Want to spend the summer walking the green? Chatham County has options for golfers of all skill levels.
By Katie MacKinnon
Three distinct nine-hole segments – the Lakes, Foothills and Mountain – make up Governors Club’s award-winning course. The 1,600-acre property was designed by Jack Nicklaus as a championship golf course, with gentle slopes dotted by pine trees. Members have access to programs for men, women, couples and juniors, as well as a host of special events for all levels of play. When you just want to improve your game, there’s a double-sided practice tee and range, more than 5,000 square feet of practice putting greens, a pitching and short game practice green and a greenside and fairway practice bunker.
For the perfect relaxing, affordable day, test out Twin Lakes Golf Course in Chapel Hill, built in 1961. For only $13, walk the 9-hole course on a nice day – and you can preview everything before your trip on the Twin Lakes website.
Near the shores of Jordan Lake, find The Preserve at Jordan Lake. This semiprivate course is open to the public and adjacent to 600 acres of woodlands, where ancient oak and poplar trees shade the sidewalks in the Preserve at Jordan Lake residential neighborhood. The Preserve was voted one of the country’s Top 40 new golf courses by Golfweek.
Activities for the whole family can be found at Siler City Country Club’s 18-hole course. Built in 1958, the venue offers a fun and challenging layout built against the natural beauty of western Chatham County, while the adjacent swimming pool and tennis courts provide many options for members to spend a summer day.
Designed by Masters Champion Fred Couples and course designer Bob Moore, The Golf Club at Chapel Ridge takes advantage of the rolling hills of Pittsboro and models traditional courses found throughout the United States. After playing a round, members can enjoy a meal at the Chapel Ridge bar and grill.
Old Chatham Golf Club opened in 2001 to be a gathering place for friends around the game of golf. On 400 acres just south of The Streets at Southpoint, the course provides a secluded area without any residential homes nearby. Spend a morning on the same 18-hole course that has hosted several amateur championships and will host the 77th U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship in 2026.
