ARCHITECTS
Course info
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Course Report
Bill Coore, who helped restore the course, first learned about golf architecture from Old Town’s contours as a student at Wake Forest nearby.
About
Old Town Club, established in 1939 and designed by Perry Maxwell, is considered one of the foremost Golden Age parkland courses in the South. Renowned for its rolling land, strategic layout, and undulating ‘Maxwell roll’ greens, it offers a challenging but walkable experience near Wake Forest University. Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw led a celebrated restoration, preserving Maxwell’s classic design features.
Caddie Tip
Approach shots must respect the steep slopes and undulations of the Maxwell greens—missing in the wrong place almost always leaves a devilish up-and-down. Play smart, stay below the hole when possible, and carefully plot your path given the subtle fairway movement.
The Main Challenge
The greatest tests lie in navigating the dynamic fairway movement and holding approach shots on sloping, canted Maxwell greens. Most holes present strategic choices off the tee, and recovery shots can be punishing if positions aren’t carefully considered. Fine touch and ball placement are rewarded throughout.
The Good
Golfers consistently praise the remarkable undulating greens and smart, varied routing, which uses natural elevation for strategy and interest without ever being monotonous or overly punishing. The club’s pristine, understated ambiance, especially after the Coore & Crenshaw restoration, makes every visit memorable.
The Not So Good
Some members and guests note that the pace of play can sometimes lag during peak times due to the thoughtful, demanding greens and walkability focus. A few players would like to see incremental modernizations to driving range facilities or more flexibility in guest access policies.
Signature Hole:
#
4
The 4th hole, a par 5, doglegs right across rolling terrain, opening up dramatically after the tee shot crests a hill. Bordered by trees and with strategic bunkers, the approach provides an exhilarating risk-reward opportunity, making it a standout for its architectural merit and visual appeal.
Clubhouse
Elegant, traditional brick clubhouse offering fine dining, locker rooms, event spaces, and a pro shop. Non-golf amenities include a swimming pool, tennis courts, and fitness center, serving both social and sporting needs of members and their families in a first-class setting.
Practice Facilities
Superb: full driving range, short game area with chipping and bunker practice, and a quality putting green. Instruction is available from experienced professionals, and members value the ample space and quality turf conditions that mirror the course experience.
Dress Code:
Prestigious
No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.
Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.
Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.
Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.
Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.
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