
Heron/Ibis Course
Carolina National Golf Club


About this course
Carolina National Golf Club's Heron and Ibis nines form part of a 27-hole facility located in Bolivia, North Carolina, approximately 30 miles south of Wilmington in Brunswick County. The course was designed by Fred Couples in collaboration with Gene Bates and Kipp Schulties, opening in the late 1990s as part of the region's coastal golf development. The design team created three distinct nines—Heron, Ibis, and Egret—that can be combined into different 18-hole configurations, with the Heron/Ibis pairing being one of the primary championship rotations. The layout occupies relatively flat coastal plain terrain characteristic of southeastern North Carolina, with routing that incorporates natural wetlands, pine forests, and strategic water features. The design emphasizes playability while requiring thoughtful course management, reflecting Couples' playing philosophy of creating accessible yet strategic golf. Wide fairways accommodate various skill levels, while greenside bunkering and water hazards positioned around several greens demand precision on approach shots. The course serves a public-access facility that attracts both local golfers and visitors to the Brunswick County beaches. The setting provides a quieter alternative to the more heavily trafficked resort courses along the Grand Strand to the south, with the natural lowcountry landscape defining the playing corridors. The three-nine configuration allows the facility to accommodate high volumes of play while offering variety for repeat visitors to the area.
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
- Bolivia, NC, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1998
- Holes
- 18
- Designer(s)
- Fred Couples, Gene Bates, Kipp Schulties
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 6,961 yards
- Difficulty
- 74.6/146
- Course Vaults score
- 7.6
Getting there
Carolina National Golf Club lies just south of Wilmington, accessible via Wilmington International Airport (ILM), a compact gateway that places you within twenty minutes of the property. The drive traces the coastal plain along Highway 17, where the landscape gradually softens into tidal marshland and stands of live oak draped in Spanish moss. As you turn toward Bolivia, the road narrows and quiets, crossing lazy creeks and wetland fingers before delivering you to the gates of this low-country sanctuary - a fitting transition from the bustle of the coast to the serene rhythms of Carolina's tidewater interior.

FAQ
Common questions about Heron/Ibis at Carolina National Golf Club
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Heron/Ibis at Carolina National Golf Club has a Course Vaults score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 14 logged golfers.
Heron/Ibis was designed by Fred Couples, Gene Bates, and Kipp Schulties.
Yes. Heron/Ibis at Carolina National Golf Club is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at Heron/Ibis is 72.
Heron/Ibis plays 6,961 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Heron/Ibis is 146.





