Brunswick County Golf Courses
Challenge your game, not your patience. Play the courses of North Carolina's "Golf Coast," and you'll wonder why you never have before. You'll find over 35 championship golf courses, laid out among the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast. Our subtropical temperatures lure golfers back year after year, yet the crowds and traffic always manage to vacation elsewhere. How do 600 picturesque holes remain such a well-kept secret? Maybe because those who know the peace and tranquility of our courses are reluctant to share their good fortune. After all, it isn't often one can play a challenging Byrd, Palmer, Couples or Maples course that isn't teeming with other carts and clubs. Stay in a fully equipped villa right on the fairway, or choose a beachfront rental to give your trip another perspective. For the novice and pro alike, North Carolina's Brunswick Islands will give you a game you'll never forget.
Brunswick County History
Brunswick, established in 1745, was made a borough town in
1754, and when Brunswick County was established in 1764
it was made the county seat. In 1779 the county seat was
authorized to be moved to the plantation of John Bell near
Lockwood's Folly Bridge. In 1784 Walkersburg, named in
honor of John Walker on whose land it was situated, was
established. Provisions were made in the act for a courthouse
and other public buildings to be established there. It was
located near Deep Water Point. This act specified that the
courts were to be held at the most convenient place until the
courthouse was completed. It is doubtful that the act was put
into effect because in 1808 an act was passed authorizing the
removal of the courthouse from Lockwood's Folly to
Smithville. Court was held at the courthouse from 1805-1858.
The record does not indicate where the courthouse was. This
town, established in 1792, was named in honor of Benjamin
Smith, Governor of North Carolina, 1810-1811. In 1879 an
effort to move the courthouse failed. In 1887 Smithville was
changed to Southport. Southport served as the county seat
until 1977 when the county seat was moved to Bolivia,
following a referendum on the question.
Brunswick County was named in honor of the town of
Brunswick, which was named for King George I, Duke of
Brunswick and Lunenberg. Smithville, established in 1792,
was named in honor of Benjamin Smith, Governor of North
Carolina, 1810-1811.
Holden Beach Information
The Town of Holden Beach is located midway between Wilmington, North Carolina and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina -- about 40 minutes driving from each. The Town is situated on an Atlantic coastal barrier island, facing south onto the Long Bay region of Brunswick County. I-95 from the north and south, I-40 from the west and US-17 south from Wilmington or north from Myrtle Beach leads to Holden Beach -- approximately 3 hours from Raleigh, or 4 hours from Charlotte or Greensboro, or 7 hours from Asheville.
Nearly 900 fulltime residents call Holden Beach home; however, the island's population swells to over 10,000 in mid-summer. With over 8 miles of clean, sandy beaches and a year around moderate temperature, the island attracts many visitors who want to experience a unique quiet family-oriented atmosphere.
Holden Beach has a very small commercial area on the island. That point is considered by many to be a key reason to keep them coming back year after year. While there are limited commercial establishments on the island, everything one could desire is located within a short driving distance.
The causeway leading to the island contains numerous specialty stores and shops, and the Town of Shallotte just 10 minutes away has several chain grocery and department stores that provide all the necessities. Wilmington and Myrtle Beach are only 35-45 minutes away and if you can't find what you're looking for there, it doesn't exist.
There are over 125 superb golf courses within a one-hour drive from Holden Beach. Courses range from very challenging to user-friendly for golfers who don't always hit the ball where they want it to go. The Myrtle Beach area is perhaps the best region in the United States to find a course just right. Seasonal rates vary.
Boating, fishing and hiking the island are very popular activities. Shell hunters can find so many that the kids will fill up the car when they return home. The island is a sea turtle habitat and during the hatching season (May to October) those who don't mind staying up late at night can witness one of nature's most interesting pleasures - watching hundreds of small sea turtles "boil' out of the sand and marching to the ocean.
There is no other North Carolina barrier island like Holden Beach. Low commercial impact, hundreds of beautiful rental homes (many with dockage for fishing and pleasure boating) and a wholesome family-oriented atmosphere. If you want to find out more about visiting, renting or buying property on our island, click the button below.
