Winston Lake Golf Course
Winston Lake Golf Course offers a distinctive blend of rolling hills, strategic water features, and approachable challenges. Though undergoing renovations, it remains an inviting spot for all skill levels, featuring a memorable downhill par 3 and affordable green fees in a welcoming, community-driven setting.
Course Overview
Winston Lake Golf Course presents a compelling mix of classic charm and evolving promise. Located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, this public 18-hole layout invites golfers to experience a course that blends rolling terrain with a rugged willingness to test every facet of the game. Though currently undergoing significant renovations, Winston Lake maintains a distinctly approachable spirit, making it a rewarding stop for both casual weekend players and more serious golfers seeking variety outside busy commercial venues.
The active construction is reshaping the back nine with the aim of reinvigorating the course’s character. For now, play focuses mainly on the front nine, which boasts undulating fairways, strategic water hazards, and greens guarded by well-positioned bunkers. These features demand thoughtful shot-making while rewarding patience and course management. Elevation changes introduce visual drama and strategic complexity, especially on par 3 and par 5 holes where distance control and club selection come to the forefront.
One hole in particular stands out: a par 3 that slopes sharply downhill, hidden from the tee box, with a creek and bunkers safeguarding the green. It challenges players to navigate both the blind shot and tricky landing conditions, setting the tone for the course’s blend of strategy and risk.
The clubhouse environment reflects the local culture - friendly, laid-back, and welcoming. The staff’s warmth and dedication enhance the overall experience, encouraging repeat visits, especially when renovations reach completion.
Winston Lake’s condition during renovation remains commendable, with lush fairways and well-maintained turf, though some greens slow down under construction. Its affordable green fees add further appeal, supporting accessibility for players across skill levels. Walking is an option with moderate elevation changes encouraging sturdy footwear and a comfortable pace.
For golfers seeking a course with authentic southern character, varied challenges, and future potential, Winston Lake Golf Course provides a refreshing blend of value and intrigue. When the rebuild finishes, it promises to become a highlight in the Winston-Salem area golf landscape.
Course Highlights
Winston Lake's layout integrates a mix of elevation shifts and water hazards that influence strategy on several holes. The course is recognized for its standout downhill, blind par 3 guarded by creek and bunkers, testing precision and nerve. Renovations focus on restoring and enhancing greens and tee boxes, promising more defined contours and improved playability upon completion. The clubhouse exudes a welcoming community vibe, making this a friendly stop for local and visiting golfers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
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!
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.
Black Opum
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!
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 🙏👍
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.
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
Emma Caldwell
They don't have no soap in the bathrooms you can't wash your hands
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!
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Course Details
Access & Location
3535 Winston Lake Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27105, USA
Main clubhouse offering pro shop and dining facilities with casual, local atmosphere
Walking encouraged; course features moderate elevation changes, recommend golf shoes with good traction
Open daily; tee times available on-site and online, first-come, first-served during renovations
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