Bald Head Island (Bald Head Island, North Carolina)

Golf Course Review by: Bill Satterfield

Rankings:

The Takeaway: Located off the coast of North Carolina’s mainland, Bald Head Island is good layout worth playing as part of a day trip that starts with a boat ride to the island. The course is inland just enough that the surrounding residential developments unfortunately block most of the ocean views for the day which holds it back from being a must-play when visiting the Tarheel State. Grade B-

Quick Facts

Designer: George Cobb in 1974 and Tim Cate in 2010

Cost: Private Private, guest fees range from $80.00 - $149.00 Click for membership information

Phone Number: (910) 447-7310

Course Website: Official Website - Visit Bald Head Island's official website by clicking on the link provided.

Directions: Get here! - 1 Saltmeadow Trail, Bald Head Island, North Carolina 28461 – UNITED STATES

Photos: See additional photos of Bald Head Island

What to Expect: The experience at Bald Head Island’s golf club starts before ever taking a step on the property. In fact, to get to Bald Head Island, you have to leave property all together by loading up on a ferry in Southport, outside of Wilmington, and enjoying a 20 minute ride in the Atlantic Ocean. Upon arrival at Bald Head Island, one of the first things you may notice is the lack of cars. Transportation around the island is limited to golf carts, bicycles, and pedestrian traffic. A golf cart style truck picks you up, along with your clubs, and caters you down the small island roads to the golf course. The course underwent a nearly $4 million renovation orchestrated by Tim Cate which resulted in restoring George Cobb’s original routing while widening some fairways and undulating the greens. The course sports a South Pacific theme (similar to Bali Hai in Las Vegas) with large palm trees, expansive bunkering, and plenty of water hazards to contend with. Several types of wildlife are found on the property and views of the ocean beyond the surrounding homes are offered a handful of times throughout the round. Different strains of Bermuda provide the playing surface while the coastal winds keep the turf firm and the challenge stiff.