Fore Fun

The Golf Barn in Winnabow tees up a range of fun activities, beverages and food for golfers and non-golfers of all ages.

Swinging up an all-around good time just a hop, skip and jump away from Downtown Wilmington, The Golf Barn is a one-stop shop for fare and outdoor play via golf- and outdoor-related activities. Even if your most extensive golf experience is on the Wii, this spot’s for you. There’s something for all ages and skill levels.

A couple years in the making, the highly anticipated golf oasis finally opened its doors in March 2024, and the public has welcomed it with open arms and frequent patronage.

“It was like a marathon to open,” says Operational Manager Carrie Ray Davis. “It was crazy, but so fun to prepare, and we had a really good time.”

Dreamed up by childhood friends Edwin Burnett and Brad Phillips, who both have a passion for the game of golf, the vision for The Golf Barn transitioned into a realized dream when Burnett’s dad, Ed Burnett, who owns the expansive space that is now home to the concept, hopped on board with the business plan.

“I’ve always wanted to build a facility that was able to facilitate high-level golf practice [while also] being a fun and low-barrier to entry to help grow the game with nongolfers,” Phillips says. “I had most of the vision but none of the resources or skills to make it happen so I was very lucky to know someone like Edwin, who could help make the dream a reality.”

It’s a family-owned operation, and they’ve built it from the ground up.

From its conception to completion and now its public debut, The Golf Barn has swung in strong, achieving its vision to offer a smattering of activities poised for aspiring pros and amateur golfers alike — with everything from a driving range and 14 Toptracer bays (using the same technology you see on the TV during PGA tournaments) to putt-putt courses. Glow golf, which is slated to tee off this summer, features lighted sticks and cellphone flashlight-activated golf balls.

“We have something for everybody,” says Ray Davis. “That includes all demographics and ages. We even have an 18-hole putt-putt course named after Mr. Burnett’s granddaughter.”

Phillips, a PGA professional, also offers camps and lessons for golfers seeking to level up their game.

Beyond the golf-centric standouts, you can sate your mid- or post-swing appetite with the mouthwatering bites and brews available via a rotating selection of food trucks. They’ll be rolling out everything from seafood to hot dogs to tacos. There is locally crafted beer thanks to an array of Brunswick County-based breweries along with domestic beer and wine selects. For a treat there is Southport’s Chuck’s Homemade Ice Cream. Essentially, all the ingredients for a good time.

Continuing to tee up a good time is the Tee Box, positioned as a space for golfers (and nongolfers just looking to hang) to set up camp and enjoy live music on weekends and yard games such as Jenga and Connect 4. The area serves as a casual space to connect with the community.

“You don’t even have to like golf,” Ray Davis says. “We just want people to gather here and feel comfortable. It’s fun, chill and doesn’t break the bank — and we are continuing to improve, and the facility is only getting better.”

The whole facility fills a gap in Brunswick County for those seeking a new hobby or activity involving socializing and just enjoying some sunshine.

“Growing up in Brunswick County, if you didn’t hunt, surf or fish there wasn’t much to do,” says Ray Davis. “This is something new to do.”

Burnett adds: “We hope to see The Golf Barn continue to grow and serve our area — [and] we plan to add competitions such as virtual golf leagues and in-house food options in the near future.”

Another large aspect of The Golf Barn is staying involved and giving back in myriad ways: golf scholarships benefiting local high-school seniors; a tournament in the fall with proceeds funneling to the UNC Children’s Hospital; a partnership with Special Olympics hosting athletes to work on their golf game with Phillips and have fun at the facility; and a backpack drive in August for students going back to school.

What’s more, The Golf Barn hosts events, from birthday parties and corporate outings to field trips and the Mimosa Club (aka a female-based three-time-per-year soiree offering small group golf lessons and complimentary access to bottomless mimosas).

“Seeing the response from the public has been overwhelming,” Phillips says. “It’s been very impactful to walk around and see golfers and kids alike enjoying the facility and playing the game I love.”

Head Fore the Barn:
The Golf Barn
7 Bell Swamp Connection, Winnabow
(910) 805-8315
thegolfbarn.us
Get the par-tee started Tuesday through Sunday from

Photography by Matt McGraw