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4.9
134 Reviews (134)
5 Stars
88
4 Stars
33
3 Stars
9
2 Stars
2
1 Stars
2
Conditions
4.9
Value
4.7
Layout
4.9
Friendliness
4.9
Pace
4.8
Amenities
4.8
99.1%
Recommend this course
125 out of 134 reviews
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0
5 Stars
0
4 Stars
0
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
0
Value
0
Layout
0
Friendliness
0
Pace
0
Amenities
0
0%
Recommend this course
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Average Rating
Avg Rating
5.0
1 Reviews (1)
5 Stars
1
4 Stars
0
3 Stars
0
2 Stars
0
1 Stars
0
Conditions
5.0
Value
5.0
Layout
5.0
Pace
5.0
Amenities
5.0
StaffFriendliness
5.0
100.0%
Recommend this course
1 out of 1 reviews
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About

Holes 18
Type Public
Par N/A
Length N/A
Slope N/A
Rating N/A

Opened in 2010, it did not take Cape Fear National at Brunswick Forest long to be ranked as one of the "top 10 best courses you can play in North Carolina" by Golfweek. It was quite a feat to create a course that stood out in an area known for its exceptional golf, but designer Tim Cate mastered the challenge. Although it was carefully carved through acres of forest, the trees don't play much of a role on the course. Sand and water will be the most formidable challenges on this links layout. Golfers can expect forced carries over native marshes and massive waste bunkers strategically placed throughout. There are challenges in store for players of all skill levels but Cape Fear National is also a fair and straightforward test with no hidden hazards.

Course Details

Year Built 2009
Fairways Tifway 419 bermuda
Greens A-1/A-4 bent grass
Architect Tim Cate (2009)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
Pull-carts Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Pitching/Chipping Area Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted Yes
Walking Allowed Yes

Food & Beverage

Bar, Grill, Restaurant

Available Facilities

Clubhouse, Meeting Facilities, Banquet Facilities, Locker Rooms

Accolades

Reviews

4.9
134 Reviews (134)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 6
Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 13
Forced Carries 12
Water Hazards 10
This course/club is great for:
Advanced Golfers 13
Wildlife/ Scenic Views 9
A Bucket list/Top 100 Pick 7
This Course's Location is:
Convenient to the City 7
Worth the Drive 7

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

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Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
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Played On
Reviews 104
Handicap 5-9
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart

Coastal Carolina's Best Kept Golf Secret

One of the biggest things the coastal North Carolina area has going for it is a fantastic climate; outdoor recreational activities can be enjoyed year-round and the mild winter temperatures are perfect for golf.

Brunswick Forest is an active lifestyle community in Leland, North Carolina that takes full advantage of everything Mother Nature has to offer. The community is about 10 minutes from the Wilmington area and 30 minutes from the Atlantic beaches. Brunswick Forest borders Town Creek, which flows to the Cape Fear River and then out to the Atlantic Ocean. This 4,500-acre master-planned community is still being built out and is slated to have about 8,000 homes. Among the vast array of amenities available within the community is a private country club that is home to one of the best golf courses in the area.

Cape Fear National Golf Club is not only the Wilmington area’s most celebrated golf course, it’s an award-winning 18-hole championship course whose natural beauty is unmatched by any other golf course around. Since opening in 2010, Cape Fear National has received several awards including a top 10 ranking from Golfweek Magazine as “Best Courses You Can Play in North Carolina,” "10 Best New Public Courses in America," from Golf Digest, a "Top 100 Fairways in the U.S." from Golf for Women Magazine and "#41 Top 100 Public Course in the U.S." from Golf Magazine. It is constantly given "4 ½ Stars" by Golf Digest for “Places to Play.”

Renowned golf course architect Tim Cate has created a course that takes the area’s heavily undulating land and winds its way through wetlands, waterfalls, and beach bunkers. Although the course is carved from acres of forest, trees are not that much of a factor. Instead, North Carolina native grasses and wildflowers are often found bordering Cate’s signature feature – waste bunkers that run the entire length of a hole and sometimes serve as the cart path. This can be seen on holes 5, 13, and 16.

Cape Fear National is all about golf and with that mindset comes outstanding practice facilities. In addition to a full-length driving range, there are several separate areas where you can work on your short game, sand game, and putting. If you are lucky enough to be invited to the club as a guest or on a discovery tour, I advise getting to the course early and taking advantage of all the club has to offer

As you make your way around the course, you’ll find more than 1,500 feet of bridges, three separate waterfalls, several ponds, and strategically placed rock walls. Over 1.5 million cubic yards of earth were moved to create this golfing masterpiece with water or wetlands coming into play on every hole. The result is a gently rolling golf course that is as aesthetically pleasing to look at as it is challenging to play. What you see is what you get; there are no hidden hazards out here!

Whether you’re a low-handicapper or are just new to the game, players of all skill levels will enjoy Cape Fear National. With six sets of tees, the course plays anywhere from 7,130 yards to 4,811 yards. From the Champion Tees, Cape Fear National has a course rating of 74.8 and a slope of 140. I found the Blue Tees (6,208/70.3/131) offered a fair challenge and still allowed me to leave with some dignity intact. Pick the tees that best suit your game and you’re sure to enjoy yourself.

During your round, you’re sure to encounter several holes that will stick in your memory. The 2nd hole at Cape Fear National is a challenging par 5 with a sharp dog leg left that plays 486 yards from the Blue Tees. You’ll need to hit your tee shot about 240 yards to even have a peek at the green. Play your layup shot up the left side being sure to avoid the fairway bunker, which will take the creek on the right side out of play and leave a short pitch shot into the green.

Number 11 is another short par 5, playing 444 yards from the Blue Tees. Don’t let the length fool you; it may be short but there’s a lot of trouble. For starters, you’ll need to hit over the lake on the right side and avoid the two fairway bunkers in the landing area off the tee. Then, you’ll need to hit your second shot up the left side, avoiding more fairway bunkers on either side. If you’re going for the green in two, there’s a large bunker front right, and the water butts up against the green on the right. The green is slightly elevated.

Bunkers steal the spotlight on Numbers 12 and 13. The 12th hole is a challenging and picturesque par 4 with beautiful bunkering in the fairway on either side and around the green, both in front and behind. You’ll need to fly your approach shot onto this green or risk hitting out of the sand. Number 13 is one of Cate’s signature holes with a waste bunker that you drive through framing the right side of the fairway and snaking its way up in front of the green. Be wary of the pond on the left side off the tee which you may well find if you’re paying too much attention to that bunker.

One of the things that sets this golf course apart is the finishing holes on either side, they are par 3s! Number 9 plays 160 yards from the Blue Tees with wetlands that stretch from in front of the tee box right up to the front of the green. There are bunkers on the right side and behind the green which is a lot wider than it is deep.

Eighteen is a little bit longer, 185 yards, over wetlands to a long, narrow green with two bunkers front left. Just check the wind, choose your club, and swing away. Pars on the two finishing holes are usually indicative of a good round!

Cape Fear National is a private golf club where the focus is on you, the member. After all, membership is a choice that often leads to changes in lifestyle. Cape Fear National offers a welcoming atmosphere in a peaceful, serene setting, where you’re certain to meet others that share your interests. As a member, you’ll enjoy a challenging golf course, fun social activities, and memorable dining experiences. There are no tennis courts, swimming pools, or fitness centers, just a world-class golf facility, a well-stocked bar, great food, and good friends. That’s really all a country club needs.

Cape Fear National Golf Club was recently purchased by Heritage Golf Group, the fastest-growing golf club owner in the country. Heritage Golf Group currently has 25 public, private, and resort-style golf courses in 9 states that will challenge golfers of all skill sets and abilities. For more information on Cape Fear National or to become one of its newest members, give them a call

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Windy weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

A great round

Excellent course. Beautiful layout that is well maintained even in February. Multiple tees make the course accessible for all ages and proficiency. Can be challenging from tips to very manageable from forward tees. Beautiful greens with very true ball tools. Great staff.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 12
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Immaculate shape. If you are a serious golfer who keeps a handicap and loves the game then this is a must play.

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 16
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Cape Fear….very good

Always great place to play…fairways and greens good

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 24
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing

Not to be missed

Have wanted to play this course for quite a long time but always ended up at Carolina National or Lockwood Folly. Both very nice courses but my favorite now is Cape Fear National. From the start, staff treats you like a member. Course is beautiful and well kept. Public playing days may be over as the course was sold and rumor is they are in the process of going private. Hope this doesnt happen because it would be a shame for the non member to miss out on such a fantastic facility. If it happens, I can at least say I played it twice. Thanks Cape Fear!

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Played On
Reviews 22
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Great Conditions.

Great course with superb short game practice facility. A little pricey but worth an occasional round. Weirdly, both nines end with a par three - which seems odd, but not a big deal.

Conditions Excellent
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Beginner
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Previously Played

Worth The Money

This course is not the cheapest round in the Wilmington area but it worth the money for sure. The parkways and greens are always good and the layout is challenging. Not for a beginner golfer but a great time. The neighborhood and amenities are nice as well. One of the beast public course in Brunswick county!!

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Twice a year
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Outstanding

One of the nicest courses I’ve ever played! Very challenging with a few unique holes with sand cascading along the entire side/middle of the hole. Also by far the friendliest staff o have ever seen. Highly recommend making the trip to give it a try, wish I lived closer so I could get a membership

Conditions Excellent
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Challenging course

Nice, challenging course made more challenging by the large amounts of rain recently causing the fairways to be extremely muddy. Cart path only for the round which isn't an issue just waterlogged.

Conditions Fair
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once every three months
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Hot weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Excellent
Amenities Excellent
Difficulty Extremely Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
Played On
Reviews 2
Handicap 10-14
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Perfect weather
Used cart
Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Average
Amenities Average
Difficulty Somewhat Challenging
Played On
Reviews 1
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Holiday

Today was 4th of July. I was a single playing with a 3some. The starter didn’t want to let me have my own cart. That was really my only issue. The rest of the staff was fantastic, the course was in great shape. Pace was great until 17 & 18. But who cares at that point. No beverage cart today, usually not the case.

Love this course. Will definitely play again

Conditions Excellent
Value Good
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Excellent
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Golf Packages

Talamore Golf Resort Stay & Play Package

FROM $137 (USD)
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Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club Stay & Play Package

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FROM $187 (USD)
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