Golf Trip Itinerary: Tour of the Shore

Part Three of our itinerary series features the “Tour of the Shore” itinerary, which has been crafted for the really serious players looking to take a really deep dive into the Outer Banks golf experience.

Eclectic accommodations can be found all along the OBX, ranging from Sanderling Resort and in Duck, the always-favorite, four-bedroom Kilmarlic Club Cottage featuring golf course views over the mainland standout.

Day 1:

Start with a round at Kilmarlic or one of the other two inland courses from the Par Saver itinerary on your way into town.

Day 2:

Currituck Club, a Rees Jones-designed layout winds through a premier, gated community in Corolla, features diverse coastal terrain (including sand dunes, wetlands, maritime forests and sound-side shoreline) and glimpses of the Currituck Sound, particularly on signature holes at the par-5 seventh and par-3 15th. Like all the great links courses abroad, the Currituck Club can change complexion according to the wind speed and direction. Play it on three consecutive days and you’ll likely enjoy three different experiences.

As unique an après-golf excursion to be found anyway is in the form of 12 miles of beachfront that is only accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicles. Known as “beach riding,” this one-of-a-kind activity leads you to nothing but sun, sand, ocean, some vacation rental homes and those wild Spanish mustangs that can be found grazing in an untamed area called the “Corolla Outback.” Spotting the feisty horses is a popular OBX pastime.

There’s always a fresh catch of the day at any number of other fine eating establishments (i.e., North Banks Restaurant and Raw Bar in Corolla) that will keep you coming back for more.

Day 3: 

Nags Head Golf Links features holes routed right along the Roanoke Sound with winds that seemingly change by the minute. The front nine’s fifth and ninth and the back nine’s 15th and 18th holes actually play right along the water in opposite directions, making club selection more art than science. Though not located directly on the water, the well- bunkered, 160-yard, par-3 17th hole (with sound waters lapping just beyond the dunes that surround the green) provides a quintessential British golf feel.

Post round, there are many spirits to enjoy at the likes of Outer Banks Distilling Company (home of Kill Devil Rum), Outer Banks Brewing Station or TRIO Restaurant & Market.