south
Tobacco Road Golf Club
Sanford, NC
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A true masterpiece of unconventional golf course design, Tobacco Road feels like a journey into another world. Built on a reclaimed sand quarry, this Mike Strantz creation features towering dunes, deep waste bunkers, and blind shots that challenge even the most seasoned players. Known as "golf’s wildest ride," each hole has a unique character, from dramatic elevation changes to greens tucked behind mounds that require strategic thinking. It's golf with a side of adrenaline.
Tot Hill Farm Golf Club
Asheboro, NC
$70
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Another Mike Strantz design, Tot Hill Farm is both breathtaking and bewildering. Set in the rolling hills of central North Carolina, it features massive rock outcroppings, elevated greens, and fairways carved into rugged terrain. Quirky hazards like streams running through greens and the dramatic par-3 14th—where a cliff looms near the putting surface—make it a must-play for adventurous golfers.
Smoky Mountain Country Club
Whittier, NC
$36-$70
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High in the Smoky Mountains, this course offers incredible vistas and dramatic elevation changes. The mountain terrain leads to steep fairways, blind approaches, and challenging lies, making every hole an adventure. The standout par-3 14th requires a tee shot over a deep gorge, offering equal parts intimidation and beauty. Expect breathtaking scenery and unpredictable challenges.
Sweetens Cove Golf Club
South Pittsburg, TN
$30-$175
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A cult favorite, Sweetens Cove is a 9-hole gem that packs a punch. Known for its creative layout and massive greens, it feels like a modern art installation set on rolling farmland. Each hole offers multiple playing strategies, ensuring every round feels fresh and exciting. With a laid-back atmosphere and vibrant community of devotees, Sweetens Cove is golf at its most joyful and innovative.
Lightening Bug Golf Club
Triune, TN
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This hidden gem has earned a quirky reputation thanks to its twilight rounds that play out under string lights and glow-in-the-dark flags. The short course is designed for fun, with whimsical hazards like light-up water features and greens that gently slope toward firefly-filled meadows. It’s more about the experience than your scorecard—a perfect place to unwind and enjoy golf in an unusual setting.
Gaitlinburg Golf Course
Gaitlinburg, TN
$30-$75
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Dubbed "The Gateway to the Smokies," Gatlinburg Golf Course combines classic Southern charm with mountain drama. The standout par-3 12th, known as "Sky Hi," features a 200-foot drop from tee to green, offering spectacular views and heart-pounding shots. The course winds through rolling hills, dense forests, and even historic Civil War-era grounds, blending natural beauty with history.
The Creek Club
Greensboro, GA
Private
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This private course along Lake Oconee emphasizes strategy and precision. Its winding creeks and sharp doglegs demand accuracy over power, while its serene setting in the Georgia countryside provides a relaxing backdrop. The standout par-4 5th hole, with a peninsula green surrounded by water, tests the nerves of even the most confident golfers.
Boiling Springs Golf Club
Woodward, OK
$20-$50
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An unassuming treasure, Boiling Springs blends prairie beauty with bold course design. Native grasses frame narrow fairways, while natural springs add a touch of tranquility. The quirky dogleg-left par-5 10th, with its blind tee shot and sloping fairway, offers a challenge that keeps locals and visitors coming back.
South Lakes Golf Course
Tulsa, OK
$10-$44
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Set near the Arkansas River, South Lakes is a family-friendly course with a twist: its par-3 15th features an island green surrounded by scenic water. The gentle slopes and generous fairways make it approachable, but the unexpected hazards and small greens keep golfers on their toes. Perfect for beginners and experienced players alike.
Willie Nelson's Cut and Putt
Austin, TX
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Owned by the country music legend himself, this 9-hole course is as laid-back as its namesake. Located on Willie Nelson’s Luck Ranch, it embraces a casual, unpretentious vibe. Expect quirky holes, live music, and a BYOB atmosphere. The course is as much a party as it is a golf experience.
The Quarry Golf Course
San Antonio, TX
$49-$94
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Built in a former limestone quarry, this course offers a stark and dramatic setting. The back nine descends into the quarry itself, where towering rock walls frame the holes and create breathtaking visuals. The par-4 17th, with its narrow fairway and water hazard, is particularly memorable. It's a striking blend of rugged industrial history and modern golf.