The Sound Golf Links at Albemarle Plantation — Local services in Hertford

Updated 3/13/22 Albemarle Plantation is an authentic coastal community and occupies a special place in the hearts of all who call it home. Although it’s home to one of the area’s most spectacular golf courses, the Sound brings life and energy to a community with unlimited ways to enjoy it. In fact, the attraction to the water may be bigger than the attraction to golf at Albemarle Plantation, as can be seen by the beautiful assortment of boats docked at the marina.

A lot of the success of the community has to do with the harmony that seems to exist within the gates; neighbors genuinely like each other and people just seem to get along. In 2012, this community of friends took it one step further; they decided to buy the place. Everything. Golf club, marina, pool, tennis facilities, walking trails, restaurants — all of it. Residents saw it as an opportunity to control the future of the community, and to keep membership costs low and property values high. So far, it has paid huge dividends!

The Sound Golf Links at Albemarle Plantation is an incredible, nationally acclaimed Dan Maples design that opened for play in the fall of 1990. In planning this masterpiece, Maples made the most out of the woodlands and unique waterways and created a course that has something for everyone, regardless of how good or bad your game is. Several members have described the layout as very peaceful; it’s as if you are playing a new course every time you’re out there.

The Sound Links at Albemarle Plantation is full of memorable golf holes. Number 8 is a fun and challenging Par 4 that is a genuine risk vs reward hole. At 256 yards from the White tees, the hole screams “Go for it!” Brains over brawn is the key here as driving the green requires pinpoint accuracy. The marsh pinches in on both sides and anything but a straight tee shot usually means hitting your next shot from the drop area. The smart play – which is not my strong suit – is to hit a club much less than driver off the tee and leave a manageable shot into the green.

The three finishing holes will likely become etched into your memory. Number 16 is a relatively short par 4 at 253 yards and is the first of the three holes that features a stunning view of the Sound.

Albemarle Sound dictates the shape of the par 5, 17th hole. Seventeen plays 468 yards from the White Tees and you’ll need a long drive if you want to put up a good score.

Number 18 is a powerful finishing hole. Although it’s not the longest, it has proven to be the difference between victory and defeat for many golfers. Albemarle Sound runs down the entire right side of this dogleg right par 4, with a 150-yard sand bunker situated between the fairway and the Sound. Hit anything through the left side of the fairway off the tee and you’ll most likely find it in a bunker. Find the fairway off the tee and you’ll be looking at a short chip shot into an uphill green. Don’t be afraid to leave your drive in the bag.

Don’t be surprised if you hear some cheers and jeers from the clubhouse verandah as you’re finishing up. Even if you’re not at the top of your game, the unrelenting beauty of the natural surroundings will keep you coming back round after round.

If neither golf nor boating tickles your fancy, there are plenty of other social, fitness, artistic and educational activities to keep you busy. There are two tennis/pickleball courts, three bocce ball courts, almost 1,000 square feet of the latest cardio and strength equipment, and a community garden area with garden plots available for residents.

The residents of this member-owned golf community take ownership to a new level. It’s not uncommon to find residents who live on the course out on the hole behind their residence fixing pitch marks and filling divots. Their passion is evident and their efforts shine through as they do their part to keep this an incredibly well-maintained facility.

Whether you’re looking to retire or relocate to the Carolinas, Albemarle Plantation is well worth your consideration, you’ll never run out of...

I had played Albemarle several times 10-15 yrs ago and it only mildly impressed me. I understand that there have been some changes made recently. I was truly impressed by everything, even minor things; the Astro Turf on the driving range was the best I've ever since; grass is available too. The staff in the clubhouse is very pleasant and a pleasure to work with; 'Oh, you already played a round.. it's Free Replay .. play again, enjoy the experience again.'

The Bermuda greens are smooth and excellent. The fairways are in mid-season condition even in early May. No dormant grass here.

Albemarle Plantation a well-established residential community so 'Private Property Errors' are in play on many holes. When there's no OB in play then there's 'the Marsh'. It's everywhere there isn't a home. You can bang your driver on the first 5 holes of each side but the last 4 holes on each side are ... different. You'll have to know the real carry-lengths of your clubs from 3-iron / Hybrid to PW. The carries over 'the Marsh' can be intimidating to some - but they're not long carries.

'Catfish' Hunter is the most famous athlete from this area. It was...

Had an excellent time playing for the first time at Albemarle Plantation. Beautiful course, excellent layout. Wonderful greens. It hadn’t rained in a 4-5 days and some of the fairways were still damp—guess it’s just the nature of the low lying swampy area on the peninsula. Great views. Good beer and ball prices, nice staff. Unfortunately driving range was not open to guests and they did not provide any towels or water coolers on the course. Cattails could have used a trimming. Overall a great value (especially for NENC) and beautiful course on the Albemarle Sound. Will be looking forward to the next...