Holden Beach may be famous for its pristine beaches and laid-back coastal charm, but it’s also one of the best-kept secrets for golf lovers.
Picture teeing off with a gentle ocean breeze at your back, surrounded by lush coastal landscapes, and finishing the day with your toes in the sand. Nestled on the southeastern coast of North Carolina, Holden Beach blends world-class golf with the ultimate relaxation of a beachside retreat.
With great year-round weather, breathtaking coastal landscapes, and a growing reputation in golf circles, it’s no surprise that more and more golfers are choosing Holden Beach as their go-to golf destination.
Year-Round Golfing: The Ideal Coastal Climate
One of the biggest advantages of golfing near Holden Beach is our weather. We like to call it Goldilocks weather – mild in the winter, breezy in the summer, and just right for a round of golf in any season!
Unlike inland golf destinations that experience extreme temperatures or seasonal closures, Holden Beach and our surrounding areas provide year-round playing conditions that make it easy to enjoy the classic game through every season.
Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and some of the most comfortable golfing conditions. During the summer months, early morning or late afternoon tee times are ideal to avoid the midday heat. And winter golfing in Holden Beach offers crisp, clear days that are perfect for a quieter round.
Regardless of the season, you can count on gorgeous coastal views from many of the area’s award-winning golf courses.
A Golfer’s Paradise: The Best of Both Worlds
When many golf lovers think about North Carolina, their minds go straight to the Sandhills region, home to the legendary courses of Pinehurst. But in recent years, Brunswick County has consistently built its own reputation as a world-class golf hotspot.
Offering the best of both worlds, our beach community combines award-winning golf courses with the relaxation of a coastal retreat. Designed by some of golf’s biggest names, including Arnold Palmer, Fred Couples, and Tim Cate, these courses feature pristine greens, diverse challenges, and stunning coastal scenery.
Whether you’re seeking a championship-level contest or a more laid-back round or two, Holden Beach provides access to some of the finest golf experiences in the state. The region has gained recognition in major golf publications and circuits, including Golftime, referring to the North Carolina coastline as the “golf coast.”
With over 20 golf courses in Brunswick County and more than 90 in nearby Myrtle Beach, the options are endless for avid golfers. Some standout courses include Lockwood Folly Country Club, Rivers Edge Golf Club, Ocean Ridge Plantation, and Carolina National Golf Club at Winding River. Each offers a unique blend of coastal views, challenging layouts, and top-tier design. Check out our list of golf courses near Holden Beach.
Golf Tips for Playing on Coastal Courses
Golfing in a coastal environment presents unique considerations. To help you get the most out of your Holden Beach golf rounds, we offer a few expert tips for playing on coastal courses:
- Factor in the Coastal Breeze – Coastal breezes can shift throughout the day and create an extra challenge, especially on elevated greens and exposed fairways. Keep your ball flight lower by playing knockdown shots and adjusting your club selection as needed.
- Read the Greens Carefully – Coastal courses often feature Bermuda grass greens, which can be grainy and tricky to read. Pay attention to the grain direction when lining up your putts.
- Play in the Mornings for Ideal Conditions – For the most comfortable conditions, book a morning tee time. The air is cooler, the course is quieter, and the pace of play is smooth before the afternoon winds pick up. Plus, there’s something incredibly special about watching the morning sky come to full life over a beautifully manicured fairway.
- Book Your Tee Times Early – Many of the top courses near Holden Beach are in high demand, so it’s a good idea to book your tee times well in advance, especially in peak spring and fall seasons.
The Ultimate Golf Getaway: Stay & Play in Holden Beach
After a great round, swap your golf shoes for flip-flops. In Holden Beach, world-class golf meets laid-back coastal relaxation, and it’s the perfect getaway for couples, families, and golf groups.
Many Holden Beach vacation rentals cater to golfers. Spacious accommodations with large decks, private pools, and hot tubs make it easy to relax after a day on the course. For larger golf groups, booking a rental with multiple bedrooms and gathering spaces creates a fantastic retreat setting for everyone to enjoy.
Beyond golf, Holden Beach always offers countless ways to unwind. Enjoy some fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant, take a sunset cruise along the Intracoastal Waterway, or simply kick back with your feet in the sand. Whether here for the game or the getaway, Holden Beach has something for every golfer – and visitor – to love.
Why Holden Beach is a Golfer’s Dream Destination
Whether you’re planning a buddy golf trip or simply want to play a few rounds while enjoying your family vacation at the beach, Holden Beach has everything you need for the perfect golf getaway.
Whether you prefer oceanfront, canal access, an Ocean Boulevard view, or to be snuggled up amidst the dunes, it’s easy to find the perfect island location. Browse our selection of Holden Beach vacation rentals and start planning your trip today, and the Hobbspitality Team is just a phone call away to answer any questions at (844) 846-4885. And remember, if a pool or hot tub is a priority, you can also search by amenity.
We look forward to seeing you at the beach – and on the course – soon!
**Darcy Geho is a contributing author to this Hobbs Realty blog post. She spent 11 years working in the vacation rental industry while she lived on and traveled the NC coast.