Topsail Island: Why The Best Golf Begins Here

Activity planning can be tough when the people in your group want to do different kinds of things. This is just one of many reasons why Topsail Island, with its 26 miles of beaches, shopping, and various other fun and active things to do is such a great destination. 

For instance, is one person in your group always longing for the links? Or do you all enjoy playing a round of 18 holes, and you can never agree whether it's best to head for the ocean or a great golf course? 

We here at Ward Realty have good news for those of you in this predicament! There's no need to plan your vacation - or your life! - around the beach or the back nine. That's because when you're here on Topsail Island, you can do both! Keep reading here to find out why Topsail Island should be your preferred destination when playing your best golf game is part of the official agenda.

Why Great Golf Starts Here

It's been said that golf is a mental game. Playing your best game takes focus, consistency, and hours and hours of practicing different strokes in different environments. 

All of that is to say that improvement happens over time, and requires diversity in your game. But perhaps the most important way that the best golf begins on Topsail Island can be found within this piece of advice on how to improve your golf game, as found in Golfweek online:

"Take the pressure off of yourself. Remember the reason you took up golf in the first place. You are playing because you enjoy it. Appreciate the scenery and the beautiful day. Don't go to the first tee and say you have to break 90 or whatever number you have in mind. Keep your mind on your business but don't over dramatize your round of golf."

No pressure? Great scenery? A beautiful day? Here on Topsail Island, we specialize in experiences like that!

So take a minute to check out the four golf courses that we've highlighted for you below. Each of these courses is a quick drive out and back from your Topsail Island rental property, and all can help you develop the skills it takes to play your best golf game.

Note: Course descriptions and supplemental information have been pulled directly from business sites and therefore may be subject to change.

Located in coastal Hampstead, NC, the front nine takes you out toward the Intracoastal Waterway and back toward the Clubhouse; the back nine ventures you inland and then back toward the Clubhouse – forming a giant figure 8 without any parallel fairways. This design offers a sure test in the normally breezy conditions. You will experience the winds coming from every direction during your round.

Check them out on Facebook to see course videos and find online specials. Book tee times here. Open daily from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Call (910) 270-2703 for more information.

Castle Bay Country Club

Castle Bay Country Club is located just off coastal highway, US-17 in Hampstead, NC. The course is a challenging, Scottish links-style, 18-hole championship course. Although there are no trees on the course, there are the typical links hazards of tall bunkers, water, and waste areas. 

True to the tradition, the course demands excellent shot placement on almost every hole. And yes, like all links courses, occasionally one must factor in the wind.

Castle Bay Country Club also features the newly opened New York Corner Pub.  The Pub's menu includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches, wraps and burgers as well as homemade New York cheesecake.

Olde Point Country Club

The Olde Point Country Club was built in 1974 and opened to the public in 1975. Jerry Turner, the golf course designer, made use of the rolling terrain, wooded areas, lakes and streams to build a scenic and challenging course. Olde Point has matured into a beautiful 18 hole course with Bermuda fairways and Paspalum greens.

Golf on the coast doesn't get any better than this in Hampstead, North Carolina. Olde Point Golf and Country Club presents a challenging layout framed by lush, native foliage, and laced with ponds and water hazards. Olde Point is a semi-private country club offering memberships, tournaments, and more. 

Daily swimming pool passes are available for sale in season.

North Shore Country Club

Nestled like a sleeping giant along the Intracoastal Waterway the beautiful North Shore Country Club offers the perfect combination of natural beauty and challenging play. Majestically blending the game to its surroundings, architect Bob Moore offers both the novice golfer and seasoned player an enjoyable and challenging experience. This puts North Shore on the must-play list when visiting the Topsail Island area.

When creating the design for North Shore, Moore was able to make use of the many natural areas found on the property and incorporate them in a layout that harmonizes with the natural beauty of the coastal marshes of Eastern North Carolina. The inland holes offer a retreat from the prevailing sea breeze and are bordered by tall pines offering a distinctly different look and feel.

The North Shore community offers stunning water and golf course views as well as tastefully designed neighborhoods interior to the development. Golf, swimming, tennis, and a full range of club activities make for an enjoyable lifestyle at North Shore. A private oceanfront beach access for the use of our members offers the perfect escape to the beauty and solitude of the Atlantic Ocean.

Whether you choose to visit North Shore while vacationing or make North Shore your home you will encounter a friendly and professional staff anxious to take care of your every need and help you make the most of your time here.

So now that we've revealed yet another reason why Topsail Island should be your preferred destination, let us here at Ward Realty help you with your rental or home sales needs! We hope to see you soon!