What makes for a memorable day on the golf course? Is it immaculate greens, a pristine setting, or perhaps a mouth-watering hot dog? Is it impeccable service, terrific practice facilities, or a pro shop unlike any other?

Members of the North Carolina Magazine Golf Panel believe it's all that and more, as they replied were asked to vote on the state's Best Golfing Experience. Not surprisingly, the results and the underlying reasons cover the gamut.

More than a hundred courses — 101 to be exact — were cited, speaking to the quantity of quality facilities within the state. But a consensus emerged around the Old North State Club in New London, a Tom Fazio design that features three tremendous finishing holes. It received the most votes, with 13.

That brought a smile to the face of general manager Chip Connor. “To me, it means we are doing things right, the way we set out to do,” he says.

Panelist Tim Kent says the Old North State Club is in a class of its own. “Simply the most breathtaking and elegant golf experience in North Carolina,” he says. “Everything about the place exudes class, but it is not a stuffy country club. The course combines unparalleled beauty with the best l8 holes in the state and royal treatment.”

Winston-Salem's Jay Allred agrees. “When I come here, I feel that I have left earth and found heaven.”

Adds Cary's Tim Peeler: “Everything here is beautiful, relaxed, unhurried and unstructured.”

Pinehurst No. 2, the panel's top-ranked course — just ahead of the Old North State Club — finished second in this balloting with 10 votes and drew its own share of praise.

“From the time you drop your bag until you pick it up at the end of the day, everything is perfect,” says Bradley Thompson of Badin Lake.

Gastonia's Charles Zeigler Jr. puts this spin on No. 2: “The venue and the staff create golfing nirvana.”

Four other courses received at least six votes. The Country Club of North Carolina's Dogwood course in Pine-hurst and the Wade Hampton Club in Cashiers were third with eight votes each, just ahead of Pinehurst No. 4 with seven votes and Pine Needles in Southern Pines with six.

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