I have spent some sporadic time in the area for quit a long time but never got to see Mid Pines until this year. It was always packed and given the other choices I always had another option. When this years trip came I was very excited to see it. Caught it on a chamber of commerce weather day w/ perfect conditions in late October. Walked off the course and for some reason was disappointed and I'm not sure I can articulate why. Perhaps the best reason I can come up with is it doesn't stand out amongst it's brethren in the area?
#2 is one of my all time favorite courses. Love the strategy, love the vibe love the green sites. There is not a bad thing I can say about it. I enjoyed #4 also. It's memorable, the strategic elements abound. Loved the par 5's there. Dormie, IMHO, is just a smidge below. I LOVE the seclusion, the flow of the routing, the green sites. I love how #8 sits near but not on the water, how the green is draped over the ground w/ no bunkers. I love the tee shot on #5 and the rumpled green. Every time I play it, I get done and I'm think when can I get back here.
In the most recent trip finally played Southern Pines and enjoyed the rough look, the muni feal w/ a bit of no-frills added. The golf was solid and it highly exceed my expectations. The group also ventured to Tobacco Road for a 36 hole day. To each, they heard the stories about how it could be difficult (and we played it for a while in 30+MPH winds as the remnants of a hurricane passed through) but everyone LOVED it. Perhaps it's the scale? The acres of exposed sand? The crazy greens? It sure is unique!
So in the end I think I need to see Mid Pines again and see how it flows and compares. However, when in that area not sure I'd ever see it more than a notch below the others.