Nags Head Golf Links

About Nags Head Golf Links

Jerry Turner and Bob Moore built Nags Head Golf Links in 1987 on the Roanoke Sound side of the Outer Banks, and they built it for shot-making rather than length. It's about 6,100 yards (6,126 by the Outer Banks visitors' guide), and when it opened it played to a par of 71. Don't let the card fool you. Five holes run along the sound, there's sand dunes and wild sea grass throughout, and the course's own notes say one back-nine par 3 usually plays two or three clubs longer than its yardage straight into the prevailing southwest wind, with water on both sides. The finishing hole is into the wind most of the time too.

The ground is flat, open and exposed. The map survey finds no tree-lined holes, no more than about 14 feet of rise or fall on any hole, water you have to carry on nine holes and 34 bunkers. On a windy day, keep it low and take more club. Course character from OpenStreetMap contributors' survey data.

The club quotes Golf Digest calling its holes among the most beautiful in the eastern United States. It's run by Invited (the old ClubCorp), which sells memberships, and the Links Grille does lunch specials and sunset views. There's a practice green and range, and the PGA staff run clinics in summer.

It's one of 42 courses Yoink watches in the Virginia Beach & the Outer Banks area, and the closest alternative is The Carolina Club, about 4 miles away — handy when your first choice is booked solid.

What it's like to play Nags Head Golf Links

Water comes into play on 12 of 18 holes, and you carry it on 9 of them. Keep the ball in front of you. A creek or river runs through the property and comes into play on 5 holes.

Course character from OpenStreetMap contributors' survey data (ODbL).

Booking a tee time at Nags Head Golf Links

Tee times book through the club's Invited website, or call 252-441-8073. Wind matters more than the clock here, so check the forecast before you pick a time.

How to get a tee time at Nags Head Golf Links