SPECIAL SECTION

Brunswick County Golf

By Shane Sharp,
Contributing Writer

Overview

CALABASH, N.C. - As you drive north on U.S. Highway 17 from North Myrtle Beach and over the state line, tourist traps and miniature golf courses give way to Mom-and-Pop seafood restaurants, quaint beach cottages, and rustic roadside gift shops. Anchoring the coast of this pristine region are the Brunswick Islands - a group of barrier islands that run from the world famous "seafood capital" of Calabash, North Carolina, all the way north to the Cape Fear River near Wilmington. The scenery is unrivaled, as Carolina Oaks and Pines mix together to give the area a true mid-Atlantic feel.

This is Brunswick County, one of the undiscovered gems of the Grand Strand. This bucolic setting is home to nearly a third of the Strand's golf courses, ranging from bargain level public access tracks and mid-range surprises to high-end daily fee and semi private layouts. With marshland layouts such as Marsh Harbor and Oyster Bay, Brunswick County lays claim to some of the most scenic courses in the entire state.

A slew of new high-end daily fee courses such as Arnold Palmer's River Edge, Tim Cate's Tiger's Eye and Thistle, Rick Robbins' Crow Creek, and Willard Byrd's Farmstead have opened their doors over the past three years.

But with affordable family owned and operated facilities like the Calabash Golf Links, The Meadowlands Golf Club, and Brunswick Plantation, Brunswick County also caters to the budget-minded golfer. Yet somehow, the numerous golf courses of the area have eluded hordes of golfers from the Midwest and Northeast over the years primarily because of the county's remote location and limited urban infrastructure, not because of the product being offered.

So if you seek a golf trip that revolves around thirty-six holes a day, a beer and a bed, then Brunswick County is the prescription for what ails you. Unlike its commercialized cousin to the south, this area once described by early settlers as "some trees and some marshlands" is more likely to overwhelm you with wildlife than nightlife. Between the seafood restaurants, the unspoiled beaches, and a sampling of eclectic shops and restaurants, Brunswick County offers golfers and nongolfers a golf bag full of other recreational opportunities.

Brunswick County is refreshingly short of "all-you-can-eat" joints and chain restaurants, but its sufficiently outfit with local eateries that will keep you pot bunker deep in seafood and steaks. For solid seafood in a true Low Country atmosphere, head to Crab Catchers in Little River, just fifteen minutes south of Brunswick County off US 17. Bronco's Steakhouse on the Ocean side of the Ocean Isle Beach Bridge weighs in with cowboy-sized steaks and ribs that fall gently off the bone, while the Strand's best seafood is never more than a sandwedge away in the fishing village of Calabash.

Nightlife Brunswick County is not totally non-existent - you just have to seek it out. For some local flavor head to Victoria's Sports Bar or Sharky's in Ocean Beach across the Ocean Isle Beach Causeway. Or, pack up the crew and head for Myrtle Beach where you won't run out of things to do at the plethora of bars and restaurants at Broadway at the Beach, or North Myrtle Beach's Barefoot Landing.

Take a minute to peruse our "area-by-area" guide to the Carolinas true hidden golf gem - Brunswick County.

Calabash

The southernmost point in the Brunswick Islands, Calabash has earned the nickname "The Seafood Capital of the World." Over a dozen seafood restaurants, built along the docks of this quaint fishing village, feature local seafood delivered fresh off the fishing boats right to their back doors. The area's method of cooking has become known far and wide as "Calabash-style." You may spot a number of golfers at the neighboring tables, as Calabash has several courses that rank among the best in North Carolina.

Shallotte

One of the first areas settled in the county, Shallotte has been the center of activity in the South Brunswick Islands for over a century. This small inland town is brimming with retail shops, restaurants, and accommodations. The river pilots of the 19th century determined that Shallotte's location, approximately halfway between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, and central to all the islands, made it the ideal site to serve as the commercial hub of the South Brunswick Islands. Just minutes from beaches, golf courses, and other recreational activities, the same holds true today.

Ocean Isle Beach

With seven miles of quiet beaches and a peaceful quality of life for its residents and visitors, the friendly village of Ocean Isle typifies the Brunswick Islands experience. Visit the Museum of Coastal Carolina for an in-depth look at island life. You'll also find unique shops, as well as marinas, deep-sea fishing, and canals with backyard crabbing and fishing. The well-kept private lodgings, hotels, condos, and golf resorts make this laid-back island community very inviting to visitors and vacationers. And, at certain times of the year, you can watch the sun both rise and set over water.

Sunset Beach

Perhaps demonstrating how little things change in this area, the smallest of the Brunswick Islands is reached by driving across the only remaining pontoon bridge on the East Coast. The last area island to be developed, Sunset Beach boasts remarkably wide snow-white beaches, huge dune ridges, and marsh areas, with a very natural and secluded feeling. Large pastel cottages set back behind the dunes make this island a favorite return haven for family gatherings and vacations. At dusk, Sunset Beach puts on a show worthy of its name, with spectacular sunsets made more dramatic by the unusual east-west alignment of the island.

Holden Beach

After prospering as a commercial fishing center in the 1920s, Holden Beach evolved into a full-fledged family vacation spot in the 1930s. Not surprisingly, Holden Beach is still known for its excellent offshore fishing and features a full-service fishing pier for both casual and serious anglers. Fishing season is still celebrated with both a spring and a fall festival. Until recently, the island was accessible only by ferry, but now a two-lane, elevated bridge connects it to the mainland. Visitors will enjoy 11 miles of tranquil beach, unique retail shops, amusements, and restaurants.

Oak Island

While the most populous town in the Brunswick Islands, Oak Island enjoys a small-town atmosphere that has attracted visiting families for generations. Oak Island was founded with a strong sense of community and public access. Public beach accesses (most with parking), public boat ramps, canoe and kayak-friendly areas, as well as parks, playgrounds, extensive sidewalks, and pedestrian and recreation trails, make Oak Island an ideal haven for the active nature lover.

Caswell Beach

While Fort Caswell saw action in several wars and eventually gave the island its name, your "action" may consist of the gentle surf and mild tides of the south-facing beach, situated at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. The cylindrical Oak Island Lighthouse, the brightest lighthouse in the United States, easily identifies this quiet, 4-mile-long family beach.

Bald Head Island

Visitors return again and again for the serenity of Bald Head Island, though not by car. Bald Head is accessible only by a private passenger ferry departing from Southport. Once on the island, your transportation is limited to golf cart, bicycle, or foot. A renowned safe haven for wildlife, water fowl, and loggerhead turtles, this island resort setting features natural beauty, 14 miles of unspoiled beaches, a maritime forest, and world-class golf, all overlooked by the weathered sentinel "Old Baldy," one of the Atlantic's most striking lighthouses.

Five "Must-Play" Courses

River's Edge (1-866-409-2177) - Rivers Edge opened back in 1998, and golfers haven't stopped talking about it yet. Arnold Palmer's design team laid out the course along the Shallotte River, one of the most enviable settings of any Grand Strand golf course. The first seven holes play through the inland stretches of the property, and the eighth and ninth holes begin the march out to the river. The par 5 ninth has become on of the most talked about holes in Myrtle Beach. The second shot has to be drawn (ideally) onto a little sliver of land that poses as a fairway. The green is equally narrow, and an approach shot that reaches the putting surface will typically be applauded by the small galleries hanging out on the porch of the clubhouse. The back nine plays around the river, and is arguably one of the best backsides at the beach.

Tiger's Eye (1-866-409-2177) - Ocean Ridge Plantation's "crown jewel", Tiger's Eye, opened to outstanding reviews in March of 2000, and has since emerged as one of the beach's top ten tracks. A sensational blend of traditional design principles and modern nuances provided by former Willard Byrd student Tim Cate. Tiger's Eye features over 40 feet of elevation changes, surreal waster bunkering, flawless bentgrass greens, and a championship caliber test from the back tees.

Oyster Bay (1-866-409-2177) - This Dan Maples design is one of the most scenic layouts in Brunswick County golf. Oyster Bay is a classic marshland course that winds through the Intracoastal Waterway and features some of the best golfing views in the county. The course features two island green par 3's and more lakes than you can shake a ball retriever at.

Marsh Harbor (1-866-409-2177) - Quintessential Brunswick County course, featuring Carolina hardwoods, marshland, and even a few elevation changes. Numerous directional changes make this a shotmakers course. Par-5 seventeenth hole has been dubiously dubbed as "marvelously terrifying." The drivable par-4 18th is one of the most dramatic finishing holes at the beach. Considered by many golfers to be the most scenic golf course in the entire Grand Strand, with the course conditions to match.

The Thistle (1-866-409-2177) - Tim Cate designed masterpiece that took Brunswick County by storm when it opened back in March of 1999. Considered by many golfers to be the best inland course in the North Strand. The Thistle features elevated tees, artfully sculpted fairways and behemoth bentgrass greens.

Top Five Values

Calabash Golf Links (1-866-409-2177) - Within the corporate machine that is Myrtle Beach Golf, there exists a tiny sampling of family owned, brilliantly managed and finely conditioned golf courses. Calabash Golf Links is one of them. For an inland course that only charges around $50, Calabash is a must play. Kemp Causey, the owner, is typically out playing nine or "puttzing" around on the putting green. Joy Causey, his daughter and marketing manager, can be found roaming the premises chatting up players. The layout features a couple of memorable holes, and a bunch of good ones punctuated with tight little tiff dwarf Bermuda greens.

Meadowlands Golf Course (1-866-409-2177) - Looking for bang for your buck, this immaculately maintained Willard Byrd layout in Calabash offers one of the better courses for the money in Brunswick County. Meadowlands is an inland course that features a number of freshwater lakes and Carolina hardwood trees.

Brunswick Plantation (1-866-409-2177) - Twenty-seven user friendly, inland holes that are always in good shape. The proshop staff is solid and overall, it's a nice experience. The setting doesn't stack up to Rivers Edge or Brick Landing Plantation, but not many golf courses are blessed with waterfront views. Buoyed by an excellent head professional and superintendent, Brunswick has plenty-o true rolling Crenshaw bentgrass greens and tightly manicured Bermuda fairways for players to enjoy. For the money, you'd have a tough time finding anything better.

Lockwood Folley Country Club (1-866-409-2177) - The term is over used by public relation pundits, but Lockwood Folley is truly one of the hidden gems of the North Strand. The piece of property is sneaky awesome, with a back nine that plays right up against the Lockwood Folley River. The course is always in excellent condition, and the staff is one of the most cordial in the North Strand. Even if you are not on a shoestring budget, Lockwood is a must-play. One of Willard Byrd's better offerings at the beach, the course is totally playable from the middle tees, but backs up to a 139 slope from the tips that will challenge the better players.

Carolina National (1-866-409-2177) - National doesn't get the hype that Tidewater and Rivers Edge do when it comes to the Brunswick County, but this 27-hole Fred Couples/Gene Bates designed layout deserves to be mentioned in almost the same breath. The course is set on the scenic Lockwood Folley River, and has been certified as an Audubon Sanctuary. The third nine opened back in late 1999, and rivals its slightly older siblings for scenery and challenge.