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GOLF DESTINATIONS
Brunswick County: North Carolina's
"Golf Coast"
by Shane
Sharp, Contributing Writer
CALABASH, N.C. - As you drive north on U.S. Highway 17 from North
Myrtle Beach and over the state line, tourist traps and miniature
golf courses give way to Mom-and-Pop seafood restaurants, quaint
beach cottages, and rustic roadside gift shops. Anchoring the coast
of this pristine region are the Brunswick Islands - a group of barrier
islands that run from the world famous "seafood capital" of Calabash,
North Carolina,
all the way north to the Cape Fear River south of Wilmington. The
scenery is unrivaled, as Carolina Oaks and Pines blend together
to give the area a true mid-Atlantic feel.
This is Brunswick
County, one of the undiscovered gems of the Grand Strand and
truly North Carolina's "Golf Coast." This bucolic setting is home
to nearly a third of the Strand's golf courses, ranging from bargain
level public access tracks and mid-range surprises to high-end
daily fee and semi private layouts. With marshland layouts such
as Marsh Harbor and Oyster Bay, Brunswick County lays claim to
some of the most scenic courses in the entire state.
A slew of new high-end daily fee courses such as Arnold Palmer's
River Edge, Tim Cate's Tiger's Eye and The Thistle, Rick Robbins'
Crow Creek, and Willard Byrd's Farmstead have opened their doors
over the past three years. Now, with over 30 golf courses, Brunswick
County has clearly established itself as one of the east coast's
premier golfing destinations.
With affordable family owned and operated facilities like the
Calabash Golf Links, The Meadowlands Golf Club, and Brunswick
Plantation, Brunswick County can cater to the budget-minded golfer
as easily as it can the affluent. There truly is something for
every level of golfer, economic and skill, in Brunswick County.
Yet somehow, the numerous golf courses of the area have eluded
hordes of golfers from the Midwest and Northeast over the years.
Is it because of the county's remote location and rural infrastructure
and position just outside of the shadow of Myrtle Beach? Or is
it simply because the locals have remained tight-lipped about
their little jewel so as not to spoil its shine? It's hard to
say. But one thing is for sure: Brunswick County has not been
overlooked because of the product being offered.
So if you seek a golf trip that revolves around thirty-six holes
a day, a beer and a bed, then Brunswick County is the prescription
for what ails you. Unlike its commercialized cousin to the south,
this area once described by early settlers as "some trees and
some marshlands" is more likely to overwhelm you with wildlife
than nightlife. Between the seafood restaurants, the unspoiled
beaches, the offshore fishing and a handful of eclectic shops
and restaurants, Brunswick County offers golfers and nongolfers
a myriad of other recreational opportunities.
 Brunswick
County is refreshingly short of "all-you-can-eat" joints and chain
restaurants, but is chaulked full of local eateries that will
keep you pot bunker deep in seafood and steaks. For seafood lovers,
Calabash awaits with an endless array of fried Grouper, Snapper,
shrimp and scallops. In between the fishhouses you'll find some
of the Grand Strand's most original Italian restaurants, and plenty
of "cheesburgers in paradise" in the local taverns.
Nightlife Brunswick County is not totally non-existent - you
just have to seek it out. For some local flavor head to Victoria's
Sports Bar or Sharky's in Ocean Beach across the Ocean Isle Beach
Causeway. Or, pack up the crew and head for Myrtle Beach where
you won't run out of things to do at the plethora of bars and
restaurants at Broadway at the Beach, or North Myrtle Beach's
Barefoot Landing.
Take a minute to peruse our "area-by-area" guide to the Carolinas
"Golf Coast" - Brunswick County.
 Calabash
The southernmost point in the Brunswick Islands, Calabash has
earned the nickname "The Seafood Capital of the World." Over a
dozen seafood restaurants, built along the docks of this quaint
fishing village, feature local seafood delivered fresh off the
fishing boats right to their back doors. The area's method of
cooking has become known far and wide as "Calabash-style" You
may spot a number of golfers at the neighboring tables, as Calabash
has several courses that rank among the best in North Carolina.
Shallotte
One of the first areas settled in the county, Shallotte has
been the center of activity in the South Brunswick Islands for
over a century. This small inland town is brimming with retail
shops, restaurants, and accommodations. The river pilots of the
19th century determined that Shallotte's location, approximately
halfway between Wilmington and Myrtle Beach, and central to all
the islands, made it the ideal site to serve as the commercial
hub of the South Brunswick Islands. Just minutes from beaches,
golf courses, and other recreational activities, the same holds
true today.
Ocean Isle Beach
With seven miles of quiet beaches and a peaceful quality of
life for its residents and visitors, the friendly village of Ocean
Isle typifies the Brunswick Islands experience. Visit the Museum
of Coastal Carolina for an in-depth look at island life. You'll
also find unique shops, as well as marinas, deep-sea fishing,
and canals with backyard crabbing and fishing. The well-kept private
lodgings, hotels, condos, and golf resorts make this laid-back
island community very inviting to visitors and vacationers. And,
at certain times of the year, you can watch the sun both rise
and set over water.
Sunset Beach
Perhaps demonstrating how little things change in this area,
the smallest of the Brunswick Islands is reached by driving across
the only remaining pontoon bridge on the East Coast. The last
area island to be developed, Sunset Beach boasts remarkably wide
snow-white beaches, huge dune ridges, and marsh areas, with a
very natural and secluded feeling. Large pastel cottages set back
behind the dunes make this island a favorite return haven for
family gatherings and vacations. At dusk, Sunset Beach puts on
a show worthy of its name, with spectacular sunsets made more
dramatic by the unusual east-west alignment of the island.
Holden Beach
After prospering as a commercial fishing center in the 1920s,
Holden Beach evolved into a full-fledged family vacation spot
in the 1930s. Not surprisingly, Holden Beach is still known for
its excellent offshore fishing and features a full-service fishing
pier for both casual and serious anglers. Fishing season is still
celebrated with both a spring and a fall festival. Until recently,
the island was accessible only by ferry, but now a two-lane, elevated
bridge connects it to the mainland. Visitors will enjoy 11 miles
of tranquil beach, unique retail shops, amusements, and restaurants.
Oak Island
While the most populous town in the Brunswick Islands, Oak Island
enjoys a small-town atmosphere that has attracted visiting families
for generations. Oak Island was founded with a strong sense of
community and public access. Public beach accesses (most with
parking), public boat ramps, canoe and kayak-friendly areas, as
well as parks, playgrounds, extensive sidewalks, and pedestrian
and recreation trails, make Oak Island an ideal haven for the
active nature lover.
Caswell Beach
While Fort Caswell saw action in several wars and eventually
gave the island its name, your "action" may consist of the gentle
surf and mild tides of the south-facing beach, situated at the
mouth of the Cape Fear River. The cylindrical Oak Island Lighthouse,
the brightest lighthouse in the United States, easily identifies
this quiet, 4-mile-long family beach.
Bald Head Island
Visitors return again and again for the serenity of Bald Head
Island, though not by car. Bald Head is accessible only by a private
passenger ferry departing from Southport. Once on the island,
your transportation is limited to golf cart, bicycle, or foot.
A renowned safe haven for wildlife, water fowl, and loggerhead
turtles, this island resort setting features natural beauty, 14
miles of unspoiled beaches, a maritime forest, and world-class
golf, all overlooked by the weathered sentinel "Old Baldy," one
of the Atlantic's most striking lighthouses.
Comment on this story on our reader feedback page.
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.
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