If you live in south Charlotte or along the Carolina border counties, you’re surrounded by some excellent golf without having to travel far. Union County, North Carolina, has quietly built one of the strongest public-golf lineups in the Charlotte region. From championship layouts carved through forested terrain to relaxed town courses that locals play every week, there’s plenty of variety within a short drive.

For golfers around Monroe, Indian Trail, Waxhaw, and nearby communities, these courses make it easy to build a regular rotation. Visitors coming from nearby counties will also find several courses that make Union County worth exploring for a weekend of golf.

Stonebridge Golf Club

When golfers talk about the best public course in Union County, Stonebridge Golf Club in Monroe usually enters the conversation first.

The course winds through more than 600 acres of wooded terrain and rolling land, giving it a peaceful setting without homes lining most of the fairways. Designed by Richard Osborne, Stonebridge offers a championship-style layout that still feels playable for everyday golfers.

The course is known locally for its conditioning, especially the bentgrass greens, which tend to roll smooth and fast throughout the season. With a mix of doglegs, elevation changes, and reachable par-5s, the routing keeps players engaged from start to finish.

For many golfers in the Charlotte region, Stonebridge serves as a dependable course that’s challenging enough to test your game while still being enjoyable for regular play.

Eagle Chase Golf Club

If there’s a course in Union County that surprises golfers the first time they play it, it’s Eagle Chase Golf Club in Marshville.

Unlike many Piedmont courses, Eagle Chase features dramatic elevation changes that create a layout some players describe as having a “mountain golf” feel. Tee shots drop down into valley fairways, while several greens sit on elevated slopes that require precise distance control.

Those elevation changes create some of the most memorable holes in the area, especially the downhill par-3s and risk-reward par-5s.

Despite its challenging terrain, Eagle Chase includes multiple tee boxes so players can choose the level of difficulty that fits their game. For golfers who enjoy scenic views and unique layouts, it’s easily one of the more interesting rounds in Union County.

Monroe Country Club

Right in the heart of Monroe, Monroe Country Club offers a more traditional golf experience with a strong community feel.

The course has a long history in the area and remains a favorite among local players who appreciate its walkable design and well-maintained greens. The layout features a front nine that plays a little more forgiving off the tee, while the back nine introduces more demanding approach shots and tighter positioning.

One thing golfers consistently mention about Monroe Country Club is the quality of the putting surfaces. The greens tend to roll true and reward players who bring a good short game.

Because the course offers public tee times while maintaining a private-club atmosphere, it remains a popular choice for both regular players and visitors exploring golf in Union County.

Charlotte National Golf Club

Near Indian Trail, Charlotte National Golf Club provides a straightforward and enjoyable public course that many local golfers play regularly.

The course follows a traditional par-72 layout, mixing open holes with tree-lined fairways and a variety of par-3s, par-4s, and reachable par-5s. It’s not overly flashy, but that’s part of its appeal.

Players often mention the course’s consistent greens and fair pricing, which make it a comfortable place to play weekly rounds or league golf.

For golfers coming from Matthews, southeast Charlotte, or Indian Trail, Charlotte National is one of the most convenient options in the region.

The Divide Golf Club and Emerald Lake Golf Club

While technically near the border of Mecklenburg and Union counties, both The Divide Golf Club and Emerald Lake Golf Club are frequently included in the local golf rotation for Union County players.

The Divide offers an enjoyable layout that emphasizes accuracy over power, with bunkers and greens positioned to reward smart positioning off the tee. Emerald Lake, located nearby in Matthews, provides a full golf facility with practice areas and a course that mixes open holes with tighter corridors.

For golfers living around Stallings, Indian Trail, or Matthews, these two courses add more variety to the local golf scene without requiring a long drive.

Planning a Union County Golf Loop

One of the biggest advantages of golf in Union County is how close the courses are to each other.

Many golfers build a rotation that includes:

• Stonebridge Golf Club for championship-style conditions
• Eagle Chase Golf Club for dramatic elevation changes and scenic views
• Monroe Country Club for classic town-club golf
• Charlotte National Golf Club for convenient everyday rounds
• The Divide or Emerald Lake for additional public options nearby

With so many courses located within a short drive of each other, it’s easy to build a multi-day golf trip or simply explore a few new tracks over the course of a season.

Before heading out for a weekend of golf, many players take a quick look at their equipment to make sure everything is ready for the round. Golfers traveling through the region sometimes stop by GTR Golf Shop in Heath Springs to check grips or pick up accessories before spending a few days playing courses across the Carolinas.

Why Union County Golf Is Worth Exploring

Union County offers a great mix of golf experiences within a relatively small area.

In just a short drive, golfers can:

• Play championship-style golf at Stonebridge Golf Club
• Experience dramatic terrain at Eagle Chase Golf Club
• Enjoy traditional club golf at Monroe Country Club
• Find consistent public play at Charlotte National Golf Club
• Add variety with nearby courses like The Divide and Emerald Lake

For golfers living around Monroe, Waxhaw, Indian Trail, and the Charlotte metro area, that means having several high-quality courses close enough for regular play.

And for players traveling between the Charlotte region and South Carolina courses, having a place like GTR Golf Shop nearby makes it easy to grab a few essentials or take care of equipment before the next round. Check out our location! New & Used Clubs - Golf Accessories - Golf Club Repair

FAQs

What are the best golf courses in Union County, North Carolina?

Some of the most popular courses in Union County include Stonebridge Golf Club, Eagle Chase Golf Club, Monroe Country Club, Charlotte National Golf Club, and The Divide Golf Club.

Are there public golf courses in Union County?

Yes. Several courses in the county offer public tee times, including Stonebridge, Eagle Chase, Charlotte National, and Emerald Lake.

Which Union County golf course is the most scenic?

Eagle Chase Golf Club is often considered one of the most scenic courses in the area because of its dramatic elevation changes and views across rolling farmland.

Is Stonebridge Golf Club open to the public?

Yes. Stonebridge Golf Club is a public course that allows golfers to book tee times while still offering conditions similar to many private clubs.

How far are Union County golf courses from Charlotte?

Most Union County courses are located 20 to 35 minutes from downtown Charlotte, making them convenient for both local players and visiting golfers.