Bald Head Island Country Club

Bald Head Island Country Club occupies a maritime setting on Bald Head Island, a barrier island accessible only by ferry from Southport, North Carolina. George Cobb designed the original course, which opened in the 1970s as part of the island's residential development. Tim Cate later completed a renovation that updated the layout while respecting the constraints and character of the island environment. The course operates within a community where golf carts are replaced by electric carts and bicycles, reflecting the island's car-free policy. The routing works through coastal forest and natural dune formations, with holes shaped by the island's sandy soil and exposure to salt air and prevailing winds. Live oaks draped with Spanish moss frame several fairways, while native grasses and maritime vegetation define playing corridors. The design accommodates the relatively flat terrain typical of barrier islands, relying on strategic bunkering and green contours rather than dramatic elevation change. Water features appear on select holes, and the coastal breeze influences club selection and shot strategy throughout the round. The club serves as the recreational centerpiece for property owners and guests on Bald Head Island, a private residential community known for its beaches, the historic Old Baldy Lighthouse, and protected maritime forest. The course complements the island's emphasis on low-impact development and natural preservation, offering golf within a setting defined more by ecological character than resort amenities.