Bald Head Island

Bald Head Island is an Edeneqsue destination, the southernmost of North Carolina’s barrier islands has more than 14 miles of beaches to enjoy. There is, of course, a golf club as well. Those who are able to secure an invitation and book a trip on the ferry to the island, will find a George Cobb original just a stone’s throw from the beaches on the south side of the island.

Tim Cate came by during 2011 and performed an extensive course renovation, leaving Cobb’s original concepts intact while also opening up fairways and working bunkers for playability. The majority of the course plays through maritime forest that — with the exception of a few homes — presents a Pine Valley vibe where players are isolated from the rest of the course (and world). Huge waste bunkers go a long way in creating the Pine Valley aesthetic as well.

The rest of the world will return when you come out of the woods on the front nine, and your ease-of-mind may disappear. The No. 9 hole is pinched by inland ponds on both sides of the fairway for almost the entire length of the hole. The closing hole is a bit longer, while offering the same anxiety-inducing hazard scheme.