A Golf Fan's Guide to Charlotte
It’s no secret that Charlotte is a destination for golf. The city is home to over two dozen golf courses and multiple mini-golf options and now some of the biggest names in the golf world have their eyes on the Queen City. Whether watching a tournament, hitting the green or playing a few rounds of put-put, golf lovers have plenty of ways to experience Charlotte’s golf scene.
by Anders J. Hare
Where to Watch Live
Fans in the Queen City are buzzing about the internationally-lauded 2022 President’s Cup, which will be hosted at the Quail Hollow Club in September. The five-day tournament is one of the most-anticipated sporting events in the southeast with nearly 40,000 people expected to attend.
With so much green to swing on, there are more than enough places to catch a good golf tournament.
Head out to the Queen City Golf Tour’s golf tournament for all skill levels. Its founders, Greg Piedmont and Trey Good, began the tour as a way for anyone to compete in amateur-friendly events. The Bag Tour also provides several opportunities to see golf tournaments across the Charlotte area including the Peninsula Club Championship, Rocky River Rumble and Mooresville Classic.
Don’t forget to watch our collegiate golf teams, including the Johnson C. Smith University Golden Bulls dominating the CIAA conference, the UNC Charlotte 49ers making waves in the NCAA conference, and the Queens University of Charlotte Royals making an entrance at the ASUN Conference.
Grab Your Gear
Whether you’re needing to gear up for the next big game or just wanting to rep some cool apparel, there are franchises and local shops you can visit in Charlotte. PGA TOUR Superstore in Ballantyne offers clubs, tees, umbrellas, rangefinders and virtually anything else you can think of that relates to golf. Golf Galaxy also offers a wide range of affordable golf gear and supplies with locations in north Charlotte, Pineville and Providence.
If you want to support local golf shops, you have options like Carolina Golf Manufacturing in Plaza Midwood, a Charlotte mainstay for new and used golf clubs and repairs. You also have Greater Golf Express in Pineville that offers used and new equipment in its store and online.
Where to Watch (and Grab a Drink)
Charlotte is home to several great places to catch a golf tournament and grab a beer while you’re at it. Many sports fans flock to bars and grills like the multiple locations of Duckworth’s Bar & Taphouse for their craft beer selection and great food menu.
In the South End area, head to Fairwood 226 to catch a match, craft cocktail and a bite to eat including their highly-sought-after brunch. For viewing, complete with a pool hall, superb cocktails, a jukebox and great vibes, head to Sideline Sports Bar & Billiards, Charlotte’s oldest LGBTQ-friendly sports bar.
Another family-friendly option is Lucky Lou’s Tavern, known for their massive TV screens, cheap beer options, great food and pool hall. Or check out Steamer’s Sports Pub, complete with a plethora of entertainment options, including trivia nights and pub games.
Where to Stay
Charlotte has major golf-oriented attractions that sprawl across the area with plenty of lodging options for those visiting from out of town. The Ballantyne is the quintessential luxury hotel, complete with a spa and dining options, while the AC Hotel by Marriott Charlotte Ballantyne offers a central location with a view, and both are less than a five-minute drive from the Ballantyne Country Club, one of the area’s premier golf clubs.
If you’re wanting to play a few rounds at the lauded Myers Park Country Club or Carmel Country Club, then you have plenty of places to lay your head within five minutes of each club, including the AC Hotel by Marriott Charlotte SouthPark, Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark and Charlotte Marriott SouthPark.
Where to Play
Hit the green at one of Charlotte’s two dozen golf courses. Some of the most popular include the Quail Hollow Club, Myers Park Country Club, Carmel Country Club, Rocky River Golf Club, and Highland Creek Golf Club.
Want to get your put-put on? Charlotte is home to two TopGolf locations, where you can hit a few rounds with friends and grab drinks while you’re there. Check out Puttery, an adults-only miniature golf experience like no other complete with a bar, indoor and outdoor lounge areas, and themed golf courses.
Get your put-put on at Stroke, a locally-owned mini-golf spot where leagues often gather for competitive matches and the signature cocktails while Monster Mini Golf Charlotte features a glow-in-the-dark mini-golf experience like no other.
