Charlotte, North Carolina is a fast-paced city with a lot to offer its residents—and golf courses are no exception. There’s absolutely no shortage of prime courses to choose from in and around the city, but there are some that just stand out from the rest.
Here are the top five golf courses in Charlotte and what you can expect from each:
Birkdale Golf Club
Consistently ranked as one of the top five public golf courses in the state, Charlotte’s Birkdale Golf Club is a championship 18-hole golf course that was designed by Arnold Palmer. Monday through Friday fees range from $35 – $49 and includes a cart. Golfers can play a short 9-hole round for $35. Weekend playing rates range from $39 to $59. The course offers special rates for active adults.
Highland Creek Golf Club
Guests can tee off at Highland Creek Golf Club for an affordable $37. Every Monday through Friday and after 5 p.m. the fee drops all the way down to $25—and includes carts. Weekends on the course are $52. As an added bonus, the golf course offers special discounts for adults who are 60 years and older. Highland Creek ranks one of the toughest public golf courses in the city for its narrow fairways.
Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation
Just minutes from Charlotte, Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation offers fees ranging from $49 Monday through Thursday to $59 on Fridays. The course also offers a $15 discount for active adults 55+, and they have lower twilight rates that start as early as 1 p.m. All rates include green fees and carts. Olde Sycamore’s fairways are a hybrid of Bermuda and bent grass greens.
Rocky River Golf Club
Located just a short drive from Uptown Charlotte in the small town of Concord, Rocky River Golf Club is a public course that suits every skill level from beginner to professional with four sets of tees at each hole. The course was designed by architect Dan Maples, who is famous for designing some of North Carolina’s most popular courses. Guests can play an entire round at Rocky River for $49 during the week and for $69 on weekends. Rates do include carts. Players who are 60+ can play for only $35 with a valid ID.
The Golf Club at Ballantyne
The Golf Club at Ballantyne is a public par-71 PGA golf course located less than 20 minutes from the heart of Charlotte. The club features a practice pavilion, pro shop, driving range, and putting green. The tree-lined fairways and water features that dot the course make it a fairly challenging course. The Golf Club at Ballantyne is also know for its Ballantyne Golf Academy, which is dedicated to improving each golfer’s game through personalized instruction and customized programs. Rates start at $62 with special twilight discounts available.
