One of the biggest things the coastal North Carolina area has going for it is a fantastic climate; outdoor recreational activities can be enjoyed year-round and the mild winter temperatures are perfect for golf.
Brunswick Forest is an active lifestyle community in Leland, North Carolina that takes full advantage of everything Mother Nature has to offer. The community is about 10 minutes from the Wilmington area and 30 minutes from the Atlantic beaches. Brunswick Forest borders Town Creek, which flows to the Cape Fear River and then out to the Atlantic Ocean. This 4,500-acre master-planned community is still being built out and is slated to have about 8,000 homes. Among the vast array of amenities available within the community is a private country club that is home to one of the best golf courses in the area.
Renowned golf course architect Tim Cate has created a course that takes the area’s heavily undulating land and winds its way through wetlands, waterfalls, and beach bunkers. Although the course is carved from acres of forest, trees are not that much of a factor. Instead, North Carolina native grasses and wildflowers are often found bordering Cate’s signature feature – waste bunkers that run the entire length of a hole and sometimes serve as the cart path. This can be seen on holes 5, 13, and 16.
As you make your way around the course, you’ll find more than 1,500 feet of bridges, three separate waterfalls, several ponds, and strategically placed rock walls. Over 1.5 million cubic yards of earth were moved to create this golfing masterpiece with water or wetlands coming into play on every hole. The result is a gently rolling golf course that is as aesthetically pleasing to look at as it is challenging to play. What you see is what you get; there are no hidden hazards out here!
During your round, you’re sure to encounter several holes that will stick in your memory. The 2nd hole at Cape Fear National is a challenging par 5 with a sharp dog leg left that plays 486 yards from the Blue Tees. You’ll need to hit your tee shot about 240 yards to even have a peek at the green. Play your layup shot up the left side being sure to avoid the fairway bunker, which will take the creek on the right side out of play and leave a short pitch shot into the green.
Bunkers steal the spotlight on Numbers 12 and 13. The 12th hole is a challenging and picturesque par 4 with beautiful bunkering in the fairway on either side and around the green, both in front and behind. You’ll need to fly your approach shot onto this green or risk hitting out of the sand. Number 13 is one of Cate’s signature holes with a waste bunker that you drive through framing the right side of the fairway and snaking its way up in front of the green. Be wary of the pond on the left side off the tee which you may well find if you’re paying too much attention to that bunker.
One of the things that sets this golf course apart is the finishing holes on either side, they are par 3s! Number 9 plays 160 yards from the Blue Tees with wetlands that stretch from in front of the tee box right up to the front of the green. There are bunkers on the right side and behind the green which is a lot wider than it is deep.
Cape Fear National is a private golf club where the focus is on you, the member. After all, membership is a choice that often leads to changes in lifestyle. Cape Fear National offers a welcoming atmosphere in a peaceful, serene setting, where you’re certain to meet others that share your interests. As a member, you’ll enjoy a challenging golf course, fun social activities, and memorable dining experiences. There are no tennis courts, swimming pools, or fitness centers, just a world-class golf facility, a well-stocked bar, great food, and good friends. That’s really all a country club needs.
Cape Fear National Golf Club was recently purchased by Heritage Golf Group, the fastest-growing golf club owner in the country. Heritage Golf Group currently has 25 public, private, and resort-style golf courses in 9 states that will challenge golfers of all skill sets and abilities. For more information on Cape Fear National or to become one of its newest members, give them a call at (910) 383-3283 or visit them online at www.capefearnational.com.