Winston Lake Golf Course
Winston Lake Golf Course blends rolling parkland terrain with measured elevation changes and natural water hazards to craft a refreshing public golf experience near downtown Winston-Salem. While undergoing renovations, the front nine showcases its approachable layout and strategic challenges, making it a solid choice for golfers seeking value and character in Central North Carolina.
Course Overview
Winston Lake Golf Course, located just outside downtown Winston-Salem, North Carolina, offers an approachable yet engaging golf experience framed by rolling terrain and mature woodland. This public 18-hole layout combines a classic parkland style with strategic elevation changes and natural water features that quietly demand respect at every turn. While currently under renovation with the back nine closed for updates, the front nine remains fully playable and offers a taste of the course’s character, blending straightforward holes with thoughtful challenges.
The course’s varied topography gives players a chance to navigate several blind tee shots alongside holes that test precise shot-making. Water comes into play notably around the fifth hole, a par 3 with a downhill, blind tee shot over a creek to a green guarded by bunkers. This is a standout challenge that rewards thoughtful club selection and control. The elevational shifts keep pace judgment and trajectory in focus throughout the round, shaping an experience that rises above mere length and offers a true test for golfers of all levels.
Winston Lake’s conditioning leans toward a natural, walkable feel with well-maintained fairways and grass that has proven resilient even mid-renovation. The scent of fresh cut grass mingles with the subtle hum of the nearby city, creating a unique contrast between nature and urban proximity. Staff members add a welcoming touch, known for their relaxed professionalism and helpfulness, making each visit feel both casual and cared for.
Players are encouraged to walk, as the course’s layout and terrain complement a brisk pace on foot, with carts available upon request. The clubhouse provides a modest yet comfortable space to gather before or after your round, offering snacks and a friendly atmosphere.
As renovations progress, Winston Lake is poised to emerge as a revitalized gem for central North Carolina golfers, striking a balance between tradition and modern playability. For now, it remains a solid, affordable option with good playability and friendly vibes in the heart of Winston-Salem.
Course Highlights
Interpretation of classic parkland design with strategic elevation; a signature downhill, blind par-3 fifth hole over water; ongoing renovations aiming to refresh greens and bunkers; natural lakes and creeks that influence several holes; approachable challenge balancing scenic beauty and shot-making demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Sawyer Hubbard
This course is under renovation and is going to be awesome once they reopen the back 9, hopefully around June, according to the guy in the pro shop! There is a bunch of wood chips now from all the trees that have been removed and the greens are still very slow. Easy to get a tee time even day-of sometimes or when other places are crowded. Going to be a regular stop in the rotation for me!
Frank Manochio
Really enjoyed playing here. Saturday morning in August, course was green and in great shape (a couple greens had some bad spots but if you are the kind of person to get bent out of shape because of that...then you're either a jerk and shouldn't play here or you think your'e going pro once you fix that slice and you shouldn't play here either.) Course is great value, love the terrain changes.
Justin Spear
Hadn’t played here in about 10 years because I just didn’t really like the course, but they have completely revamped this course and recent years. They just completely redid the back 9 (opens this month) removed basically all of the trees, fairways are like carpet, greens and turf around the greens are immaculate, super nice range and chipping area. played 9 in 1.5 hrs. $25 to play 18. Can be challenging but a lot of fun. The place will be perfect next year. Will be my go to from now on.
Austin Bullard
I love this place. The guys that work there are super nice and laid back. Very welcoming place (especially for winston salem) I went with some family while a lot of work was needing to be completed but it’s not an issue because it’s still beautiful and the employees are exceptional. Highly recommend !! P.s looking forward to going back when the construction is done thanks guys 🙏👍
kyler clauer
Beautiful course great grass ,also it is under construction for the back . Witch doesn't give the 5 but never the less you can definitely "feel" the legacy this place built ; almost a step your game up to bring out the best in yourself as well as great camaraderie. Food and pro shop are clean cut
Black Opum
Christopher Lornell
I'm not a local and have never played this course before, but if I lived in or near Winston-Salem, I'd be back on a regular basis once they finish its' complete overhaul. Right now only the front nine is open and it seems to be about 80% complete---several of the greens remain under construction and other work remains to be done but its a nice layout with some blind tee shots, plenty of elevation changes and water comes into play on several holes. Number 5, if I recall correctly, comes after a slightly uphill par 3 and its a beast---downhill, blind, and with bunkers and a creek guarding the green. Try to par this one! I assume that the back nine is equally interesting and challenging. Winston Lake will be a very nice course about two years from now when all the work is done. As a senior golfer I paid eight bucks to walk this course on a Thursday morning in mid-May. What a bargain!
kyler clauer
Beautiful course great grass ,also it is under construction for the back . Witch doesn't give the 5 but never the less you can definitely "feel" the legacy this place built ; almost a step your game up to bring out the best in yourself as well as great camaraderie. Food and pro shop are clean cut
Christopher Lornell
I'm not a local and have never played this course before, but if I lived in or near Winston-Salem, I'd be back on a regular basis once they finish its' complete overhaul. Right now only the front nine is open and it seems to be about 80% complete---several of the greens remain under construction and other work remains to be done but its a nice layout with some blind tee shots, plenty of elevation changes and water comes into play on several holes. Number 5, if I recall correctly, comes after a slightly uphill par 3 and its a beast---downhill, blind, and with bunkers and a creek guarding the green. Try to par this one! I assume that the back nine is equally interesting and challenging. Winston Lake will be a very nice course about two years from now when all the work is done. As a senior golfer I paid eight bucks to walk this course on a Thursday morning in mid-May. What a bargain!
Emma Caldwell
They don't have no soap in the bathrooms you can't wash your hands
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Course Details
Access & Location
3535 Winston Lake Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27105, USA
Modest clubhouse with snack bar and pro shop
Walking encouraged; terrain includes elevation changes - comfortable shoes recommended
Open to public, tee times available online or by phone
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