Where to start? The course is nice and a fun layout. The holes on the marina are a solid ending stretch. The girl who doubles up at the pro shop and the turn stand was fantastic and very welcoming. That's as far as I can go with the compliments. We rented an AirB&B inside the neighborhood and had come down to play at Occano twice, Carolina Club in Grandy, and AP. Thursday night we decided to grab dinner local because it had been a long day. We showed up at the clubhouse to grab a quick dinner and head back to our house. Upon entering, we were asked if we had reservations. Didn't think to do that but we also saw about 10 people in the entire dining area. The floor manager stared at us with a "you're not from around here" or "you're outsiders" type vibes. One of our guys was wearing a t-shirt and the rest of us were still wearing our clothing from our golf round earlier. We were told there was a "dress code policy" for the dining room. That's understandable in most cases. We weren't wearing torn jeans or a bathing suit. We were told we could sit outside and eat. Fine. It was still warm enough outside but the sun was fading fast. Our waitress sat us out on the patio and apologized for the subtle yet obvious disregard we were given upon arrival. Our waitress checked on us numerous times and could tell we were starting to get a little chilly while we waited for our food. Inside was an "older money" crowd. They were dressed in suits and/or slacks and button up shirts. None of us dress that way to go to dinner and it wouldn't have occurred to us to think that was necessary. Soon enough(45 minutes later), we were told the older folks were going upstairs to play trivia and we would be able to go inside to eat. That's when it became comically infuriating that we were being looked down upon because we weren't locals. Trust me when I say I've seen those looks before directly and from afar. The floor manager walked by our table several times glancing at us just like she had when we arrived. Some of the staff even came over to us to say they were sorry and that she does that often. We were told the next day that the members and some staff are running people off because they disregard outsiders and treat them as if they're not good enough to be there. Not a smart move but, then again, old dogs and new tricks scenario. If you can play the course and avoid dealing with anyone on site other than the gem they have in the pro shop, great. Do it. If you have to deal with old members who still have 1960's mentality, I wish you luck.

Awesome finishing holes next to the bay. Spanish moss hanging from the trees, cart bridges on a majority of holes. A great challenging island course cut out of the swamp. Well manicured

Great course layout around the natural water areas and hazards. The greens were in excellent shape and rolling true all day. Would recommend to anyone looking for something out of the normal "neighborhood" course routing.

Elegant & spectacular layout. Course is little bit unforgiving though. Staff in pro shop is also very kind and helpful. Definitely will go back and play again even though it iakes 2.5 hours drive from Raleigh

Updated 3/13/22 Albemarle Plantation is an authentic coastal community and occupies a special place in the hearts of all who call it home. Although it’s home to one of the area’s most spectacular golf courses, the Sound brings life and energy to a community with unlimited ways to enjoy it. In fact, the attraction to the water may be bigger than the attraction to golf at Albemarle Plantation, as can be seen by the beautiful assortment of boats docked at the marina. A lot of the success of the community has to do with the harmony that seems to exist within the gates; neighbors genuinely like each other and people just seem to get along. In 2012, this community of friends took it one step further; they decided to buy the place. Everything. Golf club, marina, pool, tennis facilities, walking trails, restaurants — all of it. Residents saw it as an opportunity to control the future of the community, and to keep membership costs low and property values high. So far, it has paid huge dividends! The Sound Golf Links at Albemarle Plantation is an incredible, nationally acclaimed Dan Maples design that opened for play in the fall of 1990. In planning this masterpiece, Maples made the most out of the woodlands and unique waterways and created a course that has something for everyone, regardless of how good or bad your game is. Several members have described the layout as very peaceful; it’s as if you are playing a new course every time you’re out there. The Sound Links at Albemarle Plantation is full of memorable golf holes. Number 8 is a fun and challenging Par 4 that is a genuine risk vs reward hole. At 256 yards from the White tees, the hole screams “Go for it!” Brains over brawn is the key here as driving the green requires pinpoint accuracy. The marsh pinches in on both sides and anything but a straight tee shot usually means hitting your next shot from the drop area. The smart play – which is not my strong suit – is to hit a club much less than driver off the tee and leave a manageable shot into the green. The three finishing holes will likely become etched into your memory. Number 16 is a relatively short par 4 at 253 yards and is the first of the three holes that features a stunning view of the Sound. Albemarle Sound dictates the shape of the par 5, 17th hole. Seventeen plays 468 yards from the White Tees and you’ll need a long drive if you want to put up a good score. Number 18 is a powerful finishing hole. Although it’s not the longest, it has proven to be the difference between victory and defeat for many golfers. Albemarle Sound runs down the entire right side of this dogleg right par 4, with a 150-yard sand bunker situated between the fairway and the Sound. Hit anything through the left side of the fairway off the tee and you’ll most likely find it in a bunker. Find the fairway off the tee and you’ll be looking at a short chip shot into an uphill green. Don’t be afraid to leave your drive in the bag. Don’t be surprised if you hear some cheers and jeers from the clubhouse verandah as you’re finishing up. Even if you’re not at the top of your game, the unrelenting beauty of the natural surroundings will keep you coming back round after round. If neither golf nor boating tickles your fancy, there are plenty of other social, fitness, artistic and educational activities to keep you busy. There are two tennis/pickleball courts, three bocce ball courts, almost 1,000 square feet of the latest cardio and strength equipment, and a community garden area with garden plots available for residents. The residents of this member-owned golf community take ownership to a new level. It’s not uncommon to find residents who live on the course out on the hole behind their residence fixing pitch marks and filling divots. Their passion is evident and their efforts shine through as they do their part to keep this an incredibly well-maintained facility. Whether you’re looking to retire or relocate to the Carolinas, Albemarle Plantation is well worth your consideration, you’ll never run out of things to do.