Durham's Best Golf Courses

Barbecue. Cheerwine. Golf. We know the sport might not be familiar to everyone, but those who know know: North Carolina is a bucket list destination for those looking to play at some of the most popular and storied courses in golf, and Durham's courses rank above par.

Whether you are planning a getaway with your golf group, in town on business looking to play a quick nine, wanting to test yourself on one of the country’s premier university courses or looking for a peaceful escape from your day-to-day, Durham’s golf scene has something for you.

Public and Semiprivate Golf Courses in Durham

HILLANDALE GOLF COURSE

With over 56,000 rounds played annually, Hillandale Golf Course is one of the most popular public courses in Durham. Hillandale is a great option for a group with varying skill levels, as the low price and multiple tee distances allow you to make your round as challenging as you want. Hillandale offers private lessons and weekly group clinics and is one of the rare public courses offering club fittings.

As Durham’s oldest golf club, Hillandale is deeply involved in the Durham community, hosting adaptive golf clinics, junior clinics and beginner adult clinics throughout the year. They are also involved with SwingPals, an organization whose mission is to build a foundation of health and strong character in children facing adversity through golf. Hillandale also hosts the annual H.E.A.R.T.S Club Golf Tournament, with all proceeds going toward Duke Children’s Hospital.

• Year Opened: 1911
• Yardage: 4,954-6,339 yards
• Par: 71
• Designer: Donald Ross and Perry Maxwell/Renovated by George Cobb
• Course Rate: $25-$45
• Tee Time Availability: One week in advance
• Practice Facility: Short driving range, chipping area and practice green
• Instruction: Group clinics and private instruction
• Bar/Restaurant: Yes

DUKE UNIVERSITY GOLF CLUB

The Duke University Golf Club is the perfect choice for a group of competitive golfers looking for a championship-caliber test. Just don’t expect to break any personal records when you tee it up here. The course’s many accolades include Golfweek rating it as a top-10 public course in North Carolina and Golf Digest rating it as the 11th best in North Carolina. Home to the Duke Men’s and seven-time National Champions Women’s Golf teams, it has also been ranked a top-20 university golf course in the country by Golf Digest. The club has twice played host to the NCAA Men’s National Championship and, most recently, hosted Final Qualifying for the 2024 U.S. Open, leaving even PGA Tour players struggling to shoot under par.

The Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club is also on site, making it convenient to lounge in luxury and play a high-quality course during your stay. The course offers discounted rates for hotel guests, triangle residents and Duke alumni. And make sure to check out the Guide to Ninth Street & Duke University to learn more about the area and what to do during your stay.

• Year Opened: 1957, renovated in 1993
• Yardage: 5,288-7,154
• Par: 72
• Designer: Robert Trent Jones/ Renovated by Rees Jones
• Course Rate: $90-$150
• Tee Time Availability: Two weeks in advance/30 days for hotel guests
• Practice Facility: Full-service driving range, chipping area and practice green
• Instruction: Private and group lessons available
• Bar/Restaurant: Yes

CROSSINGS GOLF CLUB

Voted the Most Challenging Public and Semi-Private Golf Course in the Triangle in 2019 and the Best Public and Semi-Private Golf Course in the Triangle in 2020 by the Triangle Business Journal, Crossings Golf Club is the ideal course for someone looking for a challenge without breaking the bank. Be prepared to use every club in your bag as this medium-length course requires you to navigate undulating fairways, rolling terrain and strategically placed wetlands on over half of the holes.

• Year Opened: 1997
• Yardage: 4,643-6,419 yards
• Par: 71
• Designer: Ron Garl
• Course Rate: $34-$52
• Tee Time Availability: One week in advance
• Practice Facility: Practice green
• Private Instruction: No
• Bar/Restaurant: No

FALLS VILLAGE GOLF CLUB

With back tees at over 7,000 yards, Falls Village Golf Club is a great option for long-hitters but promotes a fun golf environment that should encourage golfers of all levels to play. Enjoy the strategy that comes with dramatic elevation changes, tree-lined fairways and 48 bunkers interspersed throughout the course. Falls Village also uses a dynamic pricing model, meaning the price to play fluctuates based on demand, allowing golfers to find a rate that works best for them.

Unwind after the round by visiting ZincHouse Winery and Brewery and trying one of their delicious wines and beers while enjoying the amazing scenery.

• Year Opened: 1999
• Yardage: 5,262-7,072 yards
• Par: 72
• Designer: N/A
• Course Rate: Dynamic pricing
• Tee Time Availability: One week in advance
• Practice Facility: Driving range and practice green
• Instruction: Group Clinics
• Bar/Restaurant: Snack bar with food and drink

LAKE WINDS GOLF COURSE

Located in Rougemont on the northern edge of Durham County, Lake Winds Golf Club is a great option for the golfer looking for an affordable 18 holes. The layout and service make it a value way to get out and play.

• Year Opened: 1982
• Yardage: 4,419-5,904 yards
• Par: 71
• Designer: Don Mason
• Course Rate: $23-$29
• Tee Time Availability: One week in advance
• Practice Facility: No
• Instruction: No
• Bar/Restaurant: No

UMSTEAD PINES AT WILLOWHAVEN

Located in Northwest Durham, Umstead Pines at Willowhaven is perfect for the golfer who prioritizes precision and creativity over length off the tee. You’ll navigate meandering creeks, rolling hills and towering pines along almost every hole.

While you’re in the area, make sure to explore all that Eno River State Park has to offer nearby for an outdoor adventure.

• Year Opened: 1957
• Yardage: 5,044-6,442 yards
• Par: 72
• Designer: George Cobb
• Course Rate: $36-$67
• Tee Time Availability: Must call the pro shop for availability
• Practice Facility: Driving range and practice green
• Instruction: No
• Bar/Restaurant: Yes

Private Golf Courses in Durham

While they're not available to the public, it’s worth noting Durham is home to three championship-level, membership-only golf courses. If you’re thinking about moving to Durham and joining a club or have been meaning to visit someone who is a member, here’s your sign.

CROASDAILE COUNTRY CLUB

Located in Northeast Durham, Croasdaile Country Club is known for its unique layout and pristine condition. It plays host to the annual Durham Senior Amateur Championship, which welcomes golfers 55 years and older from across North Carolina to compete. There is a wide variety of membership options available, including associate memberships for people who are hesitant to make a larger commitment, as well as for Non-Resident, Out-of-State and Corporate Golfers.

• Year Opened: 1966
• Yardage: 4,225-6,960 yards
• Par: 72
• Designer: George Cobb
• Course Rate: N/A
• Tee Time Availability: N/A
• Practice Facility: Yes
• Instruction: Yes
• Bar/Restaurant: Yes

HOPE VALLEY COUNTRY CLUB

Hope Valley Country Club was not only designed by one of the most distinguished golf course architects, but it has perhaps the most history of any Durham course. The course hosted the Durham Open, a PGA Tour event, from 1944 to 1945. Today, it remains one of the top ranked courses in the state with its stunning vistas and top-class conditions.

A full membership to Hope Valley Country Club includes access to tennis courts, pools and restaurants, in addition to championship-level golf. Junior Memberships are also available for individuals 21-34 years of age.

• Year Opened: 1926
• Yardage: 5,155-6,636 yards
• Par: 70
• Designer: Donald Ross
• Course Rate: N/A
• Tee Time Availability: N/A
• Practice Facility: Yes
• Instruction: Yes
• Bar/Restaurant: Yes

TREYBURN COUNTRY CLUB

Treyburn Country Club is ranked as one of the best golf courses in North Carolina by Golf Digest. Treyburn is a McConnell Golf property that owns and operates sixteen courses in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. Membership at one McConnell property gains access to all properties. When you make the trip to play Treyburn, you won’t regret it. Learn more about the membership options here.

• Year Opened: 1988
• Yardage: 3,604-7,175 yards
• Par: 72
• Designer: Tom Fazio
• Course Rate: N/A
• Tee Time Availability: N/A
• Practice Facility: Yes
• Instruction: Yes
• Bar/Restaurant: Yes

OTHER GOLF ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES IN DURHAM

Not looking for a full round? Durham has two great golf options for any group looking for an activity.

STATE OF GOLF

Located in the American Tobacco Campus, State of Golf opened in June 2024. With three indoor golf simulators available for booking, State of Golf merges an indoor golf experience with entertainment. Their world-class simulators also allow you to play a wide range of sports and games in addition to golf. There is also a full bar in the facility, creating a genuinely casual, social atmosphere.

TOPGOLF DURHAM

Opening in April 2024, Topgolf has climate-controlled hitting bays, where you can play a variety of different games while aiming for targets. Topgolf is perfect for beginners wanting to get into golf or for the seasoned golfer looking for a fun twist on the traditional round. Each bay fits a group of 6, but you can book multiple bays if you have a larger group. TopGolf also has a full restaurant and bar.

BEST PLACES TO WATCH GOLF

When Sunday afternoon of a Major Championship arrives, you likely will want to focus on watching golf rather than playing. We’ve got you covered there, too. Head out to Tobacco Road Sports Café or the Bull Durham Bar in the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club to cheer on your favorite golfer.

Visit our Guide to Durham's Best Sports Bars.