Olde Fort Golf Course
Olde Fort Golf Course in Winnabow, NC, provides an essential 18-hole public layout characterized by its open grassland style and straightforward playability. Ideal for beginners and budget-conscious golfers, the course delivers consistent greens and a relaxed atmosphere without the bells and whistles.
Course Overview
Olde Fort Golf Course in Winnabow, North Carolina, offers an accessible and straightforward golfing experience for players seeking value without sacrificing a full 18-hole challenge. This public course, set just off River Road SE, stretches over gently rolling terrain with 18 holes that emphasize practical shot-making over flair. The landscape is predominantly open grass with minimal separation between fairways and rough, delivering a natural, less manicured feel that appeals particularly to beginners and those sharpening their fundamentals.
The course's design foregoes typical golf adornments like bunkers, instead presenting a simpler layout where precision and pace of play come to the forefront. Greens here are modestly contoured and well-regarded for their surprisingly true roll given the course’s modest maintenance budget. While tee boxes and fairways show signs of wear—often uneven and occasionally patchy—the efforts by the staff to maintain playability are evident and improving over time.
Players will find the back nine offers some of the most engaging holes, balancing fun and challenge without demanding a low handicap. Wind and weather elements subtly impact shot selection, encouraging smart strategy rather than power alone. Olde Fort’s approachable nature makes it a solid option for newcomers or budget-conscious golfers who want a full 18-hole round with no frills.
Amenities at Olde Fort reflect its focus on value and function. The pro shop provides friendly service, catering to basic equipment and information needs. Golf carts are gas-powered and without GPS, suitable for those preferring a relaxed pace over modern high-tech convenience. Walkers are welcome to enjoy the course’s relatively flat profile, but sturdy shoes are recommended due to uneven teeing areas.
Affordable green fees and an inviting atmosphere make Olde Fort Golf Course a practical destination for local golfers and visitors alike. It may not offer the pristine condition or extensive amenities of higher-profile courses, but it rewards players with an honest, unpretentious golf outing that emphasizes enjoyment and steady improvement in an unvarnished coastal plain setting.
Course Highlights
Olde Fort offers a unique experience with its absence of bunkers and limited fairway definition, focusing on straightforward golf in a natural coastal plain environment. The back nine provides several holes that challenge players to consider club choice carefully amid variable wind conditions. Despite the modest upkeep, the greens are noted for rolling true, supporting an enjoyable putting experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Zak Doiron
Listen, if you want a cheap place to take the clubs out and hit balls. Work on your game in less than ideal conditions, its a great place to do that. I wont speak for everyone but on my trip, greens were bad. Close to unplayable with big tufts of grass sticking up. Fairway was in decent shape but not much different from the rough. Its a great beginners course and I'll probably return at some point, but it wouldn't be my go to every time. I appreciate the people there for doing what they do and making the game more affordable.
tristinspainhour 51903
Been coming here since I was a little kid and my visit last week was my first in about 3 years and it was the best experience ive had out here. The greens are amazing now compared to what they where 2-3 years ago, and they roll true. Still needs some work on some of the tee boxes and fairways, but you can see the efforts and hard work the owners and employees are putting in to make this course as nice as possible! I will definitely be coming back sooner rather than later this time!
tristinspainhour 51903
Been coming here since I was a little kid and my visit last week was my first in about 3 years and it was the best experience ive had out here. The greens are amazing now compared to what they where 2-3 years ago, and they roll true. Still needs some work on some of the tee boxes and fairways, but you can see the efforts and hard work the owners and employees are putting in to make this course as nice as possible! I will definitely be coming back sooner rather than later this time!
Reid Wolfe
You cannot beat the price for quality of course. Greens are great, fairways may leave you with tough ground but nothing you can’t manage. Super fun on the back 9, worth a visit!
Kevin McGovern
Timothy Hoinkis
It’s a solid 3 star course. You get what you pay for. Nothing fancy, but acceptable. The guy in the pro shop was friendly. The carts are old and gas, no GPS. The tee boxes were 50/50… Usually not level, and a bit choppy. There are no fairways vs rough, it’s just grass. Currently (12/2024) dormant. I honestly can’t remember any bunkers, though you can definitely see where there were some. Probably taken out for pace of play and ease of maintenance. The greens were simple, round and basic. They surprisingly rolled well, but the speed was inconsistent. The course was enjoyable. There were some unique holes. I don’t know how often I would drive 20-30 minutes again, but l would return. It was $29/9 or $35/18. Like l said, you get what you pay for 😉
Sean Mulligan
john Richardson
Fairway needs work as usual, but the greens are immaculate
Frank Mineo
Olde Fort Golf Course isn't for everyone, but if you understand what you are getting into it's a hidden gem. It's a little rough around the edges, but you can't beat the price and value. Currently it's 35 bucks (cart included) for peak hour 18 holes. It's a challenging enough course and is maintained pretty well all things considered. No sand traps and the greens aren't going to rival Pinehurst, but it's a great course to get out and practice. You can't go to The Golf Barn or Top Golf and practice at a bay for the price you can get out here and play 18 holes of golf.
ben
This course is wide open. Great for beginners or anyone just wanting to have some fun. Its only nature here, no houses or civilization. The bermuda greens have never looked so good. Overall, the course is in good shape, despite the 'fairways' being very hard. For the $30 price, there isn't a better value.
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Course Details
Access & Location
3189 River Rd SE, Winnabow, NC 28479, USA
Small clubhouse with a pro shop and basic amenities.
Walking is permitted and encouraged; uneven turf suggests supportive footwear.
Open to all golfers without reservation; walk-ins welcome.
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