More of this Feature • Part 1: Golf • Part 2: Golf • Part 3: Golf • Golf Photo Gallery
Related Resources • Cruising/Chartering Index • Cruising Column

VIRGINIA
The tag line for the state of Virginia is that it's for lovers, and that includes lovers of golf. The course sure to win you over is Hell's Point, located in Virginia Beach. The environs include tall Virginia pine trees, blue lakes, and a layout designed to test your strategy and course management. A case in point is the 5th. With its sharp dog-leg left requiring a well-placed tee shot, an accurate approach to the green is a must, as you'll find water to port and bunkers to starboard. And once you're on the green, it's best to putt from below the hole and not above, as any mistake will get you rolling downhill.

Greens fees are $44 with cart Monday through Friday and $54 on weekends and holidays from November 1 to March 15. From March 16 to October 31, fees are $54 weekdays and $65 on the weekends. Phone: (757) 721-3400. www.hellspoint.com. Nearby marinas include Long Bay Pointe Phone: (757) 321-4550, Virginia Beach Fishing Center Phone: (757) 491-8000, Fisherman's Wharf Phone: (757) 428-2111, and Rudee's Inlet Phone: (757) 422-2999. 

NORTH CAROLINA
The island of Bogue Banks, just off of Morehead City, offers the Bogue Banks Country Club. The course is challenging to the shotmaker and has spectacular views of Bogue Sound, rolling sand dunes, tall pines, and stately oaks lining the fairways.

Greens fees are $47 with cart, $35 walking before 2 p.m. After 2 p.m., it's $37 with cart and $25 walking. After 4 p.m. you'll pay $27 to ride and $19 to walk. Carts are mandatory from Friday through Sunday before noon. Phone: (252) 726-1034. www.nccoastgolf.net/boguebanks. Nearby marinas include the Anchorage Phone: (252) 726-4423 and Atlantic Beach Causeway Phone: (252) 726-6977.

There are also three 18-hole courses at Southport's St. James Plantation that include the award winning P.B. Dye-designed Gauntlet, Hale Irwin's signature Members Course, and the Players Club, laid out by Tim Kate. Each is challenging for every level of golfer. The famed Jimmy Ballard Swing Connection Golf School offers instruction for beginner or pro.

Greens fees with carts are $53 during the off-season and $98 from spring through fall. Phone: (800) 245-3871. www.stjamesplantation.com. The St. James Marina Phone: (910) 253-0463 is right on the premises.

Next page > Golf Part 3 > Page 1, 2, 3, 4