A frequently played course on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, The Pointe Golf Club lies just north of the Wright Memorial Bridge in Powells Point. The course was designed by Russell Breeden, a prolific golf course architect who left his mark all along the Carolinas. Breeden is not one of the most notable designers, but he earned respect in the inner sanctum of golf for carving courses that are equally challenging and fair for nearly any level of player. He was known as a hands-on designer, often seen behind an earth-moving machine rather than at the drafting table.
The friendly staff that runs the course keeps the greens and fairways in good condition. The course also owns and runs the Carolina Club, a little farther north in Grandy, North Carolina. I recommend adding both courses to your Outer Banks golf trip.
This fall our threesome traveled the area, and every course we played kept us together without adding a fourth player. On this bright, sunny day, I hit The Pointe with Christopher Ottaunick (aka Yammi) and Frank Wood, both members of the Global Traveler Advisory Board.
HOLE 8
447 yards, par 5
This is not a long par 5, measuring only 459 yards from the tips (most par 5s are just more than 500 yards). What it lacks in distance, though, it makes up in trickery. The tee box view deceives you, as trees line the right side and a deep canal runs the entire left side — I know it well. Friends still laugh at me crossing the canal and then having a difficult time “fording” back to the fairway. Yammi slammed a nice ball straight, but, alas, the hole turns as a slight dogleg right, and he bounced down and deep. Frank took his ball into the trees but had a magnificent recovery under and back into play. After a valiant drive, my fairway wood took me too far left and fell in the canal greenside. Fortunately, and never seen previously, the canal was dry and I was able to use my lob wedge to flip the ball to the edge of the green. Unable to save par, I secured a bogey, which was worthy of the challenge.
HOLE 9
346 yards, par 4
Here’s another interesting and fair hole for players but with many challenges toward the green. I teed off first, sending my ball precariously close to the left edge of the fairway bunkers. Yammi passed my ball, landing in a perfect center position. Frank, the most improved golfer on the trip, sailed out on the right and landed near the artificial fox that stands guard, protecting the fairways from the Canadian geese who like to leave their calling cards on the grounds.
The key is to avoid the water that lies behind the green, also in play to the right. My approach landed way right in the pine straw, making for a tricky return to the green. Frank landed on the green and nearly drifted into the water but remained puttable. Yammi came up short on the right, almost reaching the water, as he likes to live dangerously. The hero was Frank, sneaking up from behind and making his par putt as we made the turn for the back nine.
HOLE 16
347 yards, par 4
We entered the final three holes of the course, nicknamed the “Triangle of Tragedy.” It is easy to recover but even easier to collapse on these three holes. Hole 16 presents an easy tee shot with a wide-open fairway. The trouble arises not from the tee shot but the second shot to a semi-island, elevated green. Frank decided to use up as much ground as possible and shot a ball left, landing on the top lip of the left fairway bunker. “No problem, Frank, I have been there many times,” I said. “You can reach the green from there.” Both Yammi and I stayed on the right side of the fairway in perfect striking distance. Yammi took bold aim and came up short of the green but remained on the hill without rolling into the water. I felt uncomfortable over the ball — players should back off when this happens and readdress, but I did not. My iron shot was off-kilter so far right it nearly hit the departing foursome in front of us, smacking into the wooden bridge and landing on the 17th tee box. These extra strokes took par away from us, and we continued to the 17th hole — the “Elbow of the Triangle of Tragedy.”
HOLE 17
137 yards, par 3
So simple a child could play this hole, but I know for a fact the owners scoop lots of new Pro V1 balls from the pond in front of the green. The green is large, and players often overcompensate for the water and face enormous putts for birdie. Many bail out right subconsciously to avoid the water. Yammi came together toward the end and hit a great shot to the green, two-putting for par. He was well on the road to recovery after losing six balls at The Pointe on the front nine.
HOLE 18
556 yards, par 5
As we wound down the day, we came to the long and straightforward final hole at The Pointe. From the tee box, a wild shot right could make the water (unlikely, but I have seen it happen). The best aim is just right of the fairway bunker on the left, which should offer a great position for your second shot toward the green. I did just that and sent a slightly weak drive just about even with the left bunker on the fairway. Yammi sailed on up the left side and he took off, not to be seen again until he putted in for birdie (never touching the fairway). Frank was sneakier, taking his ball up to the hole in regulation and putting in for par. My approach was more dramatic: After duffing my second shot, using a 3-wood, I decided to fire a 5-wood in an all-or-nothing approach to the hole. I hit a magnificent, line-drive, level shot straight to the green and dropped and rolled the ball to within 10 inches of the cup for birdie. A nice ending to a fine day at The Pointe.
Read This Next

Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Apr 9, 2025Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico, Announces Chef-Led Series
It’s spring and a delicious new series of culinary experiences is planned at Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Dubbed Origins of Mexico, this new, chef-led dining series is immersive in nature and lusciously focuses on regional flavors, local traditions and culinary practices from across Mexico.
Sponsored Content
Royal Air Maroc Marks Five Years with oneworld: Strengthening Connectivity Between USA and Africa and Expanding Global Reach
Royal Air Maroc proudly enters its fifth year as a member of the prestigious oneworld alliance. Since joining in April 2020, RAM has demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as a dynamic airline that enhanced its digital services and expanded its network. The airline plans to grow its fleet to 200 aircraft by 2037, reinforcing its global presence.
April 2025
Apr 9, 2025Relax and Recharge in Blissful Bali
Known as the Island of Gods, Bali boasts more than 20,000 temples; two active volcanoes; some 2,000 species of fish and other sea life; a thriving arts scene; and an abundance of spa and wellness resorts. Its distinct religion, culture and natural setting have drawn travelers from around the globe for decades, many seeking a slice of serenity. Today Bali draws everyone from backpackers to business travelers and digital nomads to celebrities. David Bowie even dictated his ashes be scattered around Bali.
Daily
Apr 9, 2025Raffles Hotels & Resorts Comes to Lake Como
Raffles Hotels & Resorts recently announced plans for its Italian debut. The luxury brand will open Raffles Lake Como in 2027. The opening marks the first Raffles property in Italy and its fifth in Europe.
Sponsored Content
Find Your Perfect Escape with Paradisus by Meliá — More Than Just All-Inclusive
Luxury travel today is about more than just beautiful accommodations — it’s about experiencing the destination. Paradisus by Meliá takes traditional all-inclusive resorts to the next level by offering indulgence with immersion, experiences and authenticity. Each resort is shaped by its location, local flavors and curated Destination Inclusive® experiences that bring you closer to the heart of the destination.
eFlyer News
Apr 9, 2025Radisson Individuals Brand Debuts in Kazakhstan
Radisson Hotel Group expands its presence in Kazakhstan with the opening of Sadu Hotel Almaty, the first Radisson Individuals property in the country. The new hotel strengthens the hotel brand’s presence in Central Asia.
Almyra Restaurant Review
eFlyer Reviews
Apr 9, 2025Exclusive April Promotions from Viking
eFlyer Deals
Apr 9, 2025eFlyer Lead
Apr 9, 2025Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Hotels, Rentals: How to Stay Safe
On March 21, Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, was found dead in a hotel room on a family vacation in Costa Rica. A few days after the tragedy, the Judicial Investigation Agency ruled his death as carbon monoxide poisoning. The family had been staying at Arenas Del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort, a 5-star property in the Puntarenas Province. On April 1, a spokesperson for the resort claimed the carbon monoxide levels in the family’s room were not present nor deadly.
Sponsored Content
A Summer Sojourn Along Europe’s Rivers with AmaWaterways
This summer, elevate your vacation experience with award-winning AmaWaterways. Offering a seamless blend of unparalleled luxury, authentic cultural experiences and unrivaled service, AmaWaterways cruises are the perfect way to uncover the heart of Europe during the sunniest season with itineraries that glide along the continent’s most iconic rivers, including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine and the Douro.
Daily
Apr 9, 2025Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts to Debut in Texas
Hilton just announced the signing of a new-build Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country and Waldorf Astoria Residences Texas Hill Country, both slated to open in 2027. Situated less than two hours from Austin and San Antonio, these new properties will include 60 dedicated hotel guestrooms and suites; 37 branded, multibedroom resort villas eligible to participate in a hotel rental program as 74 additional keys; and 50 branded private residences.
ShareThis