North Carolina Becomes Key Golf Travel Destination with Candyroot Lodge Project, What You Need to Know

Written By: Moulina Dhara

Moulina Dhara

An ardent writer with a Master's degree in Comparative Literature from Jadavpur University, where I developed a deep appreciation for storytelling, cultural narratives, and the power of language. My academic background has shaped the way I approach content—with curiosity, attention to detail, and an understanding that every story has the potential to connect, inform, and inspire. Writing has always been more than a skill for me; it is a way of observing and making sense of the world. From journaling to exploring literature, cinema, and visual arts, I am drawn to the rawness of everyday life and the stories hidden within ordinary moments. This perspective allows me to create content that feels authentic, relatable, and emotionally resonant rather than formulaic. I enjoy crafting articles, blogs, web copy, and thought-driven content that balances creativity with clarity. My approach combines thorough research, compelling storytelling, and a reader-first mindset to produce pieces that are both engaging and meaningful. Whether the goal is to build a brand voice, communicate ideas, or foster genuine audience engagement, I strive to create content that leaves a lasting impact. I believe the strongest content doesn't just capture attention—it builds trust by speaking with honesty, purpose, and authenticity.

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June 27, 2026 17:08 GMT+5:30

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Candyroot Lodge, a 1,210-acre golf and leisure destination in the Carolina Sandhills region of the United States, is advancing its championship golf course development as part of a large-scale tourism and hospitality project. The destination is being developed as a public golf retreat designed to enhance golf tourism in the southeastern United States.

Located near Charlotte, North Carolina, and Columbia, South Carolina, the project is positioned within a growing regional tourism corridor that attracts domestic and international golf travellers across North America.

United States Golf Tourism Sector Sees Continued Expansion

Golf tourism in the United States continues to grow, particularly in states such as North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Arizona, and California. These regions are known for championship golf courses, luxury resorts, and year-round golfing conditions.

The Carolina Sandhills region has long been recognised for its golf heritage, making it a key destination for golf tourism development in the United States. The expansion of large-scale golf resorts contributes to increased visitor demand and supports the broader sports tourism economy.

Impact on Travel and Tourism in North Carolina and South Carolina

The development of Candyroot Lodge is expected to have a significant impact on golf-related travel and tourism across the southeastern United States. Golf tourism attracts domestic visitors from major cities such as New York, Atlanta, Washington DC, Chicago, and Miami, as well as international travellers from Europe, Canada, and Asia.

For tourists, the project enhances access to championship-level golf experiences combined with hospitality and wellness offerings. This supports longer stays, increased travel spending, and expanded tourism activity across North Carolina and South Carolina.

The region benefits from its proximity to major transport hubs, including Charlotte Douglas International Airport, which connects the area to key domestic and international markets.

Championship Golf Course Development in Carolina Sandhills

The development includes multiple championship golf courses designed to meet international standards for professional and recreational play. The first course has entered its grow-in phase, a critical stage in preparing playing surfaces, turf quality, and landscape design ahead of preview play.

Preview play is scheduled for November 2026, with the full resort opening expected in spring 2027. This phased development approach supports gradual tourism integration and early market engagement within the golf travel sector.

Golf course development plays a key role in positioning destinations within the global sports tourism industry, particularly in competitive markets such as the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Portugal, and the United Arab Emirates.

Growth of Sports and Golf Tourism in the United States

The United States remains one of the world’s leading destinations for golf tourism, supported by a large network of championship courses and golf resorts. States such as North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida are particularly important hubs for domestic and international golf travel.

Golf tourism contributes significantly to local economies by driving demand for hotels, restaurants, transport services, and recreational activities. Destinations like Pinehurst, Myrtle Beach, and Hilton Head Island are already established golf tourism centres in the region.

The expansion of new golf destinations supports continued growth in this high-value tourism segment.

Integration of Hospitality and Wellness Facilities

Candyroot Lodge is designed as a multi-experience tourism destination combining golf, accommodation, and wellness facilities. This integrated approach reflects global trends in luxury sports tourism, where destinations offer a combination of leisure, fitness, and hospitality experiences.

Golf resorts across the United States, Europe, and Asia are increasingly incorporating wellness centres, spa facilities, and luxury accommodation to attract longer-stay visitors and high-spending travellers.

This model supports diversification of tourism revenue streams beyond traditional golf activity.

Regional Tourism Development in the Carolinas

The Carolinas region is experiencing increased investment in tourism infrastructure, particularly in outdoor recreation, sports tourism, and luxury hospitality. The development of large-scale golf destinations contributes to the region’s competitiveness within the United States tourism market.

The proximity to major urban centres such as Charlotte and Columbia enhances accessibility for both domestic and international tourists, supporting regional tourism growth.

The Carolina Sandhills area is becoming a recognised destination for high-quality golf experiences, attracting players and visitors from across North America and Europe.

Impact on International Golf Travel Market

International golf tourism continues to expand globally, with travellers from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East visiting the United States for championship-level golf experiences. Destinations such as North Carolina benefit from this trend due to their reputation for high-quality courses and scenic landscapes.

Golf tourism itineraries often include multiple destinations across the southeastern United States, combining golf experiences with cultural and leisure travel in cities such as Charleston, Atlanta, and Orlando.

Future Expansion of Golf Tourism Infrastructure

Large-scale golf developments like Candyroot Lodge are expected to support long-term growth in sports tourism infrastructure across the United States. The integration of multiple championship courses, par-three night golf facilities, and hospitality services reflects increasing demand for diverse golfing experiences.

This expansion aligns with broader global trends in experiential tourism, where travellers seek destination-based activities combined with luxury accommodation.

Furthermore

The development of Candyroot Lodge in the Carolina Sandhills strengthens the United States’ position as a leading destination for golf tourism. By expanding championship golf infrastructure and integrating hospitality and wellness experiences, the project supports increased travel demand, enhances regional tourism appeal, and contributes to the continued growth of sports tourism across North Carolina and South Carolina.