Golf Courses Near Jacksonville, NC

Jacksonville, North Carolina, located 60 miles northeast of Wilmington, is home to the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and the Marines’ New River Air Station. No city in the U.S. has a younger population, which means Jacksonville is primed to grow the game for a new generation of players. There are two courses on the military base and though they are technically open to the public, to play them you must know someone who can get you access to the base. For more readily available tee times In Jacksonville, consider Bear Trail Golf Club, which is ideal for novice players because the layout’s few hazards are off to the sides of holes. For a more complex set of challenges, consider Rock Creek Country Club. The attractive, tree-lined layout features a tough five-hole stretch on the back nine known as “Beggar’s Turn” that you’ll be begging won’t ruin your scorecard. Keep in mind that the nearby small town of Hampstead boasts three courses that also provide very good options for tee times.

Jacksonville boasts 20 miles of trails that wind through downtown parks and lead to city attractions. The Lejeune Memorial Gardens is home to one of the nation’s largest Vietnam Veterans Memorials. For nature and recreation, Hammock Beach State Park and Topsail Island Beach are both about a half hour beyond the city limits. Two very different attractions are the Montford Point Marine Museum honoring the African American marines who played a role in integrating the armed services, and the tour of Walton’s Distillery, where local moonshine is produced. Finally, if you have a hankering for barbecue, Jacksonville won’t disappoint. There’s always a line at Mission BBQ at noon when the national anthem is played to honor the country, the military and first responders. Once you are full, go out and play some golf!