Thistle Golf Club - MacKay Course
About
| Tee | Par | Length | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thistle | 36 | 3547 yards | ||
| Blue | 36 | 3308 yards | ||
| White | 36 | 3092 yards | ||
| Gold | 36 | 2776 yards | ||
| Red | 36 | 2355 yards |
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Out | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thistle M: 74.4/141 | 429 | 396 | 211 | 397 | 422 | 184 | 555 | 395 | 558 | 3547 | 6997 |
| Blue M: 71.9/134 | 392 | 350 | 192 | 370 | 399 | 171 | 546 | 358 | 530 | 3308 | 6495 |
| White M: 69.5/126 W: 75.2/140 | 371 | 334 | 159 | 347 | 371 | 144 | 526 | 340 | 500 | 3092 | 6041 |
| White/Gold M: 68.3/123 | 371 | 334 | 159 | 347 | 353 | 144 | 503 | 340 | 426 | 2977 | 5819 |
| Gold M: 66.7/112 W: 71.7/131 | 315 | 301 | 158 | 297 | 353 | 129 | 503 | 294 | 426 | 2776 | 5356 |
| Red M: 63.5/106 W: 67.7/118 | 291 | 277 | 125 | 267 | 261 | 108 | 360 | 266 | 400 | 2355 | 4612 |
| Red/Teal W: 66.5/115 | 291 | 277 | 121 | 267 | 261 | 105 | 304 | 263 | 400 | 2289 | 4415 |
| Teal W: 64.7/112 | 260 | 226 | 121 | 230 | 220 | 105 | 304 | 263 | 318 | 2047 | 4013 |
| Handicap | 7 | 9 | 17 | 13 | 5 | 15 | 1 | 11 | 3 | ||
| Par | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 36 | 72 |
Course Details
Rentals/Services
Practice/Instruction
Policies
Food & Beverage
BarAvailable Facilities
Clubhouse, Banquet FacilitiesAccolades
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Golf Advisor: Top 25 Courses for Layout in the U.S. (2016 #11)
Reviews
Reviewer Photos
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Photo submitted by pcd328 on 01/15/2026
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175 yard par 3 9th hole on the Stewart 9 It’s very visually intimidating !!! Photo submitted by pcd328 on 01/15/2026
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Photo submitted by u245061479 on 12/24/2025
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Photo submitted by u245061479 on 12/24/2025
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Photo submitted by jayrodz83 on 10/21/2025
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Photo submitted by tcorns45 on 08/07/2025
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Photo submitted by DavidSmith101 on 09/24/2024
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Photo submitted by DavidSmith101 on 09/24/2024
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Photo submitted by Mike9599899 on 08/31/2024
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Photo submitted by harrisonww on 05/07/2024
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Photo submitted by harrisonww on 05/07/2024
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Photo submitted by harrisonww on 05/07/2024
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Photo submitted by greengolf69 on 04/22/2024
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Photo submitted by TroyJames on 04/04/2024
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Photo submitted by Teetime23 on 02/29/2024
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Photo submitted by shawnfichter on 08/12/2023
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Photo submitted by shawnfichter on 08/12/2023
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Photo submitted by shawnfichter on 08/12/2023
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Photo submitted by bwalla16 on 04/22/2023
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Beautiful! Photo submitted by Vandenberks on 04/08/2023
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Photo submitted by pmonge on 10/28/2022
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Perfect Photo submitted by u000001253620 on 10/20/2022
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Photo submitted by u092335306 on 08/10/2022
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Photo submitted by u486908480 on 04/13/2022
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Photo submitted by DerekTeeee on 08/05/2021
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Photo submitted by AUgolferinPinehurst on 11/19/2020
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Photo submitted by MTRailFan58 on 08/12/2019
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Photo submitted by MTRailFan58 on 08/12/2019
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Photo submitted by sixeagles on 03/12/2019
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Photo submitted by sixeagles on 03/12/2019
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Photo submitted by sixeagles on 03/12/2019
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Photo submitted by rogerward8943 on 12/18/2012
Thistle - Worth the price
Course is in great condition. Layout is challenging but fair. Plenty of beverage carts - we saw one every 3/4 holes. Carts have extra thick leather seats. Starter very friendly and informative. Would play there again.
Good Tract
First time playing. Wide open with plenty of water. Course was in good shape. Greens were average speed
Not a Weed In Sight
Course condition was magnificent. Kudos to the staff for their hard work. Greens were slippery. Held their line but judging speed was a challenge. First time playing here but will definitely will be on the return list.
Clubhouse and staff
The area and Clubhouse were spectacular. All the staff were great. Course was tough.
Best of the best!
I can’t overstate how beautiful this course is. The entire complex is top notch. Just great from beginning to end. It’s worth every penny! The conditions were immaculate. So book it!
Best in NC
Not an easy course but the best in NC
They do need to lower price.
I played only because I got a super low discount on the Tee Off app.
I wanted to play at the beginning of September with my son-in-law but wasn't going to pay close to $100 green fees.
Great place
Course was in great shape and would definitely play here again. The carts had gps so that was a plus. I had a 430 tee time and basically had the course to myself. make sure you take bug spray because the mosquitoes were terrible. Overall good experience
Totally Pristine!
Outstanding course, hands down one of the best we’ve played in the area. Staff assured us that our experience would meet or exceed all expectations…hit on all fronts! Layout, greens, fairways, tee boxes…well kept and maintained. Very playable for all golfers.
Definitely on the “play again” list!
Lovely day of ⛳️
Super course conditions tee to green. Good pace of play. Will definitely return next time we are in the area. Best course we played this week.
Beautiful course in Calabash NC
I played this a few years ago on a golf trip but unfortunately the day we played it was windy and off and on rainy weather. I could tell at the time however that this was a top notch course and made a note to play it again in good weather. Today was the day. I was traveling with my wife and given a chance to play golf one morning. When this course appeared on the search results I just had to play.
It wasxa beautiful day and the course was in great shape. I would definitely like to come and play again with friends.
2 days after Hurricane and still Perfect.
Course was 2 days after Hurricane and still perfect conditions. It was car path only but still great pace. Ranger came out a few times informing our group (we were a bit slow) to keep pace and play quicker. Ranger was very respectful and nice about it.
Scottish links
Very fun. Extremely great links course 10/10 recommend.
Best Course in Sunset
Played 3 courses the week I was there. Out of respect I won’t name the other 2 but they didn’t touch the quality of Thistle. Wish I would have played it all 3 days. Must Play Track!!!
Watch out for the 3 legged gator!
Watch out for the 3 legged gator on hole 2 tee box. He was ornery and wouldn’t let us pass! Amazing course conditions. Grounds keeping staff was out in full force. There wasn’t a blade of grass out of place. Very pleasant round and better conditions than True Blue the day prior.
Costs just a little more to go first class.
From the moment you arrive at Thistle Golf Course, you are greeted by friendly staff at the bag drop, setting the tone for a top-tier experience. The elegant clubhouse welcomes you to check in and browse for Thistle Golf souvenirs.
Included in your greens fees are range balls, perfect for warming up before your round. Take advantage of the practice green to fine-tune your putting and get a feel for the day’s green speed. The greens are true and feature significant undulations, adding to the challenge and enjoyment of your game.
The fairways are impeccably maintained, and the rough is forgiving, allowing for recovery from errant shots. You have the option to choose from three distinct 9-hole courses when booking your tee times, provided one is not undergoing maintenance.
Thank you for your fantastic review, samcraig1604! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed every aspect of your experience at Thistle Golf Club, from the friendly staff to the well-maintained course. We look forward to welcoming you back for another top-tier experience!