Sanford and Lee County are home to some of the finest golf courses in North Carolina guaranteed to test and thrill golfers of all kinds. Looking to book package play? Click here to explore all our courses.
Carolina Trace Country Club
Carolina Trace has quite the reputation in golf and hospitality. It’s considered by many to be a champion golf course on par with Pinehurst, well-known as the anchor site of the U.S. Open. Sporting two 18-hole courses with meticulous Bermuda greens and stunning lake vistas, Carolina Trace invigorates players with challenging play while delighting them with breathtaking beauty.
Legend has it that famous golf architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr. was inspired to create Carolina Trace’s uniquely designed courses after taking a boat out on Lake Trace. From a certain vantage point, he could clearly see the vision of amazing golf games to come.
Today, the club’s courses provide a great deal of flexibility with seven different T-boxes available for players to choose their level of difficulty. In addition, Carolina Trace offers all the amenities of a full-service private club including golf, tennis, swimming, state of the art fitness facilities and fine or casual dining.
Tobacco Road Golf Club
Tobacco Road is a course like no other. Known as one of the top public golf courses in North Carolina, the course was also voted one of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World by Golf Course Architecture. Its landmark design is not only a stunning work of art but also a golf player’s dream.
Established in 1998, Tobacco Road is younger than many other celebrated courses. Designed by architect Mark Strantz, it seamlessly incorporates many “conventional features” of the Golden Age of golf course design. Think elegant fairways set against a sandy waste and bolder designs reminiscent of the British Isles.
Beyond the panoramic views and stunning vistas lies a course that tests all a player’s faculties. Five sets of tees allow play worthy of various skill levels, while still offering everyone enough of a challenge to keep things interesting, eye-opening and invigorating.
More Choices, More Golf
Quail Ridge Golf Course
At 6,900 yards, Quail Ridge is a premier, daily-fee golf course boasting rolling hills, lush fairways and immaculate greens. Head over for a regular round of golf or an exciting, new destination to tee off.
Quail Ridge was designed by course architect Ellis Maples who created more than 60 golf courses in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and the Mid-Atlantic. True to his form and style, the course takes full advantage of its location on the highest piece of land in Lee County. Each hole has its own unique terrain and views. The well-bunkered, bent-grass greens give golfers at all levels the challenge they’ve been looking for.
Boasting a rich history of tournament play, Quail Ridge also offers visitors additional features like a clubhouse, restaurant/lounge, driving range, pro shop and both a putting and chipping green.
Sanford Municipal Golf Course
Not far from downtown Sanford is Sanford Municipal Golf Course offering terrific views and challenging games. Marvel at lush fairways, eye-catching azaleas and a spectacular view of Buffalo Creek on the back nine. Getting in a round or two here is quite frankly North Carolina golf at its finest.
Sanford Municipal Golf has everything you’d expect from a Donald Ross-designed course. It features 6,205 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. Well-groomed fairways and greens also keep play challenging yet friendly. Whether you’re sinking 18 holes or just tuning up your game on the putting green or driving range, the course’s friendly staff is always on hand to assist you. Golfers will also enjoy a practice bunker, pro shop, chipping green and a snack bar.
A Golfer’s Guide to Dining
After working up an appetite on the golf course, indulge in some of Sanford’s most well-loved dining spots by locals and visiting golfers alike. Davison’s Steaks boasts some of the best steaks in Lee County. Unwind in the elegant banquet room with satisfying bites that will leave you well-fed and ready for another round on the fairway. Or, get your steak fix at The Flame and enjoy a cozy atmosphere while indulging in delicious meals prepared over an open flame.
For something a bit more casual, Smoke & Barrel serves up a winning combination of brisket and craft beer. Kick back at this neighborhood pub and enjoy house-smoked meats and a great selection of local brews. From its unique history stretching back to the 1920s, to hosting live music and events today, it’s no wonder this place is a local favorite.
If craft beer brewed right here in Sanford is more your speed, you’ll want to stop by Camelback Brewing Company for some post-course drinks and pub fare. Sit back, relax, and enjoy more dining options in Sanford after a well-played round.
Unique Places to Stay 
Looking for a cozy place to recharge after a day on the green? Sanford has a range of overnight accommodations to suit your needs. If you’re the type who loves blending nature with comfort, glamping at Sugarneck is the perfect choice. After spending the night in a luxurious tent surrounded by nature with all the comforts of home, you’ll be ready for another day on the golf course.
If you prefer a more traditional option but still crave unique experiences, Sanford has numerous cozy Airbnb properties where you can stay in beautifully designed homes or cottages close to top golf courses. Try the guest-favorite Lakeside Magnolia with a sandy beach and lake access, plus an outdoor patio with a fireplace that is conveniently located within minutes of downtown Sanford.
Additionally, if you prefer the amenities of a hotel, Sanford has a variety of familiar names and boutique options, just a short drive from most golf courses. Explore hotel options in the area where great hospitality is par for the course.
Grab Your Clubs
for a Weekend Visit
Plan your golf getaway to Sanford and Lee County by booking the perfect vacation package.
Spend two glorious days enjoying picturesque rounds of golf at Carolina Trace Country Club. The beauty of both the Lake Course overlooking Lake Trace and the Creek Course will surely dazzle and amaze you almost as much as your golf game.
