course, practice facilities, clubhouse, and pro shop. Access may be restricted due to its location on Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.​
  • Location: Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, Havelock, NC 28532​
  • Course Designer: George Cobb, Redesigned in 2003 by Clyde Johnston​
  • Notable Features: Primarily serves military personnel and their guests, offering a range of facilities and a welcoming environment.​
  • Public or Private: Private (Military)​
  • Distance from Emerald Isle: About a 35-minute drive

Emerald Isle Woods Disc Golf

  • Location: 9404 Coast Guard Road, Emerald Isle, NC 28594
  • Par: 27 (9 Hole Course)

Want to try something different this vacation? Instead of packing up your clubs, why not try some disc golf?

Disc golf is similar to traditional golf in that you aim at a hole and count strokes upwards—the person with the lowest score wins. It’s a fun group activity, and it can get addicting over time! If you’re a fan of tossing the frisbee around, you should try it out at the disc golf course in Emerald Isle!

Book Your Emerald Isle Golf Getaway Directly with Sun-Surf Realty!

Emerald Isle vacation rental

After a long day out on the course, return to the best Emerald Isle vacation rental possible when you stay with Sun-Surf Realty. Whether you’re searching for oceanfront views or want a pet-friendly rental so you can bring the whole family along, we’re confident you’ll find the perfect match in our extensive catalog.

Browse our available Emerald Isle vacation rentals now and book your next stay directly with Sun-Surf Realty!

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