Written by Colin Tate
Colin writes for Better Beach Rentals, offering local insight and travel tips to help visitors get the most out of their stay on Oak Island.
If your ideal beach vacation also includes playing a few rounds of golf, Oak Island is an excellent destination for bringing your clubs along. The area offers several ways to spend time on the links, with options right on the island, plus a collection of top-rated courses throughout Brunswick County.
While the coastal climate makes Oak Island a great place to play year-round, the fall months are often considered prime golfing season. Beautiful weather, peak course conditions, and thinner tourist crowds make this time of year particularly appealing for golfing in Oak Island. Whether you’re an experienced player planning a dedicated golf getaway or someone looking to squeeze in a round between beach days, you’ll find everything you need to know in this Oak Island golf guide.
Looking to reserve a golf cart during your Oak Island stay? Learn more about adding a golf cart to your vacation rental reservation with Better Beach.
In This Article:
- Oak Island Golf Courses
- More Golfing in the Oak Island Area
- Mini Golf on Oak Island
- Plan Your Oak Island Golf Getaway with Better Beach
Oak Island Golf Courses
You won’t have to go far to find a quality round of golf. Oak Island and the neighboring Southport offer options right on your doorstep, making it easy to plan a round that fits your schedule.
Oak Island Golf Club
Located in Caswell Beach, Oak Island Golf Club offers a traditional 18-hole round on a George Cobb-designed course. The par-72 layout combines tree-lined fairways with the natural coastal landscape. Families, friend groups, and experienced players can all enjoy the course, plus Duffer’s Pub and Grille is great for grabbing a sandwich or some fresh seafood after your round. If you’re trying to figure out where to golf in Oak Island, North Carolina, this is an easy place to start.
Oak Island Par 3
For something a little more casual, head to Oak Island Par 3 Golf Course in the South Harbour community. This 18-hole, par-3 course is designed for golfers of all experience levels, and no tee time reservations are required. You can also rent clubs on-site, making it convenient for visitors who are newer to the game or regulars who don’t want to travel with their gear. It’s also a great pick for groups with mixed experience levels or players who want a shorter, more relaxed round.
More Golfing in the Oak Island Area
One of the things that makes Oak Island such a great place for golf vacations in North Carolina is the sheer variety of courses within reasonable driving distance. If you’re looking for the best golf courses near Oak Island, NC, add some of these options to your list.
Carolina National Golf Club
Carolina National Golf Club is an immediate standout choice for golfers who want a bigger challenge. The course features 27 total holes across three layouts designed by Fred Couples. The coastal setting includes both river and wetland views, while multiple tee options make the course viable for a range of skill levels. For travelers specifically looking for championship golf courses near Oak Island, a visit to Carolina National will likely top the list.
The Lakes Golf Club
In Boiling Spring Lakes, The Lakes Golf Club offers an 18-hole, par-72 layout surrounded by pine forests, water features, and natural conservation areas. Five sets of tees here also give players different options to match their experience and preferred play style. Overall, you’ll find a design with wide, forgiving spaces that keep the round enjoyable for casual players.
Lockwood Folly Country Club
Lockwood Folly is another popular option in Brunswick County, especially if you love a layout with plenty of natural scenery. This course runs alongside the Lockwood Folly River and Intracoastal Waterway, with pine-lined fairways, ponds, and plenty of impressive views adding to the overall experience.
Rivers Edge Golf Club
For another memorable coastal round, make the drive to Rivers Edge Golf Club. Following along the Shallotte River and its surrounding tidal marshes, this Arnold Palmer signature course is another top pick for a championship round. The 18-hole, par-72 layout features plenty of elevation changes and impressive views, along with a challenging yet fun design.
Olde Fort Golf Course
Located in Winnabow, Olde Fort Golf Course provides a straightforward 18-hole experience. This budget-friendly, laid-back course also offers multiple tee options and can be a great choice for golfers who want a round without the difficulty or formality of some of the area’s higher-end courses.
Mini Golf on Oak Island
While there are plenty of family-friendly golf courses near Oak Island, not everyone in your crew needs to be a serious golfer to get in on the fun. For a more casual option that gets the entire group involved, Oak Island Jungle Golf offers an 18-hole miniature course on Oak Island Drive. The layout includes tropical decor, animal-themed obstacles, and plenty of twists to keep younger players engaged. There’s also an arcade on-site, giving families more to look forward to after finishing the course.
Plan Your Oak Island Golf Getaway with Better Beach
Featured Oak Island Vacation Rental: Total Package
Golf is one of the easiest activities to build into an Oak Island vacation. Whether you’re planning a dedicated golf trip or just looking to get in a round during a relaxing beach vacation, staying nearby makes it easy to hit the links and still have time for everything else Oak Island has to offer.
At Better Beach Rentals, we would love to help you find the perfect home base for your trip. With dog-friendly escapes, homes with private docks, and retreats with personal pools, our properties offer something for every traveler. View our available units and start planning your dream golf getaway today!