Olde Fort Golf Course
Olde Fort Golf Course presents a straightforward, budget-friendly 18-hole layout in Southeastern North Carolina. With simple greens that roll true and a flat, open terrain, it suits beginners and those seeking a no-frills challenge off the beaten path.
Course Overview
Olde Fort Golf Course in Winnabow, North Carolina, offers a straightforward and approachable golf experience that prioritizes affordability without sacrificing the essentials of the game. This 18-hole public layout provides golfers of all skill levels a place to take their clubs out and enjoy a full round amid simple yet honest surroundings. The course’s flat terrain is primarily covered in uniform grass, lacking distinct fairways, so players must adapt to a playing surface that blends rough and fairway conditions, relying on steady ball striking rather than manicured lies.
The open setting stretches across gently rolling land with few bunkers to challenge the shot-maker’s creativity. Greens at Olde Fort are generally well-maintained for the price, rolling true and allowing for consistent putting when conditions are favorable. They tend toward straightforward shapes without significant contouring, encouraging players to focus on pace control rather than complex reads. While some tee boxes and fairway patches require improvement, ongoing efforts by the staff show a commitment to enhancing playability and course quality.
The lack of traditional hazards shifts emphasis toward shot placement and club selection, making the layout particularly suitable for beginners and those seeking to sharpen fundamentals in a low-pressure environment. The absence of elaborate landscaping or dramatic elevation changes keeps the focus clearly on golf as a pure sport rather than an elaborate venue.
Affordability remains Olde Fort’s strongest attribute, with green fees well below regional averages. The course welcomes golfers looking for a casual outing, a practice round, or a budget-friendly challenge. Golf carts are available, although they are basic gas-powered models, and walking is permitted, though players should wear sturdy shoes given some uneven turf conditions.
Olde Fort Golf Course does not aim to rival coastal links or championship parkland layouts, but it stands as a practical, community-centered facility where the game stays simple and accessible. For anyone requiring a no-frills round that tests ball striking and putting on true greens, this course offers a refreshing break from more polished, costly alternatives nearby.
Course Highlights
Olde Fort’s defining characteristics include wide, open fairways that blur with the rough, straightforward greens that reward solid putting strokes, and an absence of bunkers that shifts the challenge to shot accuracy. The course provides a raw, honest playing field where golfers focus on consistent ball striking. The plain layout and affordable fees make it a local favorite for beginners, casual players, and those looking to practice without elaborate course conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Sean Mulligan
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.
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 😉
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.
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!
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.
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!
Kevin McGovern
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!
john Richardson
Fairway needs work as usual, but the greens are immaculate
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Course Details
Access & Location
3189 River Rd SE, Winnabow, NC 28479, USA
Modest clubhouse with pro shop and snack bar
Walking is allowed and encouraged; footwear with good traction recommended due to uneven grass surfaces.
Open to the public daily; tee-time reservations recommended during weekends and holidays.
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