Top 10 Golf Course Communities in Brunswick County, NC
Brunswick County, North Carolina, is a golfer’s paradise with its mild climate, scenic landscapes, and proximity to beaches like Holden Beach and Ocean Isle Beach. These golf course communities offer more than just fairways — they provide resort-style amenities, low-maintenance living, and a vibrant social scene ideal for retirement or second-home ownership. From gated enclaves with multiple courses to affordable options with water views, the area has something for every budget and lifestyle. Suzanne Polino, a local expert with years of experience in Brunswick County, notes that these communities attract retirees seeking value and convenience.
Below are the top 10 golf course communities in Brunswick County, each with pros and cons relative to the others. Pros and cons are based on factors like cost, amenities, location, and lifestyle. Click through to explore homes for sale in each.
Brunswick Plantation
Pros: Affordable entry point compared to Ocean Ridge; 27 holes offer variety; strong retirement amenities like pools and fitness.
Cons: Less exclusive than Compass Pointe; older course may need updates vs newer ones like Rivers Edge.
Ocean Ridge Plantation
Pros: Multiple courses (up to 72 holes) surpass single-course communities like Crow Creek; premium amenities and views; high resale value.
Cons: Higher HOA fees than Brunswick Plantation; more crowded than quieter spots like Thistle.
Compass Pointe
Pros: Resort-like amenities (pools, river club) outshine basic ones in Magnolia Greens; close to Wilmington vs more remote like Rivers Edge.
Cons: Higher entry prices than Crow Creek; less golf hole variety than Ocean Ridge.
Rivers Edge Golf Club & Plantation
Pros: Riverfront views and amenities beat land-locked communities like Thistle; affordable compared to Porters Neck.
Cons: Single course less varied than Brunswick Plantation; farther from beaches than Crow Creek.
Sea Trail Plantation & Golf Club
Pros: 54 holes provide more variety than most like Crow Creek; beach access is unique vs inland communities like Compass Pointe.
Cons: Higher maintenance fees than Magnolia Greens; older facilities compared to newer ones like Ocean Ridge.
Winding River Plantation
Pros: River access and amenities like boat ramp give edge over land-only communities like Thistle; affordable vs Porters Neck.
Cons: Single course less varied than Sea Trail; farther from Wilmington than Compass Pointe.
Crow Creek
Pros: Affordable and value-packed amenities vs premium like Ocean Ridge; close to beaches unlike Leland communities.
Cons: Smaller scale than Brunswick Plantation; no river access like Rivers Edge.
Magnolia Greens
Pros: 27 holes offer variety like Brunswick Plantation; more affordable than Sea Trail; close to Leland conveniences.
Cons: No river or beach access like Oyster Harbour; less exclusive than Porters Neck.
Thistle Golf Club & Community
Pros: 27 holes with Scottish-inspired design unique vs standard like Crow Creek; serene setting with less congestion than Ocean Ridge.
Cons: Fewer amenities than Compass Pointe; farther from Wilmington than Leland communities.
Porters Neck Plantation
Pros: Luxury amenities and exclusivity top Compass Pointe; close to Wilmington vs remote like Thistle.
Cons: Higher prices than Crow Creek; less golf hole variety than Sea Trail.
Ready to Explore a Golf Course Community?
As your local Brunswick County coastal expert, Suzanne Polino can guide you to the perfect golf community home.
Suzanne Polino, REALTOR®
Coastal NC Real Estate Specialist
suzy@suzysellsnc.com
(910) 477-1378
SuzySellsNC.com
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