Bald Head Island is a two-mile journey across the Cape Fear River from Southport, North Carolina and the site of Old Baldy, the state’s oldest standing lighthouse, circa 1817.

You can reach this subtropical island only by passenger ferry or private vessel. Amid the island’s 12,000 acres, you’ll find 10,000 untouched acres of beach, marsh and maritime forest preserves and intimate vacation rental neighborhoods that respect the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Originally designed by famed golf course architect George Cobb and recently renovated by architect Tim Cate, the Bald Head Island Club golf course winds its way over dunes, around lagoons, along the ocean, and through a maritime forest.

Links magazine recently rated the course the second-best renovation in the country, just behind the legendary Pinehurst No. 2. Many of the holes are so undisturbed, they are bordered by the lively natural habitats of herons, egrets, foxes and alligators.

The Bald Head Island Club Course has a slope rating of 143 and course rating of 73.7. While serious golfers will enjoy the challenge the course offers, weekend warriors find it very playable from the forward tees. The Club’s relaxed atmosphere and helpful lessons offered by the pro staff make it enjoyable for families to introduce their children to the game.

From the golf club website