Egret at Carolina National Golf Club

The Egret Course at Carolina National Golf Club opened in 1997 as part of a 27-hole facility designed by Fred Couples in collaboration with Gene Bates and Kipp Schulties. Located in Bolivia, North Carolina, roughly 30 minutes from Wilmington and near the South Carolina border, the course occupies coastal lowland terrain characteristic of the Cape Fear region. The design takes advantage of natural wetlands, tidal marshes, and mature hardwood forests that define this transitional zone between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic coast.

The routing moves through varied topography for a coastal Carolina layout, with elevation changes modest but noticeable compared to the flatter marsh-adjacent holes. Water features prominently throughout the design, both in the form of natural tidal creeks and constructed lakes that frame fairways and greens. The course incorporates native vegetation and preserves wildlife corridors, with egrets and other wading birds a common sight along the wetland edges. Generous fairway corridors accommodate multiple tee positions, though strategic bunkering and water placement reward accurate approach shots.

Carolina National operates as a semi-private facility, offering both member and daily-fee play. The Egret Course can be combined with the Heron and Ibis nines to create different 18-hole configurations, providing variety for regular players. The clubhouse serves the entire 27-hole complex with traditional Lowcountry-influenced dining and practice facilities that support both casual and competitive golf.