Bald Head Island Golf Club

Bald Head Island Golf Club: This wonderfully natural, island golf course, accessible only by passenger ferry, will delight lovers of golf's hidden gems. Most of the time during your round you will be tucked in between a lush array of palms, ancient oaks and other small trees and bushes, emerging occasionally for some slightly more open stretches near to the clubhouse.

If you want sea views you'll get those on the short 25-minute ferry ride out here, the 5-minute cart ride to and from the golf club, and any beach time you spend on BHI. Only at the par-3 16th tee, can you climb onto slightly higher ground for a fleeting chance to look onto the Atlantic Ocean. While on the golf course you'll be pleasantly occupied in a thoroughly natural and not overly manicured environment, taking on Bald Head's undoubted challenges.

At 6800 yards from the tips, and with a stiff sea breeze blowing, your A-game is going to be needed to score well. There are several quite tight drives to make onto the generally flattish fairways.

Bunkering is well-done around the greens, and water hazards come into play on the closing four holes of the front-nine and virtually every hole on the back-nine (a yardage guide will serve you well). You won't find a quieter or more natural layout anywhere on the North Carolina coast, its just a pity the sea doesn't play a bigger part in proceedings.

Limited access: this private course is generally playable only by members and registered guests staying on the Island.