With a moderate, sunny climate and top-notch courses, Cabarrus County, N.C., is a perfect place to play the game of golf.

The Club at Irish Creek, located in Kannapolis, is a private course that includes a 400-acre lake visible from 16 of the 18 holes. Designed by PGA Tour standout Davis Love III, the course was designed as a place where members prefer to walk as they enjoy their round.

In addition to its high-quality links, The Club at Irish Creek has a practice facility featuring a two-tier green ideal for chipping and putting, as well as a small course consisting of six par-three holes.

Members of Irish Creek can relax after their round in a three-story clubhouse that includes locker rooms, a full-service golf shop, a lounge, restaurant and ballrooms.

For more than 80 years, the Cabarrus Country Club in Concord has not only been a draw for golf, but also for tennis, swimming and a variety of social activities. The 18-hole course at CCC was designed by George Cobb and plays 7,116 yards from the blue tees. Water comes into play on 11 holes, and the club's sand bunkers are known for their difficulty.

Also in Concord, Rocky River Golf Club was designed by Dan Maples and is managed by Embassy Suites, offering the opportunity for stay-and-play packages for visitors.

This course, open to the public, offers a challenge due to its large, contoured greens and tight fairways that require precise ball placement, since wetlands and seeded fescue make up the rough. Rocky River also has a practice area including a green for short game work and a driving range with 30 grass teeing stations.

Rocky River Golf Club's clubhouse is home to The Stonehouse Grille, which provides both breakfast and lunch specials, as well as a full menu prepared by the chef.