Real deal: THE N.C. GOLF PANEL HIGHLIGHTS GREAT COURSES THAT MAKE A LOT OF SENSE FOR THE SPORT'S ENTHUSIASTS.

• Author: Pomeranz, Jim

When seeking "best bang for the buck" golf courses in seven N.C. regions, the exclusive, high-dollar member' ship courses such as Charlotte Country Club, Raleigh's Carolina Country Club, or Linville's Grandfather Golf & Country Club did not make the cut. Instead, panelists mostly chose courses that are primarily public or semi-private daily greens fee loops geared toward golfers seeking an enjoyable day on the links without breaking the bank.

"I define 'best bang for the buck' as a good, well-conditioned golf course for a reasonable price," says Sally Austin, former women's golf coach at UNC Chapel Hill who is an instructor at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club in Southern Pines. She's a charter member of the N.C. Golf Panel, which Charlotte public-relations guru Bill Hensley started in 1995 to give more recognition to the state's golf courses.

"In the Pinehurst area, Southern Pines Country Club is one," Austin says. "It doesn't cost much to play but it's usually in good condition and the layout is fun." The Moore County club charges $50 to $100, depending on the season. She also likes the rolling hills of the Boone Golf Club, an Ellis Maples design, where the price is $65 or less.

Steve Williams, editor of Triad Golf Today, goes off the 18-hole grid and picks his home course--the full-length, nine-hole Pennrose Park Country Club in Reidsville. It's a Donald Ross design that opened in 1929. "The greens are small but tricky, and the course is not long. Best of all, it's fun to play," Williams says. Family membership is $140 a month, while individuals pay $100. The initiation fee is $200.

Andy Moye, from the unincorporated community of Maury in Greene County, defines a best bargain as the "value as related to the amount I'm spending, regardless of price." Moye enjoys Mountain Glen Golf Club in Newland, a George Cobb design that opened in the mid-1960s. The 6,500-yard layout's front nine holes are links-style in relatively flat terrain, while the back side is more mountainous. Summer greens fees are just $60 with a cart. An annual individual membership is $880 for a season, which runs April 1 through Nov. 1.

"I consider Mountain Glen to be very reasonably priced for the shot values and scenery," says Moye, who doesn't mind a higher greens fee if a course is worthy. He also favors Pine Needles Lodge &. Golf Club, which charges as much as $235 in the prime season from April through May, and Mid Pines Inn &. Golf Club, which has a $215 greens fee...