triad
Old Town, Old North State head the list
triad golf compiles list of region’s top courses
Ranking lists are everywhere—movies, restaurants, colleges—and golf is no exception. They may be subjective, but they’re fun to read, spark lively debate, and shine a light on excellence. So we thought, why not create our own?
For the first time, Triad Golf Magazine presents a ranking of the top golf courses in the Piedmont Triad. To make it meaningful, we assembled a panel of experienced local golfers and golf industry professionals. Their votes helped us build a list that reflects the depth and quality of golf throughout our region.
We had a few ground rules:
• Courses had to be 18-hole layouts located in one of 12 counties considered part of the Triad.
• Panelists could only vote on courses they had personally played.
• To eliminate bias, we removed any votes where a conflict of interest—such as ownership, employment, or membership—was possible.
That means standout courses like The Old North State Club, even though located more than an hour from much of the Triad, were eligible and fairly considered.
There was no strict formula. Each panelist used their own judgment, just like NCAA basketball rankings. The result is a list that captures a range of preferences—from history and conditioning to layout and playability.
In addition to the overall rankings, we created a separate list for the region’s best public-access courses, drawn from the same panel votes.
You’ll find the full story and rankings starting on page 4—and also online at TriadGolf.com, now updated regularly with news, features, and more. We’ll also dig into the rankings on an upcoming episode of the Triad Golf Podcast/YouTube show, which you can access through our website.
We hope the list gets people talking—and maybe even inspires your next round.
John Brasier
ON THE COVER
The downhill par-3 No. 2 hole at Old Town Club requires a precise shot to a putting surface only 22 yards deep and protected by bunkers.
JOHN BRASIER Editor + Publisher | john@triadgolf.com
Several holes at Old North State Club, including the spectacular finish (18th hole at the top), run along Badin Lake.
Steel, whose portfolio includes Primland as well as several top courses in Britain and Ireland.
Next came Alamance Country Club and Forsyth Country Club, prestigious clubs with classic Ross designs. Bryan Park Champions— the top-ranked public-access course—was followed by Bermuda Run East, High Point Willow Creek, and The Cardinal to round out the top 10.
Old Town’s spot at the top should come as no surprise. Adjacent to Wake Forest University and home to the Demon Deacons golf teams, Old Town is ranked among the nation’s top 100 courses by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine.
Old North State, Sedgefield, and Greensboro Farm have all made several other statewide lists and have hosted major events.
Old North State was the longtime home of the ACC Men’s Championship. Sedgefield is host of the PGA Tour’s annual Wyndham Championship. Greensboro Farm hosted the 2023 Carolinas Open.
Other area courses have also hosted major national and international tournaments. Tanglewood Championship was the site of the 1974 PGA Championship, won by Lee Trevino. Forest Oaks was the longtime venue of the PGA Tour’s Greater Greensboro Open. Bryan Park Champions hosted the 2010 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship.
Though private clubs fill eight of the top 10 spots, public-access courses occupy 13 of the final 15 in the Top 25. Maples designed three of the top six courses. In total, Maples courses appear five times in the Top 25. Ø
The challenges at Sedgefield Country Club include rolling terrain, elevation changes and large, undulating and slippery putting surfaces.
TRIAD GOLF’S LEADERBOARD
Public Top 20
includes prominent tournament hosts
Tanglewood Park’s Championship Course hosted the 1974 PGA Championship won by Lee Trevino.
Forest Oaks Country Club was the site of the PGA Tour’s Greater Greensboro Open for three decades, producing 14 different winners who also captured major championships.
But according to a panel assembled by Triad Golf Magazine, the best public-access course in the Triad is Bryan Park’s Champions Course, which hosted the 2010 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship.
Those three courses represent only a glimpse of the outstanding public-access golf available in the Triad. The region’s public scene features designs by some of the
The scenic par-4 13th hole at Bryan Park Champions is a dogleg right extending along the banks of Lake Townsend down a peninsula.
biggest names in the sport, including Robert Trent Jones, Pete Dye, Ellis Maples, Joe Lee, Rees Jones, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Hale Irwin, and David Graham.
More than 50 of the Triad’s 60-plus golf courses are open to the public—at least on a limited basis.
Guilford and Forsyth counties are home to two of the state’s top public facilities thanks to generous benefactors: Bryan Park and Tanglewood Park, both 36-hole destinations with excellent practice facilities.
Grandover Resort offers a premier golf experience with two beautifully maintained courses designed by David Graham and Gary Panks, supported by expansive practice areas.
Several of the region’s top public courses were once fully private clubs and still maintain strong memberships.
In the past decade, McConnell Golf opened public access at The Cardinal, a challenging Pete Dye design formerly part of Sedgefield Country Club.
Other top-tier courses with substantial memberships include Forest Oaks, Cross Creek, Meadowlands, Deep Springs, Pinewood, Mill Creek, Salem Glen, Stoney Creek, and Greensboro National.
Holly Ridge, unique for not offering memberships, stands out with cutting-edge amenities including simulator bays, robotic food and drink service, and discounts for foursomes.
Among municipal layouts, Jamestown Park received the highest number of votes from panelists. Other popular muni courses include Lexington, Reynolds Park, Oak Hollow, and The Valley—facilities that would be the envy of golfers in many other regions. Ø
Accurate shotmaking and skilled play around the fast, undulating greens are required at The Cardinal by Pete Dye.
Proudly Supported
BY THESE OUTSTANDING TRIAD GOLF COURSES
Thank you to the courses that help make Triad Golf Magazine possible. Please support them in return—play a round, grab a bite, and see why they’re among the best in the region.
5700 Cardinal Way, Greensboro cardinalgolf.com | 336-668-2749
18 Holes • Semi-Private • Par 71 • 7,002–4,904 yards
A McConnell Golf property with limited public access, The Cardinal offers a country club experience on a challenging Pete Dye layout.
330 Niblick Drive, Summerfield greensboronational.com | 336-342-1113
18 Holes • Public • Par 72 • 6,806–4,715 yards
Greensboro National blends rural charm with quality golf. The emphasis on pace-of-play make it a favorite for daily-fee players and league regulars alike.
7041 East Fork Road, Jamestown jamestownparkgolf.com | 336-454-4912
18 Holes • Municipal • Par 72 • 6,665–5,035 yards
A straight-forward municipal gem with strong facilities, walkable terrain, and reshaped Tif-Eagle greens that offer a smooth, honest roll.
200 Country Club Blvd., Lexington lexingtongolfclub.net | 336-248-3950
18 Holes • Municipal • Par 71 • 6,116–4,357 yards
This historic Davidson County favorite offers great value and strong conditions on a hilly, tree-lined course with new Bermuda greens.
2391 Reynolds Park Road, Winston-Salem cityofws.org | 336-727-2703
18 Holes • Municipal • Par 70 • 6,534–4,725 yards
Winston-Salem’s Reynolds Park is a rolling municipal layout with scenic elevation changes, well-kept fairways, and strategic bunkering. With a relaxed vibe and walkable terrain, it’s a great value for everyday golfers.
Triad Amateur returns to willow creek in july
Registration is now open for the 2025 Triad Amateur Golf Classic, set to take place July 26–27 at the Willow Creek Course at High Point Country Club.
Tournament director and HPCC golf professional Jim Brotherton confirmed that this year’s field will be limited to 96 amateur golfers, ages 16 and older. Players will compete in two divisions: Open and Senior (ages 55 and up).
The Open Division will play a layout measuring between 6,800 and 6,900 yards, while the Senior Division will compete from a shorter setup of approximately 6,200 to 6,300 yards.
Last year’s champion, Lincoln Newton of Wallburg, claimed the title as a 16-year-old with an impressive 6-under-par 134.
The $225 entry fee includes cart fees for both tournament rounds, lunch on both days, a tee gift, access to locker room facilities, bag storage, and prizes. A practice round will be available on July 25 for an additional $30, which covers cart and range balls.
The Triad Amateur is a recognized event by the Carolinas Golf Association, carrying a 2x multiplier in the Open Division and a 1x multiplier in the Senior Division for CGA rankings.
For more information or to register, contact the Willow Creek Golf Shop at 336-869-2416 or email Jim Brotherton at jbrotherton@ hpcountryclub.com. Ø
bunker changes underway at Bryan Park
The courses at one of the Triad’s premier public golf facilities will undergo a few changes this summer.
Several sand bunkers will be replaced with grass on both the Champions and Players courses at Bryan Park.
Changes are already visible at hole No. 11 on the Champions course, where the sand that once guarded the dogleg-right par 4 has been removed. The muddy bank over the adjacent hazard will soon be replaced with grass.
Additional updates, as learned by TriadGolf.com, include the removal of the bunker behind the ninth green on the Players course. Sand will also be removed from at least one other location at Bryan Park. Ø
Davis Womble
Lincoln Newton
Sand bunkers have been removed and will be replaced by grass at No. 11 on the Champions Course.
Pinehurst No. 4 to close for greens restoration
The course commonly regarded as the second-best layout at Pinehurst Resort will close for the summer.
Pinehurst announced that its No. 4 course—redesigned by Gil Hanse and reopened in 2018—will close starting May 19 for greens restoration. It is expected to reopen on August 7.
The resort stated that No. 4’s Ultradwarf Bermuda greens have not responded well since winter, which included an especially cold January.
“Earlier this spring, we were optimistic that the course would recover as temperatures warmed, based on input from agronomy experts,” Pinehurst said in a statement. “However, despite those expectations, conditions have not improved. A recent follow-up report confirmed what we have seen: No. 4’s greens have continued to deteriorate.”
When it reopened in 2018, No. 4 became the second-highest priced course at Pinehurst, behind only No. 2, which hosted its fourth U.S. Open in 2024. No. 10, which opened in 2024, is now priced higher than No. 4, which was part of the rotation for the 2019 U.S. Amateur.
Most rounds on Nos. 2, 4, and 10 are played—and priced—as part of resort packages. In June 2024, Golf.com listed the cost of a second round at No. 2 for resort guests at up to $595, with No. 10 peaking at $450 and No. 4 at $395 for replay rounds. Ø
Triad Golf launches new podcast series highlighting local golf scene
Triad Golf is expanding its coverage of the region’s vibrant golf community with the launch of the Triad Golf Podcast, now live at triadgolf.com/podcast.
The podcast dives into the stories, personalities, and headlines shaping the game across central North Carolina and beyond. From interviews with local pros and rising amateurs to tournament recaps and course news, each episode offers insider perspectives you won’t find anywhere else.
“We’re excited to bring a new dimension to our storytelling,” said publisher John Brasier. “The podcast gives us a chance to have deeper conversations and showcase the voices behind the headlines.”
Listeners can tune in now at triadgolf.com/podcast, with new episodes released regularly. Ø
The No. 4 course will close on May 19 for restoration of the putting surfaces.
“I’m having fun. I’m in a good place,” she said. “I’m really starting to see my potential. I’m really feeling I can do this at an elite level.”
Previously, Howerton had been named Big South Freshman of the Year after capturing the title at the UNC Greensboro Collegiate.
During her prep career at Reagan High School, she often held the team’s No. 1 spot in the lineup. Reagan’s roster included future college standouts Macy Pate (Wake Forest) and Morgan Ketchum (Virginia Tech), and the team was named the nation’s top high school squad by the National High School Golf Association.
“Playing with them really upped my drive,” Howerton said.
High Point’s 2025 spring season ended with a narrow loss to Charleston Southern by just one stroke in the Big South Championship. Howerton tied for 21st individually at the season-ending event held at Fripp Island Resort near Beaufort, South Carolina.
Nationally, she finished the season ranked No. 254 in Division I individual rankings. Climbing higher is challenging without regular competition against players from top-tier conferences like the SEC or ACC.
A finance major and self-described ‘people person,’ Howerton says she doesn’t envision life on the LPGA Tour, despite her current collegiate success.
She continues to train hard, making five-hour drives to see her longtime instructor, Rickey Sullivan, at Bulls Bay Golf Club near Charleston— then turning right back around to return home the same day.
“It’s not something I see myself doing forever,” she said of the nomadic lifestyle of tour professionals. “I’m definitely trying to play as well as I can now, but I don’t aspire to do this after college.” Ø
TRIAD FAVORITE FOR 85 YEARS
Weekday $35
Senior Weekday $30
Weekends $40
9-hole rates (weekdays + weekend afternoons)
Walking Allowed Anytime
Chris Haarlow
SECTION PLAYER OF THE YEAR FOLLOWS LEGENDARY PATH
Chris Haarlow sees similarities between himself and a certain famous fictional character. As a golfer, he’s benefitted from miraculous timing and the guidance of legendary figures.
A former All-American at Guilford College and now an instructor and director at Precision Golf School in Greensboro, Haarlow clinched 2024 Carolinas PGA Player of the Year honors thanks to top-eight finishes in each of the CPGA’s five senior events—plus strong showings in several open tournaments.
“It’s like a Forrest Gump thing,” the 55-year-old reflected. “I was in the right place at the right time.”
That lucky path started in 1969, when Haarlow was just an infant. His father, Robert, moved the family from Kansas City to Pinehurst to become the first headmaster at The O’Neal School.
Though neither of his parents played golf, Haarlow was raised in a town steeped in the sport. Soon after arriving, Robert made friends with Pine Needles Golf Club proprietor Peggy Kirk Bell, who would send her own children to O’Neal.
Bell, an LPGA legend, instructor, and course owner, became a mentor and nearly a second mother to Haarlow. “Peggy basically adopted me as one of her kids,” he recalled. “She gave me the game of golf. She was just great to me and my family.”
Haarlow learned to play under Bell and Harvie Ward, the two-time U.S. Amateur champion who taught at Pine Needles. Ward quickly realized the young golfer needed proper equipment. “Harvie said, ‘Hey Peg, we’ve got to get Chris some clubs.’ ‘OK, I’ll call Ben,’ she said. Ten days later, I had a set of clubs from Ben Hogan.”
As a teen, Haarlow worked at both Pine Needles and Pinehurst Resort and Country Club, where he met future coaching greats like Hank Haney and Eric Alpenfels. Alpenfels became his main instructor.
He was the first non-Bell family member to attend, then later work, at Pine Needles’ legendary ‘Golfari’ camps. At Pinehurst, PGA of America president Don Padgett gave young range workers nearly unrestricted access to play—often on famed No. 2.
“I probably played more than 300 rounds at No. 2. I remember chasing the mowers down the fairways,” Haarlow said. “Between Don and Peggy, they were so gracious. I always call the Pinehurst area home.”
When Bell’s husband, Warren ‘Bullet’ Bell, passed in 1984, she briefly stepped away from instruction. “I was the only one she taught for about a year,” Haarlow said, his voice catching with emotion. “She and I had a bond I can’t forget.” Bell died in 2016 at age 95.
With elite mentors and world-class access, Haarlow earned a scholarship to Guilford College, helping the Quakers win the 1989 NAIA national championship. He credits his success to strong course management and putting.
He spent over six years chasing his PGA Tour dream, competing on mini tours and making six attempts at PGA Tour Q School. He never earned his card, but has no regrets. “I met so many great people and friends.”
Haarlow qualified for the 1994 U.S. Open at Oakmont—the same week as the O.J. Simpson Bronco chase. He shot 82-74 to miss the cut, but vividly remembers watching Arnold Palmer’s final Open appearance as he walked down the nearby 10th fairway.
Later, Haarlow began teaching, joining George Bryan’s golf facility in Columbia, SC. There, he befriended Bryan’s sons—George and Wes—now professional golfers and social media stars. His pupils have included the Bryan brothers and the late Grayson Murray.
About 23 years ago, he joined Robert Linville’s Precision Golf School. Like Haarlow, Linville is a Guilford Sports Hall of Fame member. Precision operates out of Bryan Park and Bur-Mil Park.
“The Pinehurst culture was all about giving back,” Haarlow said. “I was lucky to be a recipient, and I want to keep it going.”
As a teaching pro at Bryan Park, Haarlow has range access but plays few casual rounds. He competes in 14-16 tournaments a year, including several pro-ams, but says he’s only played two recreational rounds.
After a hip replacement three years ago, Haarlow says he’s found a new gear. “I had to relearn how to swing, but I was able to get to a new level.”
He won the CPGA’s final Carolinas Section Senior tournament in 2023 and has continued strong play in 2024, including a win at Cedarwood Country Club.
Haarlow believes his playing success adds to his credibility as an instructor.
“The best teachers have some duality—they can play a little. And more importantly, they give their students confidence.”
When golfers train with Haarlow, they’re not just getting lessons— they’re learning from someone who learned from legends and became one himself. Ø
WEEKENDS Ø 18 holes w/ cart $39
SENIORS (60+) Ø Monday-Friday 18 holes w/ cart $27
JUNIORS (15 & UNDER) PLAY FOR FREE w/ 1 paying adult daily after 12:00 pm
TWILIGHT & EVENING RATES AVAILABLE DAILY
Looking for a high-quality golf experience in a destination that also keeps non-golfing family members entertained? Take a look at Branson, Missouri, where Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris has added world-class golf to the scenic Ozarks. With fishing and boating, one of the nation’s top theme parks, a riverfront shopping district, and dozens of entertainment venues, Branson offers something for everyone.
The area also boasts hundreds of restaurants and popular family-friendly attractions—think Ferris wheels, go-karts, mini golf, zip lines, and water slides—all within a compact 10-mile radius.
Big
Cedar Lodge:
A Golf Destination
Over the past decade, Branson has gained national recognition for its top-tier golf offerings, many of which are located at Morris’ Big Cedar Lodge Resort just south of the city. Spread over 4,600 acres, Big Cedar is home to several acclaimed courses designed by the biggest names in golf.
• Ozarks National, a Bill Coore/Ben Crenshaw design opened in 2019, sits atop ridges with panoramic countryside views. Golfweek ranks it the No. 1 public course in Missouri; Golf Digest places it No. 3 overall.
• Payne’s Valley, a tribute to four-time major champion and Springfield native
Branson
OFFERING TOP-FLIGHT
GOLF WITH FAMILY ATTRACTIONS
Payne Stewart, opened in 2021. The course, designed by Tiger Woods, concludes with a dramatic par-3 19th hole framed by limestone cliffs and waterfalls, followed by a winding ride through the cliffs to the mountaintop clubhouse.
• Buffalo Ridge Springs, a Tom Fazio masterpiece, features rolling terrain, scenic rock formations, and water features throughout. (Note: The course is closed until June 2025 for green renovations.)
• Top of the Rock, a nine-hole Jack Nicklaus course with views of Table Rock Lake, cohosted a PGA Tour Champions event for six years.
• Mountaintop, a 13-hole walking-only course by Gary Player, joined the rotation for two years starting in 2018.
Coming in late 2025 is Cliffhangers, an 18-hole par-3 course perched on bluffs overlooking Payne’s Valley. Designed by Morris and his son John, it promises yet another unforgettable experience.
More Than Golf
Big Cedar’s golf experiences are enhanced by upscale, outdoors-themed pro shops, bars, and restaurants. The Top of the Rock clubhouse includes an Ozarks history museum, a golfcart cave trail, and Arnie’s Barn, a Tex-Mex restaurant inspired by Arnold Palmer’s tastes. The barn is filled with memorabilia from Palmer,
Nicklaus, Player, NASCAR drivers, and more.
The beautifully landscaped grounds and luxurious yet casual atmosphere set Big Cedar apart. And yes—free bison (hot) dogs at oncourse snack shacks don’t hurt either.
Green fees range from $275 for Payne’s Valley to $80 for Mountaintop. Top of the Rock runs about $130. Big Cedar’s courses are considered premium public-access golf, yet significantly more affordable than Pebble Beach, Pinehurst, or Bandon Dunes.
Guests of the resort (with more than 360 unique accommodations) receive a slight discount and tee-time priority.
Branson’s Broader Golf Scene
Beyond Big Cedar, Branson offers additional high-quality public golf:
• Branson Hills, designed by Chuck Smith and Bobby Clampett, has been ranked No. 2 in the state (behind Ozarks National) and starts at $150 in season.
• Ledgestone Country Club, a par-71 course by Paul Clark, starts at $85.
• Pointe Royale, along Lake Taneycomo, offers 6,300 yards of play from $110.
• Thousand Hills, a par-64 layout, starts at $94.
• Holiday Hills, a par-68 local favorite, runs about $60.
The Cardinal by Pete Dye has long been a beloved gem for golfers in the Triad. With affordable membership opportunities, this stunning course offers the ideal setting for families to create cherished, lifelong memories. Members gain access to exclusive tournaments, vibrant events, and top-tier golf development programs for both juniors and adults. Now is the perfect moment to explore membership and join the thriving Cardinal community!