Holly Ridge Golf Course
Holly Ridge Golf Course in Harbinger, NC, delivers a relaxed yet engaging 18-hole public layout featuring wide fairways, water hazards, and accessible greens. Ideal for golfers seeking approachable play with a coastal Carolinian backdrop, it offers solid practice facilities and friendly service that complement its inviting pace and charm.
Course Overview
Holly Ridge Golf Course in Harbinger, North Carolina, offers a straightforward and approachable golfing experience set against the backdrop of coastal landscapes. This 18-hole public layout stretches just over 6,200 yards and plays to a par of 72, inviting golfers of varying skill levels to test their game without overwhelming complexity. The course features wide fairways that open up opportunities for confident drives, while well-placed water hazards and bunkers quietly demand strategic club selection and thoughtful shot planning.
The terrain leans toward flat to gently rolling, characteristic of the region, with natural wetlands occasionally framing a hole, adding subtle challenges without obstructing playability. The greens, though modest in size, present subtle breaks that reward careful reading and precise putting. Players will find a pleasant mix of holes featuring water in play and others that allow for a more relaxed rhythm, creating a balanced round that flows smoothly.
Holly Ridge serves well both the casual golfer looking to enjoy a quick round and those aiming for steady improvement. Visitors frequently comment on the course’s inviting fairway widths and the absence of overly penal rough, which helps maintain pace without sacrificing interest. The presence of a well-maintained driving range and short game practice area supports warm-ups and honing skills before teeing off.
Amenities include a well-staffed pro shop, comfortable golf carts, and a beverage cart that traverses the course, enhancing the social aspect of play with convenient refreshments. The friendly staff contribute to an atmosphere that feels welcoming, even during busier times.
While the course occasionally experiences slow play during peak periods, careful planning of tee times can ease this issue. Walking the course is possible, though the flat terrain and compact layout make cart use a practical choice for many. Holly Ridge balances affordability with a solid level of challenge, making it an accessible destination for anyone exploring the Outer Banks’ golf scene.
Course Highlights
The course features wide, open fairways complemented by strategically placed water hazards and bunkers that challenge shot placement without excessive penalizing. A driving range and short game area provide ample practice opportunities. The beverage cart enhances the relaxed pace of play, while staff attentiveness contributes to a friendly golfing atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Dusty McDonald
I golfed here with my husband yesterday and this course exceeded our expectations. The course was lovely and wide open, with plenty of challenge. They did have water out at a few holes, and a bathhouse on #10. Plus a beer cart. The carts were comfortable and quick. The greens challenging but fun to figure out. We will be back.
dale williams
I've been coming to this place for years and I have certainly watched it develop into a golf course that's enjoyable to play. Since Mary has been there between her and Jeff, they have made a lot of commitments and changes. Mary has really made some positive changes and I'm excited to see where the Course goes. Holly as well who is new to the course has always been pleasant to talk to and recently, she has started going out with the beverage cart that is a huge plus. So thank you for that :) I do try and take care of this course when I'm out there so for all the tourist who read reviews hopefully, they will take care of this place too!
Matthew Fuller
Pace of play was non-existent. Took me as a single player 4 hours to play 18 holes. Course wasn't packed just groups that were too big and slow. Not worth $70 to play golf and wait an extra 10 minutes every hole.
Jason stahl
JUSTIN MUDD
Fun
Mike Johnson
Used Holly Ridge as a warm up round before spending a lot on the other courses in the area. Slow, tiny greens and the course was in generally rough shape. As the low cost ($55 military) option in the region you get a lot of the “hey let’s try golf crowd” and it was slow. Earlier reviews talk about the lack of drinking water, but we didn’t see that, drinks in the pro shop, couple of coolers and even a bev cart. Non issue.
Matthew Malone
Nice enough course at a decent price relative to others in the area. But it doesn’t seem to have enough staff. Not keeping up with demand for range balls and allowing groups of eight or more to go around together. Ran out of carts causing significant delays in tee times. No course ranger to keep things moving. Make a tee time or just show up. Seems to make no difference here.
Matthew Malone
Nice enough course at a decent price relative to others in the area. But it doesn’t seem to have enough staff. Not keeping up with demand for range balls and allowing groups of eight or more to go around together. Ran out of carts causing significant delays in tee times. No course ranger to keep things moving. Make a tee time or just show up. Seems to make no difference here.
John Pountnay
Great little golf course, not too fancy, no clubhouse, and too continuous cart path, so you end up driving on the greens most of the time, power lines go through the course, I actually hit them on one of the holes lol, but good time, it was about 80 bucks to play
Chaz Fillion
Great fun with great friends. Not a complicated course, great variety of pars, need a collared shirt… Driving range is nice very affordable and night time driving is fun as well. Good times great staff clean course.
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Course Details
Access & Location
8818 Caratoke Hwy, Harbinger, NC 27941, USA
Holly Ridge Golf Course Clubhouse and Pro Shop
Walking allowed; flat layout is manageable on foot though cart rental is recommended for convenience.
Walk-ins welcome; tee time reservations advised during busy periods.
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