Tee off this fall at these Wilmington-area golf courses

Fall along the North Carolina coast brings a welcome break from the summer heat, making it an ideal time to squeeze in another round of golf.

Wilmington and the surrounding area offer plenty of options, whether you're looking for a historic course close to home, a challenging championship layout or a relaxed round worth a short drive.

Here are six public and public-access golf courses to consider for your next fall tee time.

Key takeaways

• The bigger picture: Wilmington and nearby Brunswick and Pender counties offer a variety of public golf courses within an easy drive.
• The details: Options range from Wilmington's century-old municipal course to 27-hole layouts and coastal-style courses.
• Why it matters: Cooler fall weather can make spending several hours on the course more comfortable than during the peak of summer.
• The more you know: Fall can be a popular golf season, so check course conditions and book tee times ahead when possible.

Wilmington Municipal Golf Course

You don't have to leave Wilmington for one of the area's most historic rounds. Wilmington Municipal Golf Course, often called "The Muni," is an 18-hole public course designed by legendary golf architect Donald Ross in 1926. The course celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026. The city-operated course offers local rates for residents of New Hanover, Pender and Brunswick counties, and tee times for the general public can be reserved seven days in advance.

• Address: 311 Donald Ross Drive, Wilmington
• Hours: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
• Phone: (910) 791-0558

Beau Rivage Golf & Resort

For a resort-style round without traveling far from Wilmington, Beau Rivage combines an 18-hole championship course with on-site lodging and dining. The public course is located south of downtown Wilmington, making it a convenient option for locals as well as visiting friends and family who want to make golf part of a weekend in the area.

• Address: 649 Rivage Promenade, Wilmington
• Hours: 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday
• Phone: (910) 812-4885

Magnolia Greens Golf Course

Head across the Cape Fear River to Leland for more variety. Magnolia Greens features 27 holes, divided among three nine-hole courses that can be combined into different 18-hole pairings. The public facility also includes a driving range, making it a good choice if you'd like to warm up or work on your game before heading out for a round.

• Address: 1800 Tommy Jacobs Drive, Leland
• Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday
• Phone: (910) 383-0999

Inland Greens Golf Course

Inland Greens Golf Course offers a more relaxed option for golfers who don’t want to commit to a full 18-hole round. The city-operated course features nine par-3 holes, making it approachable for newer golfers while still giving experienced players a chance to work on their short game. Pull carts are available to rent, and its Wilmington location makes it an easy option for squeezing in a quick round on a crisp fall day.

• Address: 5945 Inland Greens Drive, Wilmington
• Hours: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily
• Phone: (910) 765-7459

Castle Bay Links Golf Course

If you're willing to head north to Hampstead, Castle Bay offers a different style of golf from many traditional courses around Wilmington. The 18-hole course has a links-inspired layout with Bermuda fairways, bentgrass greens and strategic hazards that can make wind and shot placement an important part of the round.

• Address: 107 Links Court, Hampstead
• Hours: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
• Phone: (910) 270-1978

Olde Fort Golf Course

For a more relaxed round, Olde Fort Golf Course in Winnabow offers a public course in a wooded setting away from some of the more developed golf communities along the coast. It's a straightforward option for casual golfers or anyone looking for an affordable day on the course without the resort atmosphere.

• Address: 3189 River Road SE, Winnabow
• Hours: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
• Phone: (910) 371-9940