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North Carolina (NC)
North Carolina Coast
Sunset Beach
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Thistle Golf Club
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Thistle Golf Club

See all things to do
See all things to do
Thistle Golf Club
4
#1 of 12 Outdoor Activities in Sunset Beach
Golf Courses
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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About
Thistle Golf Club & Estates is an exclusive golf and residential community, located in Sunset Beach, North Carolina, offering a limited 145 custom golf estates on 27 magnificent holes. Enjoy the finest in country club living with a luxury resort lifestyle, surrounded by an idyllic nature preserve, acres of wildflowers wetlands, and rare wildlife.
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The area

Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
41 within 3 miles
Gravy Southern Eatery
377
0.7 mi$ • American • Seafood • Vegetarian friendly
Central Momma's Restaurant and Taqueria
22
0.5 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican
Calabash Creamery
612
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • American
Calabash Deli Bakery & Gourmet Shop
363
1.5 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
MMM Que Rico
164
1.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Quick Bites • Peruvian • Latin
The Boundary House Restaurant
2,705
1.6 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Vegetarian friendly
Bagel Dock Cafe
401
1.7 mi$ • Quick Bites • American • Cafe
Waterfront Seafood Shack
993
1.8 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Gluten free options
Grapevine Restaurant & Lounge
401
1.6 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Seafood
The Oyster Rock
426
1.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Steakhouse • Seafood
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Attractions
24 within 6 miles
Vereen Memorial Historical Gardens
220
Gardens
Kindred Spirit Mailbox
140
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Sunset River Gallery
44
1.9 miArt Galleries
Sunset Beach Waterfront Park
62
2.5 miParks
Mel Sole Golf School
1
1.7 miSports Camps & Clinics
Sandpiper Bay Golf Course
94
2.3 miGardens
Ingram Planetarium
86
Speciality Museums
Calabash Antiques
1
1.9 miAntique Shops
Big M Casino
479
Casinos
The Old Bridge Historical Society
2
2.4 miBridges • History Museums
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See what travelers are saying

  • david M
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great visit to Thistle GC
    We played the the Stewart and Cameron 9 holes both were in great condition. The layouts are superb both in great condition. Excellent value for money green fee. We will be back there on our next visit hopefully playing the MacKay nine as well
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written October 11, 2023
  • travelwork
    Thornton, Colorado433 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Stewart nine was better than Mckay nine
    We played the Stewart and McKay nines together to make 18 holes and we enjoyed the Stewart nine better than the McKay nine. Prices were high but that's what you get at a resort location. Nice clubhouse and on course amenities. Friendly staff and front nine played fast. Unfortunately , everything slowed down at the turn, which the started warned us about , and the back nine played much slower. But we had a nice day for golf and there were some good challenge. Liked the wide open aspect of most holes, and we enjoyed seeing gators and turtles while out there. Adds to the experience.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 10, 2024
  • msa5757
    Montvale, New Jersey31 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A wonderful facility!
    From start to finish this was a first class experience. Ever team member was friendly and supportive, the facility was top notch and the greens superb . The only issue was slow food service during the lunch rush......would recommend numbering cart orders for easy identification and a separate line to pay. The bar team was overwhelmed. Great job to the maintenance team!
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written May 1, 2024
  • Ken F
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    25th Wedding Anniversary Party
    Had our 25th Wedding Anniversary Party at the restaurant at Thistle Golf Club!! It was amazing! The food was awesome, the dining room was beautiful and the the waitstaff was wonderful. Narcy Garcia put the whole party together for us and was so accomodating we couldn't have asked for more. Thank you all for making our special day so wonderful!!!
    Visited August 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written August 13, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions
4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles189 reviews
Excellent
109
Very good
40
Average
15
Poor
9
Terrible
16
Art R
Kernersville, NC6 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Thistle S$&!@hole
Sep 2021 • Friends
Worst place for customer service I have ever had experienced. Was prorated for playing 2 holes in July due to rain out and then had an even worse on this week. Would not honor phone discussion on pricing and wanted $42 more person to play. Would not work with us so we left and went to Sea Trail who was very accommodating. Will not go back to the Thistle!
Written September 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tyler T
1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
I remember when this was the place to go.
Oct 2023 • Friends
This used to be the go to course in the area. Last year or so has seen steady decline in enjoyment. It’s still a nice track but they gouge you for everything, pace of play is excruciating and rangers will do anything. It’s like they don’t care about locals until the winter when the package players are gone. I’d suggest Tidewater or Rivers edge for similar beauty but better management.
Written November 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Keith W
Southport, NC12 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Thistle golf
Sep 2023 • Friends
Golf course overall was in good shape. Some of the tees need some work but greens and fairways were great. I did find that $7 for a can of Modelo was excessive but a good experience over all. Cart attendants were awesome. One of pro shop staff not so awesome
Written September 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike C
Greer, SC7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Spring golf trip with he boys
Apr 2020
Played this course on 4-4-2020 and was very pleased. The clubhouse was immaculate and every one was very friendly. The course was in great shape including tee boxes,fairways greens and sand traps and there are alot of them. I would definetly play again.
Written April 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken F
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
25th Wedding Anniversary Party
Aug 2024 • Friends
Had our 25th Wedding Anniversary Party at the restaurant at Thistle Golf Club!! It was amazing! The food was awesome, the dining room was beautiful and the the waitstaff was wonderful. Narcy Garcia put the whole party together for us and was so accomodating we couldn't have asked for more. Thank you all for making our special day so wonderful!!!
Written August 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doug M
Derwood, MD2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Their poop doesn't smell
Jul 2014 • Friends
The employees were arogant, rude , unprofessional, and lied...we booked the round and I went in their clubhouse the day before we were to play and was assured our rate was $29.00 per player when we showed up they wanted to charge us $85. Then they said $49 and we should be glad to get on such a nice course and people are happy to pay $85 to have this experience. After n half hour we got on for $29.00....the course is nondescript, plain jane, and just ok....my $8 hot dog was served on stale bun and the condiment table was covered with gnats.....stick your happy to pay $85 where the sun doesn't shine
Written July 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jerry b
Raleigh, NC1 contribution
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Too long
Apr 2014 • Friends
Have played this course 50+ times, course is in great shape, bag staff and dining staff are terrific. New ownership took over in October of last year, staff inside the pro shop (Dennis somebody) was a jerk. Accused one of our players of trying to secure a local rate even though they charged us local rates 2 days before and we did not ask for it, even though I have a place at Sunset and one of our players is local. Tee times are now 8 minutes apart versus 12 minutes with prior ownership. Round took 5 hours which is entirely too long, 2-3 groups stacked up on the first tee and no rangers making sure people keep pace.

Great course, new ownership/management has made a lesser experience
Written April 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David R
North Carolina2 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
News flash...Thistle Disappoints!
Apr 2012 • Friends
My old go to course failed me miserably on April 13, 2012. I just completed a golf trip with 5 buddies coming in from Texas, Maryland, WV and Scotland to stay at my beach house in Ocean Isle Beach NC. I booked The Thistle on day 2 of our trip with tee times in the early afternoon at 1:10 and 1:20pm (Thistle used to brag about the 12 minutes between tee times....I guess those days are gone). Anyway, the course was in shambles, both greens and fairways brown and bunkers in poor condition. I have played this course for 7 years now and it has always been great and worth the extra dollars until this last round. I was embarrassed as I had built up the facility to my buddies that day as a special treat but what a let down. The kicker is that it was $35-$45 more expensive than the other courses played( Rivers Edge, Oyster Bay, Carolina National and Cape Fear National) All of the above mentioned courses were in great condition except The Thistle.

F & B service has been atrocious on my last 3 visits as well -The worst bartender/server I have ever encountered (even a club member acknowledged this to me during a Jan round) $6 draft beer to go with no lids! I had asked for lids on each of previous 3 visits but got the "I just work here crap" I have no issue paying top dollar for golf, beer, anything for that matter as long as the experience is satisfying (exceeds expectations). Bottom line - many other options available in the MB area - try them!
Written April 23, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TGN2014
New Hartford, NY20 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Disappointed
Apr 2014 • Friends
Played Thistle for the first time last month. 8 guys on our 12th annual golf trip, 11 to Myrtle Beach.

The bag drop guys were very pleasant. And the clubhouse is just spectacular. But the course left a lot to be desired. We played Stewart to McKay nines. It was very difficult, none of us having played it before, to know anything about the course. No GPS on carts, not even pictures on the scorecard. Lots of forced carries but you have no idea how far anything is. All the money they spent on the clubhouse they maybe should have saved some and printed decent scorecards or perhaps at least a picture of the hole on the tee box? Even a suggestion from the Pro Shop to pick up a yardage book would have been appreciated.

Course design was not my favorite. For example hole #9 on the Stewart nine. Par 3 of significant length with a forced carry over water. Green sits on top of a hill and if you are short, ball has nothing to stop it from rolling all the way back down the hill into the water. Not a particularly fair design in my opinion.

When we arrived we were told it was expected to be one of their busiest days of the year. So we were surprised to find at least 6 pin placements that were just ridiculous. Busy day of recreational golfers - put the pins in easy places if you want play to move along. Segway...

The one ranger we did see confronted our other group on hole #3 of the McKay nine (our 12th hole). Said they were behind, and on pace for a 5+ hour round. Simply not true. Groups in front of us had quit or gone to other 9. We finished the round in 4:20.

Beautiful clubhouse, but that's about it.
Written May 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig P
Winston Salem, NC2 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Good course, cranky guy behind desk and 8 minute intervals need to change.
Apr 2014 • Friends
I wrote a review about the Thistle approx 18 months and I was very high on this course. Well, things have changed slightly at the Thistle. The course was still in really good shape, the guys who help unload your clubs are still really nice/helpful and the price is reasonable (also, they give you plenty of range balls versus the 10 balls they gave you in the past). What has changed? They went from 12 minute intervals to 8 minute intervals. Probably doesn't sound like a big change, but OMG. Historically you could expect 4-4.5 hour rounds; now, you are lucky to complete your round in 5.5 hours. Painful. Waited on virtually every shot. Lastly, the guy who worked behind the desk in the pro shop was, well, let me say, he should not be in a customer facing position. He was quick to point out that we are under new ownership and we are not a non-profit. Again, still love this course and I know the owners needed to make some changes to make the course sustainable. But, might need to might hjave gone a little far. I do hope they go the middle ground and go to 10 minute intervals, otherwise, they will lose some legacy loyal clients/golfers.
Written April 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Thistle Golf Club - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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