Charlotte Golf Destination Guide

Serving the largest metro area in the Carolinas, Charlotte/Douglas International Airport averages 23 million passengers annually. So you're sure to find a flight into Charlotte. It has all the usual car and limousine rentals so you can travel around Charlotte or take a trip to the coast.

If you're driving into Charlotte you'll probably be taking either I-77 or I-85. Both interstates go through Charlotte. Interstate 77 runs north and south from Ohio. Interstate 85 runs along the East Coast from Atlanta through Charlotte until it merges with I-95. Interstate 95 then runs all the way north to Washington D.C. and Philadelphia.

Charlotte Golf FAQ

1. What kind of golf can be found in Charlotte?

Unlike the more frequented coastal golf destinations, Charlotte offers upscale courses in and around a true metropolitan area. Until the mid-1980s, Charlotte had few public courses. But an influx of upscale courses coincided with Charlotte's ascent to the second largest financial center in the U.S. Moving from a private to public course mecca has turned Charlotte into one of the best business golf destinations in the country.

2. What's the best course in Charlotte?

Simply put, Olde Sycamore Golf Plantation is a shotmakers course. This turns some golfers away, but if you enjoy having to think about your shot, this is your course. Opened in 1997, this Tom Jackson-designed course tempts golfers to go for it even when they know better. Olde Sycamore makes its way through a variety of small creeks, most of which come into play as lateral hazards at some point or the other. The greens are among the hardest in the city and are expertly manicured. Another bright spot for the golfer visiting Olde Sycamore is the price. While it would be a fine round at twice the price, Olde Sycamore has kept its fees low because of the growing competition in the Charlotte area. On the weekends, Olde Sycamore falls into the $45 - $50 price range that is typical of most of Charlotte's higher end daily fee courses.

3. What's a good course near the city that I should play when I'm in Charlotte for business?

Ballantyne Resort Golf Club opened on Charlotte's southeast side in 1998. Since then it has become one of the city's busiest. Travelers and locals alike enjoy this semi-private club that lays on one of the area's best pieces of land. While other Charlotte tracts are relatively flat, Ballantyne features generous, but expertly sculpted fairways, some surprising elevation changes and plenty of undulating greens.

4. What is Charlotte's best affordable course?

Charlotte National is a Russell Breeden design that features closley cropped fairways, flat bunkers, and exceptional bentgrass greens, all which give the appearance of having been simply deposited on the land. It doesn't have too many frills, but for around $35, its unbeatable in Charlotte.

5. What else is there to do in Charlotte?

Charlotte is an up-and-coming pro sports city. Recently awarded the NBA's newest expansion franchise, the Charlotte Bobcats, the city is rapidly filling its calendar with pro sports games. The Panthers begin their season in September and have high hopes, returning one of the NFL's best defense from last season and bringing running back Stephen Davis into the fold. If you need a baseball fix, you can see who'll start for the White Sox next year by checking out their AAA affiliate, the Charlotte Knights.