If you love golf, Charlotte is a pretty great place to be.
From historic private clubs and championship courses to public courses where you can grab a tee time and play a weekend round, there are plenty of options throughout Charlotte and the surrounding area. There are around 40 courses within a 15-mile radius of Charlotte, split evenly between public and private courses.
Whether you're a longtime golfer, just getting into the game, or looking for somewhere new to play, here are some Charlotte-area courses worth knowing.
Private Golf Clubs
Charlotte also has a strong private-club golf scene, including several clubs with deep histories and nationally recognized courses.
Quail Hollow Club
It's hard to talk about golf in Charlotte without mentioning Quail Hollow.
Located in south Charlotte, Quail Hollow has become nationally known for hosting major professional events. The club hosted the 2017 PGA Championship, the 2022 Presidents Cup and the 2025 PGA Championship.
The course is perhaps best known for the dramatic closing stretch known as the Green Mile, but the entire course has received significant attention over the years for its design and tournament setup.
Charlotte Country Club
Charlotte Country Club is one of the city's historic private clubs and is closely associated with legendary architect Donald Ross.
The course has been modified several times throughout its history, with a major restoration beginning in the 2000s that brought back many Ross-inspired design elements while adapting the course for modern golf.
It's a great example of Charlotte's connection to the long tradition of classic golf course architecture.
Myers Park Country Club
Located in one of Charlotte's most established neighborhoods, Myers Park Country Club is another well-known private club in the city.
The club's golf course is included in Golf Digest's current list of the best courses in North Carolina.
Carmel Country Club
Carmel Country Club is located in south Charlotte and is somewhat unique in that it has two 18-hole golf courses.
That gives members the opportunity to play different layouts without leaving the club, and the club offers a broader country-club experience beyond golf as well.
TPC Piper Glen
Located in south Charlotte, TPC Piper Glen is a private club centered around an Arnold Palmer-designed championship golf course.
The club also offers tennis, swimming, fitness, dining and other amenities, making it part of Charlotte's larger private-club scene.
Ballantyne Country Club
Ballantyne Country Club is located in south Charlotte's Ballantyne area and offers private golf along with tennis, social activities and other club amenities.
It's another option for golfers looking for a traditional country-club experience in the southern part of the city.
Providence Country Club
Located in south Charlotte, Providence Country Club offers golf along with tennis, pickleball, aquatics, fitness, dining and social programming.
The golf course features a combination of water hazards and strategic challenges, making it a popular part of the club's overall offering.
Carolina Golf Club
Carolina Golf Club is located just west of Uptown and is another private club with a strong connection to Donald Ross.
The original course dates to 1929, and the layout has since undergone restoration work intended to bring back its classic character.
Pine Island Country Club
Located on the west side of Charlotte near Mountain Island Lake, Pine Island Country Club offers an 18-hole private golf course along with a variety of additional club amenities.
Its location gives golfers another option outside the more concentrated cluster of private clubs in south and central Charlotte.
Raintree Country Club
Raintree Country Club in south Charlotte has two golf courses—the North Course and South Course—giving members two different layouts to choose from.
Like many of Charlotte's private clubs, golf is just one part of the overall club experience.
Public Golf Courses
One of the best things about Charlotte's golf scene is that you don't need a private club membership to get out and play. There are public courses throughout the area, ranging from shorter layouts and municipal courses to full-length 18-hole courses.
The Tradition Golf Club
Located in north Charlotte, The Tradition Golf Club is an 18-hole public course that offers a convenient option for golfers on the north side of the city.
It's a wooded course with a mix of strategic holes and elevation changes, making it a popular option for a regular round without having to venture far outside Charlotte.
Paradise Valley Par-3 Golf Course
Sometimes you don't need four or five hours to enjoy a round of golf.
Paradise Valley is a public par-3 course in Charlotte and is a great option for a shorter round, working on your game, or introducing someone to golf. It's also a nice alternative when you want to get some swings in without committing to a full 18 holes.
Highland Creek Golf Club
Located in north Charlotte, Highland Creek Golf Club is a public daily-fee course set within the Highland Creek community.
The 18-hole course offers a convenient option for golfers in north Charlotte, University City and the surrounding area.
Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation
Head southeast of Charlotte and you'll find Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation.
The 18-hole public course is located near Matthews and offers another option for golfers who want to get out of the city without traveling too far.
Sunset Hills Golf Course
Sunset Hills is a public course in northwest Charlotte and is part of Mecklenburg County's public golf system.
It's a good option for golfers looking for an accessible local course, and the facility also offers practice opportunities for golfers looking to work on their game.
Harry L. Jones, Sr. Golf Course
Located in Charlotte, Harry L. Jones, Sr. Golf Course is another municipal option and part of Mecklenburg County's public golf offerings.
For golfers who want an affordable and convenient way to get out and play, municipal courses can be a great addition to the local golf rotation.
Dr. Charles L. Sifford Golf Course
Named for Charlotte golf legend Charlie Sifford, this historic public course is located near Uptown.
The course is a 9-hole layout, making it a particularly convenient option when you want to squeeze in some golf without dedicating an entire afternoon to an 18-hole round. It also has a driving range and practice facilities.
Charles T. Myers Golf Course
Located in east Charlotte, Charles T. Myers Golf Course is another public option within the Mecklenburg County golf system.
It's a convenient choice for golfers on the east side of the city and another example of the variety of public golf available around Charlotte.
Rocky River Golf Club
If you're willing to venture toward Concord, Rocky River Golf Club is another public course worth knowing.
Located near Charlotte Motor Speedway, the 18-hole course was designed by Dan Maples and winds through rolling terrain and natural wetlands.
It's a particularly fun option when you're looking to play somewhere a little different from the courses closer to Charlotte.
Emerald Lake Golf Club
Located in Matthews, Emerald Lake is an 18-hole public course with water coming into play throughout the layout.
The facility also has practice areas, a clubhouse and space for golf outings and events, making it an option for both individual rounds and larger groups.
Charlotte National Golf Club
Just east of Charlotte in Indian Trail, Charlotte National Golf Club is an 18-hole public course.
The course also offers a driving range, putting green, chipping green and practice bunker, so it's a good option when you want to combine a round with some practice time.
Skybrook Golf Club
Located in Huntersville, Skybrook is a little different from some of the other courses on this list. It offers memberships but remains open for public play.
The course is an 18-hole layout with significant elevation changes, and the facility also has a practice area and clubhouse.
Golf Around Charlotte
And the golf doesn't stop at Charlotte's city limits.
There are plenty of courses in the surrounding communities, including Matthews, Indian Trail, Huntersville, Concord, Fort Mill and the Lake Norman area.
If you're willing to drive a little farther, the options expand considerably.
Public or Private?
The nice thing about Charlotte golf is that there isn't one way to enjoy it.
Want to play whenever you can get a tee time? There are plenty of public courses to choose from.
Prefer the consistency and amenities of a private club? Charlotte has a deep selection of established country clubs.
Short on time? Try a 9-hole or par-3 course.
Want to make a golf day out of it? Head toward Concord, Huntersville, Matthews or one of the communities surrounding Charlotte for even more options.
Whether you're a scratch golfer or someone who just enjoys getting outside with friends, there's a pretty good chance you'll find a course that fits your style somewhere around Charlotte.
And honestly, that's one of the best things about the Charlotte golf scene: you have options.
