Looking to plan the perfect golf trip to Outer Banks Golf? Planning a buddies trip or a romantic golf getaway can be a full time job not to mention pressure filled to deliver a memorable experience. Below is an interview with Keith Hall , President, OBX Golf Association who shares some insider information about golfing and traveling to Outer Banks Golf, must play courses, a sample itinerary and where you can go for more planning tools.
Give our readers an overview of your destination and why they should consider it for their next golf trip? Located in the northeast corner of North Carolina, the iconic Outer Banks are an emerging golf destination with an eclectic assortment of courses on the renowned barrier island and the northern mainland. Along with our storied Lighthouses, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, famed Wild Mustangs of Corolla and scores of watering holes overflowing with fresh seafood and spirits, our growing golf reputation is further bolstered as North Carolina's No. 3 Golf Destination according to GolfAdvisor and a trio of courses ranked in the NC Golf Panel's Top 50 You Can Play. The Outer Banks has long been known as the natural choice and an outdoor adventure haven. What we have here on the Outer Banks is very authentic unlike most coastal communities that have become over commercialized.
What are the must play courses in Outer Banks Golf? The Currituck Club rolls across diverse coastal terrain with sound-side views distinctly its own on the northern end of the barrier island. Routed by Rees Jones, the grandest design along the coast is also the area's most demanding, especially when the wind kicks up.
Nags Head Golf Links, crafted by Bob Moore, plays hard along the inner waterway on the southern end. The front and back nine closing holes along the sound are particularly spectacular. Nags Head's bar and restaurant, not surprisingly, is also home to the most dramatic sunsets in town, with views not only across the immediate Roanoke Sound, but towards three other sounds (Albemarle, Croatan and Pamlico) that flow into it from the north, west and south as well.
There are three other must-plays on the mainland and certainly worth leaving the island to go play. The Carolina Club and The Pointe Golf Club are two of the most immaculately manicured and impeccably conditioned golf courses around. Kilmarlic Golf Club is a popular Tom Steele design nestled along the marshland of the Albemarle Sound and host course for both the 2004 and 2009 North Carolina Opens. For the past seven years during the autumn months, Kilmarlic also hosted the Old Dominion/Outer Banks collegiate championship.
What is the hidden gem and/or best value course? Though ranking among GolfAdvisor's Top 25 Courses in North Carolina, The Carolina Club and The Pointe Golf Club are great values and fun plays.
Can you provide our readers with an ideal itinerary for a long weekend? Friday Afternoon golf upon arrival on mainland among The Carolina Club, Kilmarlic or The Pointe Overnight at Kilmarlic Golf Cottages, beach rental or hotel partner Dinner at OBX Trio Wine Bar & Bistro
Saturday Morning pitstop at Duck Donuts Morning golf on barrier island among The Currituck Club or Nags Head Golf Links Lunch at either North Banks Restaurant and Raw Bar or Lost Colony Brewery Afternoon activities Dinner at The Black Pelican, The Blue Point or Ocean Boulevard Bistro & Martini Bar
Sunday Morning golf on barrier island among The Currituck Club or Nags Head Golf Links Lunch at Currituck BBQ Company
After golf, what are the "must do" things or attractions to see? Bodie Island Lighthouse or Currituck Beach Lighthouse Climb Jockey's Ridge -- largest natural sand dune on the East Coast Corolla Wild Horse Tour Tour/tasting at Outer Banks Distilling Company -- home of Kill Devil Rum Wright Brothers Memorial
What is the best time to travel? Spring and Fall. Great package offers and amazing weather, especially in the autumn months when the ocean and sound water is still warm.
Where can golfers go for more information to research and plan their trip? Learn more about the OBX golf experience and special package prices at www.PlayOBXGolf.com or 800-916-6244.
