While Bayonet at Puppy Creek in Raeford may be slightly off the beaten path, you’ll find few complaints from members and guests who regularly tee it up there. Architect Willard Byrd, who designed the course that opened in 1995, said he wanted 18 signature golf holes. He delivered a unique variety that is challenging for golfers of all skill levels. Almost since the day it opened, Bayonet at Puppy Creek has been enjoyed by all.
Golfers traverse Puppy Creek four times during a round and there are four distinct loops on the golf course. The course starts with a par-5, dogleg right, on which a good tee shot is necessary in order to carry the stream on the second shot. From there, the rolling hills surrounding Puppy Creek offer a variety of challenges. Byrd designed about 60 bunkers around the golf course and water comes into play on only a few holes.
From the back tees, at more than 7,000 yards, Bayonet at Puppy Creek is as tough a test as you’ll find. The Hooters Tour played events on the golf course three times in the late 1990s (Chad Campbell finished second there in 1998), and through the years it has also played host to a number of USGA qualifiers for senior events and the U.S. Mid-Amateur. Yet, Bayonet at Puppy Creek offers five sets of tee boxes measuring as short as 4,400 yards, making it equally enjoyable for the higher handicappers.
“The Bayonet at Puppy Creek will endure the test of time because the 18 holes were designed under a basic, traditional concept with all the holes completely different, making it a course you never tire of playing,” said Byrd. “And the golfer will not forget the natural beauty of Puppy Creek.”
