Lonnie Poole at Lonnie Poole Golf Course

Lonnie Poole Golf Course, a public course affiliated with North Carolina State University, occupies a unique niche, offering a challenging layout and a connection to the Wolfpack community. Carved into the rolling hills adjacent to NC State's Centennial Campus, the course presents a modern take on parkland golf, with elevation changes playing a prominent role.

Designed by Arnold Palmer's firm, the course opened in 2009 and lacks the prestige of hosting major championships. However, it provides a stern test for golfers of all skill levels with strategically placed bunkers and demanding green complexes. The relatively young course and location on a university campus means it has no remarkable lore or famous stories associated with it. The terrain favors those who can manage uneven lies and successfully navigate doglegs that require both accuracy and distance control.

More than just a golf course, Lonnie Poole serves as a living laboratory for NC State's turfgrass management program. This practical setting offers students invaluable hands-on experience, contributing to their future success in the field. After a round, golfers can enjoy casual fare at the clubhouse, a popular spot for students, faculty, and alumni alike.