Old North State

One of eight private courses in the Carolinas operated by McConnell Golf, the layout here at the Old North State Club is a Tom Fazio gem that snakes its way across rolling ground and the peninsula wildlife sanctuary wetlands known as Uwharrie Point. This aesthetically pleasing setting has allowed Fazio to create perhaps the most exciting clutch of waterside closing holes in North Carolina.

Unhindered by real estate considerations between the fairways or around the perimeters of the course, Fazio was able to lay out the holes to fit the land as best as possible. To that end, the inland holes sit quietly within the dense forest adjacent to Badin Lake before the routing heads to the water for a thrilling three-hole climax to the round.

The 427-yard 16th plays downhill to a narrow green bordering the lake, followed by the all-carry 17th where the green sits on the other side of an inlet. The 568-yard closing hole then sweeps left round the lake shore where golfers can either lay-up with their second shot before approaching the green or attempt the hero shot across the water in pursuit of a grandstand finish.