Where to Golf in Winston-Salem
Top courses, local favorites, and fun ways to play across the Winston-Salem area.
If you’re looking for a good place to tee it up, Winston-Salem checks the boxes. The Triad has quietly built a reputation as one of the better golf regions in the country, with a mix of public and semi-private courses, affordable green fees, and a long playing season. Golf Digest has even ranked the area among the best in the U.S. for quality, affordability, and accessibility.
You may not have come here just to play golf, but you might be surprised at how good it is here. So grab your clubs, book a tee time, and see for yourself why it’s such an easy place to get out and play.
Where to Play in Winston-Salem
The greater Winston-Salem area has a course for every skill level, from championship courses that have hosted major championships to municipal classics in the heart of the city. Here's a sampling of some, but certainly not all, of the top courses in the area.
Reynolds Park, the oldest golf course in Winston-Salem, dates back to 1940 and was built on land donated by the Reynolds family just east of downtown. Designed by legendary golf course architect Ellis Maples, who also designed nearby Winston Lake, this city-owned municipal course is known for its approachable layout and affordable green fees. Gently rolling fairways, forgiving holes, and occasional skyline views add to its charm, while its proximity to downtown makes it one of the most convenient places to play in the city.
Holes 18 • Par 71 • Length 6213 yards
Carved out of 480 acres of rolling woodland by famed designer Ellis Maples, this historic, city-owned course is both accessible and enjoyable. Winston Lake has long been a cornerstone of East Winston and the local golf community, even earning recognition from the National Black Golf Hall of Fame. Tree-lined fairways, a scenic yet surprisingly challenging layout, and a driving range make it a rewarding round for all skill levels.
Holes 18 • Par 71 • Length 6213 yards
A peaceful, family-owned course offering affordable rates and scenic play in a relaxed, laid-back setting. Located in the southeast corner of Winston-Salem near Wallburg, the course is known for its tree-lined fairways, gently rolling terrain, and friendly atmosphere, welcoming golfers of all skill levels. You'll find consistent course conditions and mix of open and tight holes that mix challenge with pure fun. The onsite driving range and clubhouse grill only add to the Olde Homeplace appeal.
Holes 18 • Par 71 • Length 6345 yards
Tucked in a neighborhood just southeast of Winston-Salem, this hidden gem is known for its postcard views, premier greens, and top-level amenities. The semi-private course was designed by three-time U.S. Open champion Hale Irwin, offering flexible memberships and public tee times. Known for its rolling fairways, water features, and strategic bunkering, it offers a well-rounded test for all skill levels. Note: Meadowlands is closed for course renovations from March through September 2026.
Holes 18 • Par 72 • Length 6868 yards
This semi-private course blends natural beauty with a genuine challenge. Designed by Jack Nicklaus' team, it’s the only local course running alongside the Yadkin River basin. The front nine features open, links-style holes with water hazards, including a dramatic par-3 9th over water. The wooded, elevation-rich back nine tests shot variety. We love the friendly vibes, varying tee sets, and strong amenities, including strong practice areas and a great clubhouse.
Holes 18 • Par 71 • Length 7012 yards
Designed by golfing legend and Wake Forest alum Arnold Palmer, this award‑winning course sits 15 minutes west of Winston‑Salem in the town of Advance. It features rolling fairways, scenic water hazards, and strategic risk‑reward holes; a nice blend of challenge and playability that all skills levels should enjoy. The full‑service clubhouse includes a grill, event space and pro shop, while white‑sand bunkers and a top‑notch practice range round out the premium amenities.
Holes 18 • Par 72 • Length 7058 yards
When most people think of golfing hotspots in Forsyth County, Tanglewood is what comes to mind. Home to two distinct 18-hole layouts, it’s a must-play for locals and visitors alike.
The Championship Course, designed by icon Robert Trent Jones, stretches longer and rewards strong drives and confident approach shots, while still remaining approachable for everyday play. It’s also the only course in the county to host a major championship, the 1974 PGA Championship. By contrast, the adjacent Reynolds Course offers a more compact, tree-lined layout with tighter sightlines that favor precision over power. Recent renovations have elevated conditions and playability across both courses.
The experience is further enhanced by the new Tanglewood Clubhouse, which opened in late 2025 and features a modern pro shop, spacious event areas, the 19th Hole Bar & Grill, and patios overlooking the Championship Course.
• REYNOLDS – Holes 18 • Par 72 • Length 3156 yards
• CHAMPIONSHIP – Holes 18 • Par 70 • Length 3404 yards
Not a Golfer? No problem. Even if you and your crew aren't seasoned golfers, Tanglewood has options for all skill levels. The course's family-friendly Par 3 course features short, walkable holes (75–125 yards) around scenic Mallard Lake and recently enhanced greens, perfect for beginners or a relaxed round. It's also adjacent to one of Tanglewood's two driving ranges.
For something more playful, try Tanglewood's SoftGolf course, where oversized clubs and foam balls create what’s been dubbed “the world’s most fun golf game.” It’s open by day, but really shines at night with glow-in-the-dark play. It's open spring-fall, with games starting at $13.
Ready to hit the fairway?
Plan your next golf trip to Winston-Salem today and found out more about the city on our Plan Your Visit page. With top-tier courses, scenic backdrops, and post-round adventures waiting, it's a delightfully unexpected destination for golfers looking to mix sport with charm, history, fantastic food, and good ol' Southern hospitality.
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