Knights Play Golf Center (Apex, NC) – Carolina Golfing Review
I’ve played Knights Play a few times now, and honestly… this place is kind of exactly what you think it is — for better and worse.
If you’ve never been, it’s a 27-hole par 3 course with a driving range and lights, which already makes it one of the more unique spots in the Triangle. You can show up in the evening, hit balls, go play a quick loop, and not feel like you’re committing your whole day to golf.
And that’s really where Knights Play shines.
What It’s Actually Great For
This is one of the easiest places around to just:
- Show up and play
- Work on your short game
- Bring your kids or someone new to golf
- Knock out a quick 9 or 18
I’ve seen people say you can basically “pull up in pajamas and go play,” and honestly… that’s not far off.
It’s casual. No pressure. No one’s taking it too seriously.
And the value is really hard to beat.
But Here’s The Truth…
You’ll notice it pretty quickly — the conditions are the biggest drawback here.
And I’m not just saying that… it’s been a consistent theme from pretty much everyone.
- Greens have been described as:
- “like putting on the moon”
- “craters everywhere”
- Tee boxes can be:
- sandy
- worn down
- uneven
- Fairways at times feel:
- overgrown
- inconsistent
I’ve seen people say the course has gone downhill over the past year, and from what I’ve experienced, that feels pretty accurate.
It’s one of those places where:
👉 the layout and idea are great
👉 the upkeep just hasn’t matched it
My biggest challenge is the greens. They’re just in pretty rough shape. On a lot of them it’s like one of those arcade games where the ball hits a million pegs on the way down and eventually the ball lands in a specific slot. That’s how putting here feels at times, ball can be bouncing all over the place.
Staff & Experience
This part seems hit or miss.
Some days:
- Super friendly
- Easygoing vibe
- Good spot to hang out
Other days (and this came up a lot in reviews too):
- People felt like staff had an attitude
- Not the most welcoming experience
So just being real — it’s not always consistent. My personal few experiences weren’t bad, I felt the staff was nice, but based on others it seems hit or miss.
Pricing
One of the biggest reasons people come to Knights Play is the price — it’s one of the cheaper options in the Triangle, especially for how much golf you can play.
- Weekday (before 5pm)
- Walk: ~$10 (9 holes) / ~$15 (18 holes)
- Ride: ~$15 (9 holes) / ~$25 (18 holes)
- Primetime (after 5pm + weekends)
- Walk: ~$13 (9 holes) / ~$18 (18 holes)
- Ride: ~$18 (9 holes) / ~$28 (18 holes)
- Driving Range
- Small bucket (~45 balls): $7
- Large bucket (~90 balls): $12
- Deals & Specials
- Manic Mondays: Half-price green fees (before 5pm)
- Ladies Day (Thursdays): Half-price green fees (before 5pm)
- Range + lunch combo: ~$12.50
👉 Bottom line: you can get out there and play for $10–$20 walking, which is hard to beat anywhere in this area.
So Who Should Actually Play Here?
If you’re:
- A beginner
- Working on wedges / short game
- Just trying to get reps in
- Playing a casual round with friends
- Looking for cheap golf in the Triangle
- Looking for a cool experience playing under the lights
👉 You’ll probably enjoy it.
If you’re:
- Expecting smooth greens
- Looking for a “true” golf course experience
- Trying to score seriously
👉 This probably isn’t your spot.
My Honest Take
Knights Play is one of those places that should be awesome… and still kind of is… but could be way better.
It’s a great concept:
- 27 holes
- lights
- cheap golf
- super accessible
But right now it feels more like:
👉 a really good practice facility / casual track
than a course you’re going to rave about for conditions.