Belvedere Plantation Golf & Country Club
2368 Country Club Dr.,Hampstead (910) 270-2703
Championship Yardage: 6401 Slope: 132 Par: 71
Men's Yardage: 6021 Slope: 126 Par: 71
Ladies' Yardage: 4992 Slope: 117 Par: 72

This course was designed by Russell Burney in the early 1970s and refurbished in 1991. It's 15 miles north of Wilmington and just north of Old Pointe Golf and Country Club (see the subsequent entry in this chapter) on U.S. 17 N.--convenient if you want to play 36 holes in a day. The wide fairways are 419 bermudagrass, and the elevated greens are bentgrass. The course is set among 1,000 homesites, none of which are too close to the course, and the condos can be rented for an extended golf vacation.

The course is popular for its scenery, including the wildlife in the surrounding forest. Osprey, gray heron and Canada geese can be spotted among the tall pines, and the waterway view from No. 5 is peaceful.

Both No. 3 and No. 8 are considered signature holes. No. 3 is a par 3 requiring a carry over a lake. It's 180 yards from the back tees to an elevated green that slopes toward the lake. No. 8 is a par 5 that also requires a drive over a lake, which extends down the entire right side of the fairway. A creek crosses the fairway in front of the small, elevated green. If you're a long hitter, you can go for the green in two. Water comes into play on eight holes, and groomed waste areas are abundant.

Only members may walk. Approximate cost, including cart, ranges from $18 to $43. A practice green and driving range are available. Tennis courts, a marina and a restaurant are also on site.


North Shore Country Club
off N.C. Hwy. 210, Sneads Ferry
(910) 327-2410, (800) 828-5035
Championship Yardage: 6866 Slope: 134 Par: 72
Men's Yardage: 6358 Slope: 123 Par: 72
Other Yardage: 5636Slope 119 Par: 72
Ladies' Yardage: 5039 Slope: 122 Par: 72

Bob Moore designed this 18-hole course, which opened in 1988. It's a few minutes from Topsail Island Beach. The relatively wide bermudagrass fairways are adorned with extensive mounding, tall pines and lakes. Greens are seeded with bentgrass.

Water and wind remind you that you're near the ocean and require a different game plan every round. Water comes into play on more than half the holes. The course is scenic, with frequent views of the Intracoastal Waterway. It is always well maintained.

The finishing holes on both sides are challenging and require long carries over water off the tee.

The 18th hole emphasizes length--it plays 460 yards from the back tees, with a slight dogleg left and usually into the prevailing wind. You tee off over water and then must clear another pond to a large, slightly elevated green with two bunkers guarding the front. Drive down the right side and forget about those traps, but realize this adds length to the hole.

Amenities include a pro shop, driving range, practice green, rental clubs and a bar and grill.

Greens fees range from $40 to $55, including cart. Walking is allowed after 3 PM.


Olde Pointe Golf and Country Club
1300 Country Club Dr., Hampstead (910) 270-2403
Championship Yardage: 6913 Slope: 136 Par: 72
Men's Yardage: 6253 Slope: 123 Par: 72
Other Yardage: 6008 Slope: 120 Par: 72
Ladies' Yardage: 5133 Slope: 118 Par: 72

Jerry Turner designed this 18-hole course in 1974. Fairways are 419 hybrid bermudagrass, a big improvement from the previous coastal bermudagrass. The spacious greens are bentgrass. The rolling and scenic terrain ambles amid woods, lakes and streams.

The 12th, 13th and 14th holes are all considered signatures because of their scenic beauty on the lake.

The tricky 11th hole is (in)famous. It's a narrow par 5 of 589 yards with a gradual dogleg right and a downward slope into the woods. It's hard to score par on this hole--the wind from the ocean almost always comes into play.

A large putting green, driving range, chipping area, practice sand bunker, pro shop, snack bar and club rentals are available. Construction of a large member clubhouse is complete. The pro shop offers a good selection of gear, including women's clothing and accessories.

Lighted tennis courts and an Olympic-size pool are available to members. A boat ramp on the Intracoastal Waterway invites golfers to arrive by boat and is adjacent to a recreation area where tournaments can conclude with social functions.

Greens fees, including cart, are approximately $35 on weekdays and $50 on weekends. Walking is allowed by members only.


Porters Neck Plantation and Country Club
1202 Porters Neck Rd., Wilmington
(910) 686-1177, (800) 423-5695
Championship Yardage: 7209 Slope: 140 Par: 72
Men's Yardage: 6818 Slope: 136 Par: 72
Other: Yardage: 6287 Slope: 130 Par: 72
Ladies' Yardage: 5268 Slope: 124 Par: 72

Porters Neck Plantation along the Intracoastal Waterway originated in 1732 when John Porter purchased 930 acres of King George II's original land grant from then-owner Maurice Moore. It remained a working plantation until a few years ago. Today, it's a private country club community, but the golf course is available for limited public play. The course, homesites and amenities were carefully placed among the rolling hills and dogwood and pine forests, and a traditional ambiance has been preserved. Beautiful custom homes are mingled with patio homes and provide a distinctive air, yet they don't interfere with the golf course's playability.

The 18-hole bentgrass, Tom Fazio-designed course was built in 1991. The trecherous par 4 14th features water up the entire left side of the hole; the second shot must be well placed on the green. If the pin's up front, aim short of the hole. With the flag to the rear, well... you'll probably want to look ahead to the 15th.

No. 8 favors the straight hitter. It's a par 5 measuring 506 yards. You do have a chance to reach the green in two with well-played shots. The bunkers right of the green should be avoided at all costs. Also, a fairway bunker on the left could be deadly.

The 20,000-square-foot clubhouse offers a grill room, locker facilities and pro shop complete with quality items and rental clubs. Practice facilities are nearby. The staff is friendly and helpful, and we heartily recommend the spectacular course. Ladies' events are offered frequently, and the course stays busy. It's minutes from Wrightsville Beach and convenient to downtown Wilmington. In 1999, the course hosted the North Carolina Amateur.

Monday through Thursday, approximate greens fees are $65 per person, including cart. Weekend rates are higher and subject to change. No walking is allowed.


Topsail Greens Golf & Country Club
U.S. Hwy. 17 N., Hampstead ? (910) 270-2883
Championship Yardage: 6324 Slope: 121 Par: 71
Men's Yardage: 6010 Slope: 118 Par: 71
Ladies' Yardage: 5033 Slope: 113 Par: 71

Topsail Greens--more than 20 years old--was designed by Russell Breeden. This 18-hole course is tight and, typical for an oceanside layout, windy. Fairways and greens are bermudagrass. It's considered a shot-making course that favors brain over brawn. Water comes into play on seven holes, and several greens are elevated.

The island green on the par 3 No. 8, the signature hole, plays 159 yards from the men's tees. This scenic beauty of a hole is a true test of accuracy.

The 11th has a water hazard about 220 yards from the tee, which still leaves some 180 yards over the large lake to the green. It's a solid par 4.

The staff here is friendly, and the course is kept in fine condition. A new large practice green, driving range, pro shop, bar and restaurant, beverage cart and club rentals are available.

Approximate greens fees range from $25 to $30, including cart. Walking is allowed after 3 PM.