Wake County - A Golfer's Haven

Many people think of Southern Pines when you say the world “golf” in these parts, but you do not need to drive an hour or so south of Wake County to have a good time on the links. There are more than 20 courses available within Wake’s borders for duffers. Here are some notable ones:

Prestonwood Country Club
Consisting of three 18-hole, championship-level courses (Fairways, Highlands and Meadows), this has long been Wake’s biggest (and some would argue best) facility for golf play. Located in Cary off High House Road, this hosts the annual SAS Championship tournament as part of the PGA Champions Tour. 

Lonnie Poole Golf Course at N.C. State University
Designed and developed by famed golfer and North Carolina nativeArnold Palmer, this facility opened this summer after two years of construction. Located on the southwest corner of N.C. State’s Centennial campus, the par-71 course tips out at an impressive 7,358 yards. The Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research held itsannual celebrity golf classic tournament here in August. 

The Raleigh Country Club 
Arnold Palmer played several rounds at this course while in college. Established in 1948, this club has hosted professional tournaments on its challenging yet beautiful 18-hole course, located at 400 Donald Ross Drive in Raleigh. It claims to have the largest golf-teaching facility in the county.

Hasentree Golf Course 
This was the first Wake County course certified with the Audubon Silver status, a designation from Audubon International that the course operates in an environmentally friendly manner. Located in Wake Forest, it features a course designed by Tom Fazio that includes a challenging 88 bunkers.

A listing of many other Wake golf courses can be found here. Wherever you wind up playing, have fun and good luck.