In a state chock-full of outstanding golf, North Carolina’s Brunswick Islands offers players something a little different, a quieter, coastal destination that delivers quality courses and serenity in equal doses.
With more than 30 layouts spread across the area, this stretch of coastline has earned its reputation as one of the North Carolina golf scene's under the radar stars.
If you are planning a trip, here’s a three-day, five-round itinerary that showcases the variety and scenery that define Brunswick Islands golf.
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Day 1: The Big Cat Experience
Start your vacation with one of the area’s most visually striking designs.
Leopard’s Chase is one of four “Big Cats” at Ocean Ridge Plantation. Designed by Tim Cate, the course is known for its visuals, including the architect’s generous use of locally harvested coquina boulders, a waterfall, and native waste areas that frame many holes.
It’s not just eye candy, though. The layout demands precision, especially into the greens, and the par 4 18th is one of the area’s most memorable finishing holes. Leopard’s Chase will get your trip off to a roaring start.
Afternoon Round: Brunswick Plantation
After lunch, settle into a player-friendly but still engaging test at Brunswick Plantation.
Photo Courtesy: Brunswick Plantation & Golf Resort
This 27-hole facility offers variety and value, making it a staple of countless golf trips. It’s the perfect complement to Leopard’s Chase, less visually intimidating, but still plenty of challenge with water, bunkering, and multiple routing options.
Bonus: Staying on-site at Brunswick Plantation & Golf Resort is one of the easiest ways to simplify logistics for your trip.
Day 2: Variety & Coastal Character
The second day is all about contrast: classic Carolina golf in the morning, and marshland drama in the afternoon.
Morning Round: Sea Trail Maples
Dan Maples’ work is all over this region, and the Maples Course at Sea Trail is one of his most recognizable.
Photo Courtesy: Sea Trail Golf Resort, Photo Credit: Jim Maggio
Framed by towering pines and ancient oaks, the layout emphasizes accuracy over power. Several holes wind along Calabash Creek, and the course’s subtle movement and undulating greens reward shot making.
The Maples Course is in outstanding condition after a 2025 greens and bunker renovation project reinvigorated the layout.
Bonus: Staying on-site at Sea Trail Golf Resort is another one of the easiest ways to simplify logistics for your trip.
Afternoon Round: The Pearl
A 27-hole facility, The Pearl Golf Links might deliver the best scenery of the trip.
Set along the Calabash River, The Pearl features multiple holes playing along marshland and water. The West nine, in particular, is known for its stunning riverfront stretch.
If Leopard’s Chase is the most dramatic inland design, The Pearl is its coastal counterpart.
Day 3: A Barrier Island Finale
Morning Round: Oak Island Golf Club
Built on a barrier island, Oak Island Golf Club offers a completely different vibe from the inland courses you played the first two days.
Photo Courtesy: Oak Island Golf Club
Originally designed by George Cobb, the layout weaves through maritime forest with ocean breezes influencing nearly every shot. Water comes into play on more than half the holes, and the exposed setting means club selection is rarely straightforward.
It’s the perfect finale: scenic, challenging, and unique to the Brunswick Islands.
Ready to experience them for yourself? Start planning your next stay-and-play trip at www.NCBrunswick.com.