Old Chatham Course
Durham, NC, USA



Old Chatham Golf Club, nestled in the rolling hills west of Durham, is a testament to Rees Jones's commitment to strategic, challenging golf. This modern course, carved from dense North Carolina woodlands, demands thoughtful play and rewards precision with its subtly contoured greens. Rather than brute length, Old Chatham challenges golfers to strategically navigate doglegs and undulations, favoring shot-shapers who can deftly manage the varied terrain. Jones, known for his meticulous restoration work on classic courses, brought that same eye for detail to Old Chatham. While no major championships have graced its fairways, Old Chatham holds a respected, if understated, position within the Carolinas golf scene, offering a stern test of golf. The club's appeal lies in its unpretentious atmosphere, fostering a membership drawn from the surrounding Research Triangle area and beyond. It's a place where accomplished players value the pure golfing experience, as well as the club's reputation for a uniquely welcoming and egalitarian atmosphere. Post-round discussions often linger on the merits of Jones' design, typically over the club's well-regarded Carolina BBQ.
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
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Best in USA
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Best in NC
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Golfers say this course delivers an exceptional experience, with most praising its pristine conditioning and outstanding service that ranks among the best in the area. Reviewers note the layout winds beautifully through wooded terrain, creating a peaceful, secluded atmosphere that lets players enjoy golf at its finest, though some find the routing itself may not be the most memorable. Most appreciate that the design presents straightforward, honest challenges with everything visible in front of you, making it a pleasure to walk. The combination of immaculate maintenance, top-tier hospitality, and tranquil forest setting keeps golfers returning whenever they can secure a tee time.
8.9
39 players
Played the week after the US Girls Junior. Course was in great shape, even after a heavy rain the morning we played. Not a bad hole on the course but also lacking in many memorable holes either. Clubhouse, service, food, and vibes are all outstanding.
This place is simply amazing
Course is always in pristine condition and the service is the best in the triangle. Their busy is no tee times from 8-10am and then maybe one to two every hour after. Will play here any chance I get. Layout may not be the best but you are in the middle of the woods and can enjoy golf at its finest.
Outstanding golf club. Good layout, may be Rees Jones best. Everything is right in front of you. Great walk through the woods.
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FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
Old Chatham has a Course Vaults score of 8.9 out of 10 based on 25 explicit golfer ratings.
Old Chatham was designed by Rees Jones and Greg Muirhead.
Old Chatham is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at Old Chatham is 72.
Old Chatham plays 7,247 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at Old Chatham is 135.