You’re driving over the G.V. Barbee Bridge, the Atlantic is sparkling on your right, and all you can think about is where to stick a tee in the ground. It’s a common vibe. Oak Island is one of those rare North Carolina beaches that hasn't been completely swallowed by high-rise condos, which makes the golf scene feel a bit more "old school" than the glitzy, over-saturated stretches of Myrtle Beach just forty minutes south. But here’s the thing most people don't tell you: if you’re looking for golf courses Oak Island NC, you aren't actually looking at a massive list of options on the island itself.
There is exactly one course on the island. Just one.
The rest? They’re tucked away just across the Intracoastal Waterway in Southport or Caswell Beach. Honestly, that’s better for your game. The salt air on the island is brutal on equipment, and the wind off the ocean can turn a decent 7-iron into a tragic comedy. If you want to score well, you have to understand the layout of the land here. You’ve got the local legend on the island, the high-end private spots that sometimes let you in, and the rugged mainland tracks that offer the best bang for your buck.
The Lone Survivor: Oak Island Golf Club
Let’s talk about the big one. The Oak Island Golf Club is situated in Caswell Beach, which is basically the eastern tip of the island. It’s a George Cobb design. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s the guy who built the Par 3 course at Augusta National. He knew how to use land without forcing it.
The course is old-school. It opened in 1962. Walking onto the first tee feels like stepping back into a version of North Carolina that didn’t care about "luxury lifestyle branding." It’s just golf. You’ve got 18 holes of TifEagle Bermuda greens that, frankly, can get incredibly fast when the sun has been baking them all week.
Wind is the real hazard here. Because you’re so close to the Atlantic, the breeze doesn’t just blow; it swirls. You’ll stand on the 9th hole—a par 4 that looks innocent enough—and suddenly realize your ball is tracking toward a vacation rental balcony because a gust caught it mid-flight. It’s a fun, quirky challenge. But don’t expect pristine, silent fairways. You’ll hear the surf, you’ll see the lighthouse, and you’ll probably deal with some damp spots if it rained the night before.
Moving Inland: The Southport Connection
Most golfers staying on the island eventually migrate over the bridge to Southport. It’s inevitable. The Lakes Country Club is the immediate neighbor. It’s a different beast entirely. While the island course fights the wind, The Lakes fights the water.
This is a Devane design. It’s narrow. If you have a slice that you haven't worked out yet, bring an extra dozen balls. Seriously. The course winds through tall pines and—as the name suggests—plenty of ponds. It’s often cheaper than the island course, which makes it a favorite for the "Saturday morning with the guys" crowd. It isn't pretentious. You might see a guy in a t-shirt, and you definitely won't see a caddie. It’s honest golf.
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Then there is St. James Plantation. This is where things get "fancy."
St. James is a massive gated community, but they have four distinct courses: The Founders, The Members, The Players, and The Reserve. They were designed by big names like P.B. Dye and Tim Cate.
- The Players Club is usually the one people rave about because it’s a bit more "user-friendly" for the average handicap.
- The Founders is the OG, offering those classic coastal views with marshes that look beautiful until your ball disappears into the pluff mud.
The catch? It’s semi-private. If you aren't staying in a rental that has club privileges, getting a tee time can be a bit of a dance. It’s worth the phone call, though. The conditioning at St. James is almost always a step above the public tracks. The bunkers are actually raked, and the fringes don't have those weird "mystery weeds" you find at lower-tier courses.
Why the "Myrtle Beach Effect" Matters
People forget how close Oak Island is to the South Carolina border. You’re less than an hour from the "Golf Capital of the World." This creates a weird vacuum.
A lot of the "meh" golfers stay on the island because it’s convenient. The "serious" golfers often drive 30 minutes south to Rivers Edge in Shallotte. Rivers Edge is an Arnold Palmer "Signature" course, and it is frequently ranked as one of the best in the state. It sits right on the Shallotte River.
The 18th hole there? It’s nicknamed "Arnie’s Revenge." It’s a monstrous par 5 that requires you to navigate a narrow strip of land surrounded by marsh. It’s exhausting. It’s expensive. And it makes golf courses Oak Island NC look like a walk in the park by comparison.
The Reality of Coastal Turf
If you’re coming from the Midwest or the North, you need to adjust your expectations about grass. Coastal North Carolina uses Bermuda. In the winter, it goes dormant and turns a pale tan color. It’s not dead; it’s just sleeping.
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The "grain" on the greens is a real thing here. If you’re putting toward the ocean or with the grain, the ball will take off like it’s on a luge. If you’re putting against it, you have to hit the ball like you’re trying to break the putter. Ask the locals at the pro shop which way the grain is growing. They’ll usually point toward the nearest body of water.
Surviving the Oak Island Heat
Golf here in July is an endurance sport. It’s not just the heat; it’s the humidity that feels like a wet wool blanket.
- Hydrate the night before. Beer at the 19th hole doesn't count.
- Early bird gets the breeze. If you aren't off the tee by 8:00 AM, you’re going to bake.
- Bug spray is mandatory. The gnats and "no-see-ums" near the marshes are savage. They don't care about your handicap.
Where to Grab a Bite After the Round
If you play the Oak Island Golf Club, you’re right next to Duffy’s Street Seafood Bar & Grill. It’s exactly what a post-golf spot should be: loud, casual, and they don't care if you have grass stains on your knees.
If you venture into Southport after a round at The Lakes, head to The Provision Company. It’s iconic. You grab a beer out of a cooler, write your own order down, and sit on the deck overlooking the yacht basin. It’s the perfect place to lie about how well you played.
Final Thoughts on the Local Scene
Oak Island golf isn't about luxury. It’s about the environment. You’re playing through maritime forests, over brackish marshes, and alongside some of the most laid-back people in the Carolinas.
Don't overcomplicate it. Pack a few extra sleeves of balls for the marsh holes, wear plenty of sunscreen, and don't be surprised if a 3-foot alligator watches you putt on the 14th. That’s just part of the charm.
Practical Steps for Your Trip
- Book 48 hours out: Even the public courses fill up fast during the summer "tourist" season.
- Check the wind forecast: If it's over 20mph, stay at the beach. It won't be fun.
- Verify dress codes: Oak Island Golf Club is relaxed, but St. James requires a collared shirt and no denim.
- Consider a "Multiday" pass: Some local management groups offer discounts if you book rounds at two or three sister courses in the Southport/Oak Island area.
- Inspect your spikes: Soft spikes only. Most courses around here banned metal years ago to protect the delicate Bermuda greens.
The best way to enjoy golf in this corner of the world is to stop chasing a perfect score. The wind and the sand will probably ruin your card anyway. Just enjoy the view, take the "gimme" putts, and remember that a bad day on the links in Oak Island is still better than a good day at the office.