
Cameron/Stewart Course
Thistle Golf Club


About this course
Thistle Golf Club, woven into the coastal tapestry of Calabash, North Carolina, echoes with the spirit of Scottish linksland, albeit reimagined for the Carolinas. Its Cameron and Stewart nines, part of a 27-hole complex, offer a heathland feel, demanding strategic play across gently rolling terrain. Fairways aren't overly generous, but reward thoughtful tee shots that navigate the native grasses. A tendency to favor a draw will prove beneficial on many holes. Designed by Tim Cate, Thistle is not a course steeped in major championship lore, but one cherished by locals and traveling golfers seeking a classic, unpretentious experience. It's a course where a low, running approach shot is often the smarter play, and where the breezes off the Atlantic subtly influence club selection. The Thistle's clubhouse hums with a convivial atmosphere. Stories of near misses and memorable birdies are traded over generous pours. The club is known locally for its welcoming membership and a casual vibe that perfectly complements the surrounding coastal charm.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in NC
Quick facts
- Location
- Sunset Beach, NC, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1999
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Tim Cate
- Par
- 71
- Length
- 6,801 yards
- Difficulty
- 73.6/141
- Course Vaults score
- 8.0
Getting there
The journey to Thistle Golf Club begins at Myrtle Beach International Airport, roughly thirty minutes north along the Carolina coast, though Wilmington International offers an equally viable gateway from the opposite direction. The final approach traces Highway 17 through the low-country marshlands and tidal creeks of Brunswick County, where the Atlantic's influence is felt in the salt-tinged air and the rhythm of drawbridges rising for shrimp boats. As the road narrows toward Sunset Beach, the landscape softens into a quieter register - less neon, more dune grass - before delivering you to one of the region's most thoughtfully conceived modern clubs, a serene counterpoint to the Grand Strand's busier precincts.

FAQ
Common questions about Cameron/Stewart at Thistle Golf Club
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Cameron/Stewart at Thistle Golf Club has a Course Vaults score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 14 logged golfers.
Cameron/Stewart was designed by Tim Cate.
Yes. Cameron/Stewart at Thistle Golf Club is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Cameron/Stewart is 71.
Cameron/Stewart plays 6,801 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Cameron/Stewart is 141.




