Golf courses North Carolina Leland Cape Fear National At Brunswick Forest

Cape Fear National At Brunswick Forest

1281 Cape Fear National Dr, Leland, North Carolina, 28451
Type: Public
No. Holes: 18
910-371-2434
Architect: Tim Cate (4)
                      
Cape Fear National At Brunswick Forest, Leland, North Carolina, 28451 - Golf Course Photo
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Detailed description of Cape Fear National At Brunswick Forest

Cape Fear National At Brunswick Forest is an 18-hole public golf course located in Leland, NC (close to Wilmington).

Cape Fear at Brunswick Forest officially opened in April, 2010. The course was designed by Tim Cate.

The newest golf course in the Wilmington NC area, Cape Fear National at Brunswick Forest offers 18-holes of premium public golf in a setting of beauty. Located in Brunswick Forest, the Coastal South's fastest growing community, Cape Fear National is just 10 minutes south of historic downtown Wilmington and 45 minutes north of Myrtle Beach off of US 17, making it an ideal stop for golfers on their way into or out of Myrtle Beach.

Recently named one of the "Top 10 Best Courses You Can Play in NC - 2011" by Golfweek, Cape Fear National is an absolute must-play for both the beginner and avid golfer. It was also named 1 of the 18 Most Significant Course Openings in 2010 by LINKS Magazine.

The course features over 1,500 linear feet of bridges, three separate waterfalls, several ponds, strategically placed rock walls, drive-through sand waste areas, beach bunkers that run into the ponds and over 1.5 million cubic yards of earth were moved to design Cape Fear National. The Cypress marsh also frames a couple of the holes on the back nine.

The Par-72 course plays to over 7,200 yards from the tips.

This course has been reviewed 8 times
Golf Course ranker Photo, David Theoret
Crossville, TN

Guest (cart included), played on Sunday, April 2023 at 12:00 PM

One of the biggest things the coastal North Carolina area has going for it is a fantastic climate; outdoor recreational activities can be enjoyed year-round and the mild winter temperatures are perfect for golf.

Brunswick Forest is an active lifestyle community in Leland, North Carolina that takes full advantage of everything Mother Nature has to offer. The community is about 10 minutes from the Wilmington area and 30 minutes from the Atlantic beaches. Brunswick Forest borders Town Creek, which flows to the Cape Fear River and then out to the Atlantic Ocean. This 4,500-acre master-planned community is still being built out and is slated to have about 8,000 homes. Among the vast array of amenities available within the community is a private country club that is home to one of the best golf courses in the area.

Cape Fear National Golf Club is not only the Wilmington area’s most celebrated golf course, it’s an award-winning 18-hole championship course whose natural beauty is unmatched by any other golf course around. Since opening in 2010, Cape Fear National has received several awards including a top 10 ranking from Golfweek Magazine as “Best Courses You Can Play in North Carolina,” "10 Best New Public Courses in America," from Golf Digest, a "Top 100 Fairways in the U.S." from Golf for Women Magazine and "#41 Top 100 Public Course in the U.S." from Golf Magazine. It is constantly given "4 ½ Stars" by Golf Digest for “Places to Play.”

Renowned golf course architect Tim Cate has created a course that takes the area’s heavily undulating land and winds its way through wetlands, waterfalls, and beach bunkers. Although the course is carved from acres of forest, trees are not that much of a factor. Instead, North Carolina native grasses and wildflowers are often found bordering Cate’s signature feature – waste bunkers that run the entire length of a hole and sometimes serve as the cart path. This can be seen on holes 5, 13, and 16.

Cape Fear National is all about golf and with that mindset comes outstanding practice facilities. In addition to a full-length driving range, there are several separate areas where you can work on your short game, sand game, and putting. If you are lucky enough to be invited to the club as a guest or on a discovery tour, I advise getting to the course early and taking advantage of all the club has to offer

As you make your way around the course, you’ll find more than 1,500 feet of bridges, three separate waterfalls, several ponds, and strategically placed rock walls. Over 1.5 million cubic yards of earth were moved to create this golfing masterpiece with water or wetlands coming into play on every hole. The result is a gently rolling golf course that is as aesthetically pleasing to look at as it is challenging to play. What you see is what you get; there are no hidden hazards out here!

Whether you’re a low-handicapper or are just new to the game, players of all skill levels will enjoy Cape Fear National. With six sets of tees, the course plays anywhere from 7,130 yards to 4,811 yards. From the Champion Tees, Cape Fear National has a course rating of 74.8 and a slope of 140. I found the Blue Tees (6,208/70.3/131) offered a fair challenge and still allowed me to leave with some dignity intact. Pick the tees that best suit your game and you’re sure to enjoy yourself.

During your round, you’re sure to encounter several holes that will stick in your memory. The 2nd hole at Cape Fear National is a challenging par 5 with a sharp dog leg left that plays 486 yards from the Blue Tees. You’ll need to hit your tee shot about 240 yards to even have a peek at the green. Play your layup shot up the left side being sure to avoid the fairway bunker, which will take the creek on the right side out of play and leave a short pitch shot into the green.

Number 11 is another short par 5, playing 444 yards from the Blue Tees. Don’t let the length fool you; it may be short but there’s a lot of trouble. For starters, you’ll need to hit over the lake on the right side and avoid the two fairway bunkers in the landing area off the tee. Then, you’ll need to hit your second shot up the left side, avoiding more fairway bunkers on either side. If you’re going for the green in two, there’s a large bunker front right, and the water butts up against the green on the right. The green is slightly elevated.

Bunkers steal the spotlight on Numbers 12 and 13. The 12th hole is a challenging and picturesque par 4 with beautiful bunkering in the fairway on either side and around the green, both in front and behind. You’ll need to fly your approach shot onto this green or risk hitting out of the sand. Number 13 is one of Cate’s signature holes with a waste bunker that you drive through framing the right side of the fairway and snaking its way up in front of the green. Be wary of the pond on the left side off the tee which you may well find if you’re paying too much attention to that bunker.

One of the things that sets this golf course apart is the finishing holes on either side, they are par 3s! Number 9 plays 160 yards from the Blue Tees with wetlands that stretch from in front of the tee box right up to the front of the green. There are bunkers on the right side and behind the green which is a lot wider than it is deep.

Eighteen is a little bit longer, 185 yards, over wetlands to a long, narrow green with two bunkers front left. Just check the wind, choose your club, and swing away. Pars on the two finishing holes are usually indicative of a good round!

Cape Fear National is a private golf club where the focus is on you, the member. After all, membership is a choice that often leads to changes in lifestyle. Cape Fear National offers a welcoming atmosphere in a peaceful, serene setting, where you’re certain to meet others that share your interests. As a member, you’ll enjoy a challenging golf course, fun social activities, and memorable dining experiences. There are no tennis courts, swimming pools, or fitness centers, just a world-class golf facility, a well-stocked bar, great food, and good friends. That’s really all a country club needs.

Cape Fear National Golf Club was recently purchased by Heritage Golf Group, the fastest-growing golf club owner in the country. Heritage Golf Group currently has 25 public, private, and resort-style golf courses in 9 states that will challenge golfers of all skill sets and abilities. For more information on Cape Fear National or to become one of its newest members, give them a call .

Would travel: 60-120 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Better than average course for the area, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area
 
Condition of Course, Price, Pace of Play, Food/ Bar facilities, Difficulty, Ambiance, Staff, Pro Shop, Layout, Clubhouse
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
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Rank ID # : 030236
Golf Course ranker Photo
Bethesda, MD

Guest (cart included), played on Saturday, August 2014 at 8am

The fairways were quite wet when we played as it had rained hard days before we played. Good golf course. My only criticism is that there are some longer-than-normal distances between greens and tees. I would love to walk this course as it is not hilly, but there are some long walks to get to the next tee. If you are in the area, play it.

Would travel: 0-10 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Better than average course for the area, Ranks with the best in this price level
 
Condition of Course, Layout, Pace of Play, Staff
Houses on Course
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Rank ID # : 022366
Golf Course ranker Photo
Wilmington, NC

$46 (cart included), played on Sunday, July 2014 at 8am

Love this course

Would travel: 30-60 Miles
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, Price
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
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Pace to play
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Value
Rank ID # : 022177
Golf Course ranker Photo
Prospect, CT

$36 (cart included), played on Wednesday, May 2014 at noon

the best greens,fairways,tees,layout. If you don't like this course your not a golfer.

Would travel: 30-60 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Better than average course for the area, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area, Bargain priced based on quality and competitive area pricing
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, Price, Ambiance, Pace of Play, Staff, Clubhouse, Pro Shop
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
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Rank ID # : 021887
Golf Course ranker Photo
Wilmington, NC

$51 (cart included), played on Friday, April 2014 at 8am

This is a great Tim Cate layout with several picturesque and challenging holes - (2,3,8,9,15,17). My one criticism is that hole 18 is a par 3, but that is just a pet peeve of mine. Other great Tim Cate courses in the area include Tigers Eye, St James Players Club, Leopards Chase, and Thistle. The course was in phenomenal condition. The fairways were like carpet and the greens were very fast(11) and true. While there were some difficult hole locations none of them were unfair. The only drawback of our round was all the land clearing taking place to install new roads for houses. While it wasn't distracting, it certainly has taken away from the natural beauty of the course. All in all, if you are in the area and want to play a really nice golf course this is it.

Would travel: 30-60 Miles
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout
None worth mentioning
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Greens conditions
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Rank ID # : 021742
Golf Course ranker Photo
Apex, NC

Guest (cart included), played on Tuesday, June 2013 at 8am

Played in a golf outing and enjoyed the course so much I am considering adding it to the rotation on our 32 person golf trip to Myrtle Beach.

Would travel: 30-60 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Better than average course for the area, Fair priced based on quality and competitive area pricing
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, Ambiance, Clubhouse
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
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Rank ID # : 020223
Golf Course ranker Photo
Fayetteville, NC

$56 (cart included), played on Sunday, September 2012 at 6am

i will play again soon.

Would travel: 60-120 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again
 
Condition of Course, Price
Difficulty
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
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Rank ID # : 018941
Golf Course ranker Photo
Middletown, CT

$41 (cart included), played on Thursday, March 2012 at noon

Flew into Wilmington and played this on the way to Myrtle Beach for a golf vacation. Superb course, tremendous condition. Included range balls, lunch (dog and two beers), yardage books, divot tools, towels in the carts, iced bottles of water. Fantastic bargain for an upscale course. Played the Peal (both East and West) later in the week--Cape Fear was much better (actually Pearl was in pretty scrappy shape for March).

Would travel: 120-300 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Ranks with the best in this price level, Best course in the area, Bargain priced based on quality and competitive area pricing, Fair priced based on quality and competitive area pricing
 
Condition of Course, Difficulty, Layout, Price, Ambiance, Pace of Play, Staff
None worth mentioning
Layout/ Challenge
Fairway conditions
Greens conditions
Course ambiance
Pace to play
Overall rating
Value
Rank ID # : 017006
5.0/5
Based on 8 reviews
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