FEATURE

Top 10 reasons to consider Brunswick County a true golf destination

By Shane Sharp,
Contributing Writer

OCEAN ISLE BEACH, N.C. (July 27, 2003) -- Almost two years ago, we used these cyber pages to explore the question of whether or not Brunswick County had emerged as a stand-alone golf destination. At that time, the experts agreed -- something was missing.

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For Patrick Crean, general manager at Crow Creek Golf Club in Calabash, it boiled down to an identity crisis: "A lot of people are playing Brunswick County courses in golf packages, and they don't even know it."

Since that time, this much has changed with the Brunswick County golf scene: nothing.

What has changed is the meaning of a golf destination. The simple fact is, there is no such thing as a dictionary definition anymore. Almost every state has some region, area, town or trail that claims to be one.

So why not Brunswick County? The once farming capital of the coastal plains turned "Golf Coast" is home to more than 30 golf courses, many of which grace the state and national rankings of various golf media outlets.

And while Harper had and still has a good point (the area still lags in terms of total hotel and motel room inventory), plenty of smaller, intimate inns and villas are available to traveling golfers.

Still not convinced? Here then, are 10 reasons why Brunswick County is a golf destination to reckon with.

No. 10 -- Quantity. Cut Brunswick County off the Grand Strand and all of a sudden, 30 percent of "Myrtle Beach's" courses are missing. Myrtle Beach needs Brunswick County as much as Brunswick County needs Myrtle Beach.

No. 9 -- Quality. Tiger's Eye, River's Edge, Marsh Harbour (when it is open), Oyster Bay, and Carolina National almost always make the top 10 course lists of regular visitors.

No. 8 -- More Quality. The Thistle, Crow Creek, Angel's Trace North, the Player's Club at St. James and the Peal East aren't far behind. Once the greens are back in mint condition throw Farmstead Golf Links into the mix as well.

No. 7 -- Rarities. Brunswick County is home to the region's only par-6, the 18th hole at Farmstead. The 767-yard hole actually begins in South Carolina and ends in North Carolina.

No. 6 -- Beaches. The white, wide, sandy beaches of Ocean Isle, Sunset, and Holden are some of the most unspoiled on the East Coast.

No. 5 -- Drama. Pound for pound, Brunswick County is home to more jaw-dropping scenery than any other swath of the Grand Strand (some South Stranders will take exception). The back nine at River's Edge, the finishing stretch at Marsh Harbour and the 18th hole at Lockwood Folly to name a few examples.

No. 4. -- Family. Most of Brunswick County's golf courses are family owned and operated, from the Causeys and McLambs to the Williams. Play a round of golf at Calabash Golf Links or the Meadowlands and you feel like part of the family, too.

No. 3 -- Food. Calabash, on the southern end of Brunswick County, is the self proclaimed "Seafood Capital of the World." Calabash style is straight off the boat, into a light breading, and onto your plate. The area is also home to plenty of stick-to-your-ribs Eastern style North Carolina BBQ.

No. 2 -- Coastal towns and barrier islands. When in-county, take the time to visit the quaint seaside village of Southport or charming Oak Island. Drive over the Odell Williams bridge to Ocean Isle Beach 15 minutes before sunset.

No. 1-- Affordability. Even the top courses of Brunswick County rarely flirt with three figures, and beachfront accommodations are beyond reasonable in the peak spring and fall golf seasons .

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.