A Starter’s Wake-Up Call
The opening hole’s 512-yard par 5 immediately signals that this isn’t just a walk in the park—it’s a parkland test with teeth. A solid drive leaves a demanding second shot, making it a true arrival for local competitors.
Golf Course Review & Scouting Report
The Preserve at Jordan Lake
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Established
2002
Architect
Davis Love III
Access
Public
Par
Par 72
Length
5,361 – 7,107 yds
The verdict
A worthy Triangle golf challenge
The Preserve at Jordan Lake delivers a true parkland test with length, strategy, and scenic value. Davis Love III’s design gives local golfers a demanding but always enjoyable public-access round, highlighted by risk/reward long holes and precise angles.
Course DNA
Difficulty
81
Scenery74
Conditioning69
Shot Variety77
Walkability62
Green Complexity72
Wow Factor68
Design Quality73
At a glance
Quick facts
Architect
Davis Love III
Number of tee sets
7 distinct tee combinations
Proximity to Jordan Lake
Course routed along lake woodlands
Tournament history
Former Tournament Players Championship qualifier host
On-site amenities
Clubhouse, bar, patio, full-service facilities
Local golf scene
Easy access from Chapel Hill, Raleigh, Durham
The design
The architecture
The Preserve at Jordan Lake is Davis Love III’s answer to public parkland golf with substance. He leaned into the site’s length and natural undulation, carving holes along wooded ridges and around scenic water lines without relying on forced heroics. The routing pairs risk/reward par fives with subtle positional demands and brings hazards into play in ways that reward careful thinkers and shot-makers, not just bombers. The modern scale is matched with strategic puzzle pieces—angled greens, crossing creeks, and several holes where club selection and discipline mean more than raw yardage.
Davis Love III’s reputation for blending modern challenge with playability shines through in a layout that welcomes all comers but never gives up low scores for free.
Defining features
- Long par fours and fives that test driving and fairway wood play
- Crossing hazards requiring accurate layups
- Greens that encourage smart approach angles
- Elevation changes integrated into hole layouts
- Generous fairways with strategic tree and bunker placement
- Risk/reward scoring holes on both nines
Hole by hole
Signature holes
Hole 1
Long Opening Challenge
PAR
5
YARDAGE
512
A classic starting par 5 that signals the course’s length from the get-go. Driver can set up a daring second shot, but layups are often the wiser call with bunkers and water lurking left of the green.
Play it smart
Aggressive tee shots open up a chance to go for the green in two, but most players should play position and favor the right side for a safer approach.
Where it bites
A wayward drive or mis-hit second can bring trees and bunkers into play, risking an early big number.
Course management
Shots to think about
Choosing tee boxes for your group
Err toward the shorter set unless you consistently carry long clubs—this is a course that stretches even strong players.
Approaching long par fives
Don’t force the second shot—lay up to your best yardage rather than challenge hazards unless you’re certain of the carry.
Crossing water and creeks on tee shots
Club down for placement rather than distance on holes where hazards split the fairway; a shorter shot can save your score.
Attacking back pin positions
When greens are firm, aim for the safe center—rolling off the back courts disaster and tough recoveries.
Playing from uneven lies
Factor in elevation and stance; some fairways subtly tilt, making clubface control critical for approaches.
Trying to reach risk/reward greens in two
Only go for it when you have a flat lie and an open shot—otherwise, wedge up and trust your short game.
On the day
What to expect
Conditions
Generally good, with variable greens after maintenance; expect some rolling fairways and healthy turf.
Pace
Typical public pace—expect a 4.5–5 hour round on busy days.
Vibe
Friendly, accessible, and energized; staff and golfers welcome all comers.
Dress code
Standard public-course golf attire recommended.
Before you tee off
Your game plan
01
Check maintenance schedules
Avoid recently punched greens for the best putting surfaces.
02
Choose your tees wisely
The Black/Love set is a true test—play where you’ll enjoy the mix of challenge and fun.
03
Pack for elevation and distance
The routing brings hills and long walks; bring comfortable shoes and stay hydrated.
The lore
How it came to be
- 2002
Course opens as original Davis Love III design
- 2005
UNC features course as a stern test for up-and-coming players
Stories & legends
What makes it special
UNC Heroes and Hopefuls
Before they teed it up on bigger stages, UNC golfers and mini-tour pros had to conquer The Preserve in Tournament Players Championship qualifiers. The course became a proving ground and a local legend-builder.
Crossing Hazards and Crunch Time
A number of holes force decision-making off the tee, as crossing hazards demand careful club selection and nerves under pressure—a trade-mark Davis Love III fingerprint.
After-Play Cheers
The clubhouse patio is a local favorite, where golfers trade stories about long saves and close misses, just steps from Jordan Lake’s treeline. The vibe: friendly, accessible, and always lively.
For the group chat
Fun facts
1
Signature Davis Love III design—rare for a regional public course
2
Hosted Tournament Players Championship qualifiers in the 2000s
3
Course length requires thoughtful club selection even for long hitters
4
Greens and hazards promote creative risk/reward decisions
5
Local favorite for scenic sunsets and patio gatherings
Build the trip
On a Triangle golf trip
CourseAccessWhy it's on the listTrip
UNC Finley Golf Course
Public
Top university-run public course 15 minutes away
Lonnie Poole Golf Course
Public
Stellar Raleigh-area modern design with variety
Chapel Hill or southern Durham for shortest drives and Triangle access
Course DNA
If You Like The Preserve at Jordan Lake
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Strong DNA Match8.2
Musgrove Mill Golf Club
Clinton, South CarolinaDifficulty
Why it matches: If The Preserve at Jordan Lake is your kind of course, Musgrove Mill Golf Club is worth a look because it brings a comparable level of challenge.
Strong DNA Match9.1
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island
Kiawah Island, South CarolinaWhy it matches: The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island is a natural next stop after The Preserve at Jordan Lake: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Strong DNA Match8.5
Stonewall (Old Course)
Elverson, PennsylvaniaWhy it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Stonewall (Old Course)'s own setting.
Community Sentiment
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