Carolina National Golf Club
Carolina National Golf Club offers 27 holes of accessible, well-maintained golf across three unique courses near Bolivia, NC. Its parkland-style layout paired with coastal influences delivers a versatile challenge suited to players of all levels.
Course Overview
Carolina National Golf Club, situated in Bolivia, North Carolina, offers a compelling blend of challenge and charm across its well-maintained layouts. This public facility features 27 holes spread over three distinctive courses named Egret, Heron, and Ibis. Each nine brings its own character, inviting players of various skill levels to enjoy their round amid a landscape shaped by coastal Carolina’s natural contours.
The design leans toward a parkland style with subtle coastal influences, where rolling fairways combine with strategic bunkering and carefully tended greens. The terrain’s gentle undulations require thoughtful shot placement, while the proximity to natural wetlands introduces occasional breezes that test tempo and decision-making. Greens are generally true, with moderate speeds that reward precision without punishing less experienced golfers.
Carolina National’s setting offers an engaging atmosphere rather than dramatic vistas, grounding the experience in straightforward golf craftsmanship. The course’s accessibility makes it welcoming to all players—from beginners eager to develop their skills to mid-handicaps and low handicaps looking to navigate a strategic test. The presence of three distinct nines allows for varied combinations, keeping rounds fresh and appealing to frequent visitors.
On-site amenities include a well-appointed clubhouse where golfers can relax after their round, along with a snack room offering refreshments to recharge between holes. The staff are noted for their friendly approach, enhancing the overall experience. Golf carts are available by request, though walking is encouraged to fully appreciate the course’s subtle nuances and natural rhythm.
Seasonal conditions can affect turf quality, especially during colder months when certain greens show wear, but maintenance crews actively address these challenges. Spring through fall presents the best playing window as the course moves into full growth.
Carolina National balances playability with thoughtful design, making it a strong choice for those exploring golf in coastal North Carolina. Whether you seek a casual round or strategic challenge, this facility delivers a rewarding experience framed by its understated coastal charm.
Course Highlights
Carolina National features three distinct nine-hole courses, each with subtle coastal parkland characteristics. Notable elements include well-bunkered fairways, strategic green complexes, and natural wetlands that introduce occasional breezes. The course offers a playing experience adaptable for beginners and skilled players alike, with a friendly staff enhancing the overall visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
CJ Smith
Played here recently and the layout is nice. Greens were in rough shape and putting green was not available. All things I can live with and if that was it I would have given them a better review. However the staff were all some of the rudest people I’ve ever encountered. From the cart guys as soon as we got there, all because we carried our clubs from the parking lot. To the starter who seemed to hate his job and working with people. The guys inside were not helpful at all and just seemed to want paid and to left alone. We had two foursomes so you would think for $95/player the staff could at least say THANK YOU. If you want a much better experience drive right past this course to Rivers Edge and spend your money.
Cole waterstraat
Played the Heron and Ibis courses and they were fantastic. Couldn't even tell the greens had aeration 3 weeks ago. Tee boxes weren't over played, fairways were clean and nicely taken car of and the greens rolled very true. Couldn't have asked for a better experience from the bag drop area, the team of starters, the snack room crew all the way to the clubhouse. Will gladly play this course in the future. Fantastic courses and staff here at Carolina National
Cole waterstraat
Played the Heron and Ibis courses and they were fantastic. Couldn't even tell the greens had aeration 3 weeks ago. Tee boxes weren't over played, fairways were clean and nicely taken car of and the greens rolled very true. Couldn't have asked for a better experience from the bag drop area, the team of starters, the snack room crew all the way to the clubhouse. Will gladly play this course in the future. Fantastic courses and staff here at Carolina National
[TheLibraryStudios] Recording
Entertaining staff, lively place, and great food and drinks. What more could you want. Oh and they have karaoke Tuesdays from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. They have great specials almost every day Tuesdays is $5 margaritas and $2 tacos. Come in and support local businesses.
John Squillace Sr.
So we moved to the area almost two years ago and finally had the opportunity to golf at Carolina National and from the moment I drove up was I pleasantly surprised! You could tell how well maintained it was, the staff were beyond friendly, polite and professional, the clubhouse well stocked with anything needed to enjoy your golf outing. Quite frankly I was amazed at how easily you could get a tee time on one of the best courses in the area. There were one or two folks who looked like they couldn’t care less that they were there, but they didn’t affect the overall experience or how I felt about other support staff. The course has recently added cart mounted GPS screens which are a nice touch, the tee boxes were in good shape, the fairways were exceptionally well kept (the best I’ve seen this year)…some of the greens needed some work as there was no consistency on how the ball rolled from one green to another (but that was part of what made the outing even more challenging). I wished I had taken some photos as just describing the course doesn’t show how really good it was, and seeing it ranked lower than other courses in the area is confusing because I’m golfing a number of them and Carolina National is in far better shape and one of the best locally!
Andrew Collins
A favorite course of ours when we come to Holden for vacation. Staff always friendly and the course is always fun to play. Played yesterday and the Heron/Ibis courses were in fantastic shape. They were punching Egret greens and told us they are punching the other 2 courses this week. New golf carts are PLUSH and have TagMarshal GPS on them. They've also got automated robot mowers in every fairway, so they are pristine.
Chris Kelly
Would have loved to have given it a 5 but the greens are hurting a little at the moment. Overall experience was great. From the layout, the staff, the bar; everything exceeded expectation. Was a little nervous after reading some recent reviews on course conditions but the only real issue was some turf loss on periphery of some greens. I asked the pro about it, and he said between the winter snow cover, lack of rain, cooler temps, and high salt in soil, they are struggling to grow grass right now. Played Egret to Heron and you could see crews re-sodding areas so it looks like they are trying. Despite the look, they still were playable. As an 13 handicap, it didn’t really affect me much. I scored exactly in the range I would have expected and had around the same number of putts I always do. So I guess my game is just immune to conditions. Would love to get back down here again in the summer and see the course in full growing season. The overall experience was great and hope to return.
Noel Hayes
For 65 $ really good golf course conditions were excellent staffing. very friendly. not busy at all. would easily come back if and when I'm in the area
CJ Smith
Played here recently and the layout is nice. Greens were in rough shape and putting green was not available. All things I can live with and if that was it I would have given them a better review. However the staff were all some of the rudest people I’ve ever encountered. From the cart guys as soon as we got there, all because we carried our clubs from the parking lot. To the starter who seemed to hate his job and working with people. The guys inside were not helpful at all and just seemed to want paid and to left alone. We had two foursomes so you would think for $95/player the staff could at least say THANK YOU. If you want a much better experience drive right past this course to Rivers Edge and spend your money.
Tjtim09-_-
Me and 5 of my family members went to play on a Tuesday, and one of our guys was having sharp pains in his side and throwing up. So we was making sure he was okay and the ranger came up and said “yall need to hurry up they are watching you in the pro shop and you are 20 minutes behind pace”, but there was always someone in front of us . It was a shit show and all they care about is money.
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Course Details
Access & Location
1643 Goley Hewett Rd SE, Bolivia, NC 28422, USA
Main clubhouse with pro shop, snack bar, and lounge area
Walking is welcomed and encouraged; bring comfortable shoes suitable for gently rolling terrain.
Open to the public with tee time reservations recommended, especially on weekends.
Nearby Courses
