Lakes Course ☆ Follow

The Lake Course at Carolina Trace Country Club is an 18-hole private golf facility located in Sanford, North Carolina. Designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the course opened for play in 1971 and winds around the 315-acre Lake Trace. It serves as one of two 18-hole courses within the Carolina Trace private golf community, the other being the Creek Course. The layout features five sets of tees-Black, Blue, White, Gold, and Red-to accommodate players of varying skill levels. The Black tees carry a slope rating of 139, while the Red tees are rated at 124. The fairways are surfaced in Bermuda grass, and the greens, which were renovated with Mini-Verde ultra-dwarf Bermuda in 2011, provide a consistent putting surface. A major renovation in 2015, guided by architect David Whelchel, included tree removal for improved sightlines, re-contouring of fairways, new cart paths, bunker modifications, and tee box leveling. The course is known for its challenging design and scenic integration with the water. Notable holes include the 6th and 8th, both par threes featuring dramatic downhill tee shots. The 13th par three offers a panoramic backdrop of Lake Trace. The back nine presents risk-reward opportunities on the 14th and 18th par fives, both bordered by water on one side with an inlet of Lake Trace to traverse on the second shot. The 18th hole is particularly demanding, featuring an 80-foot drop in elevation over its 507-yard length. The Lake Course has a significant tournament history, having hosted the US Women's Open Sectional Qualifier for six consecutive years from 2009 to 2014. It also hosted the North Carolina Super Senior Amateur State Championship in 2013 and the North Carolina Women's Senior State Amateur Championship in 2000.