[Scott Warren]

If you were going to spend about three to four days in Pinehurst in early April, how would you use the five or six rounds of golf that time might allow?


And what sorts of off-course things would you make sure you made time for?


Assuming this will be a once-in-a-lifetime visit to the area (it’s 15,400km from where I’m sitting typing this!), so maybe the answer is just “play #2 as many times as possible”. I’m open to whatever your answer to the question might be.

[A.G._Crockett]

The must plays are 2 and 4.  The others at the club are all goo, but not memorable. Be sure to find an hour or so to play The Cradle while you’re at the main club.


Mid Pines, Pine Needles, and Southern Pines are not to be missed. And if you play MP and PN, you too can join the endless debate over which is better.


And it is a short and worthwhile trip to Tobacco Road in Sanford.


That’s 6 courses, and I have no idea which should be skipped if there isn’t time to play them all.  As for other stuff to do, I’m clueless; I go to The Pinehurst-Southern Pines area all the time, but 110% only for golf.  I am as shallow as I would seem to be; sorry!

[Craig Disher]

Scott,If you have visions of playing 5 or 6 rounds in 3 days, make sure you go during the off season. Pinehurst #2 has been heavily booked since last spring and 5-hour rounds are typical. However, if you're a single, I think you wouldn't have difficulty arranging a tee time. #4 is also very crowded. SP is getting a lot of attention, deservedly. What Kyle Franz has done there is jaw-dropping.

I agree with AG's suggestions although he didn't mention Dormie Club. It's now private and playing there might require being the guest of a member. Given the chance, I would play there rather than #4.

[Jerry Kluger]

I agree with what has been said - the only caution I have is to check if they are playing off turf or mats at the Cradle - I played it off of mats and it really isn't worth it.

[Erik J. Barzeski]

I fifth (sixth?) the advice given thus far.

Book early. Book PN and MP on the same day for obvious reasons. The first course I'd skip would be #4 in those listed so far, the second #2… And if you do play TR (I recommend everyone see it once), you can also join that debate too.

PN, MP, SP, DC is a solid four. Add the Cradle, TR, and just putting on Thistle Dhu for a long time and you've got a pretty good week of golf. If you do add #4 or something, great. Or a replay at SP perhaps.

[Tim Martin]

#2
Mid Pines
Pine Needles
Southern Pines
Dormie
Tobacco Road


The Cradle holds no real allure for me and I would rather spend an hour on Thistle Dhu.

[Jerry Kluger]

I was just told by a friend who has a lake house near Dormie that they are not accepting any members who live within 50 miles of the course and that if you want to play the course you must stay over in one of the cottages.

[Tim Martin]

I was just told by a friend who has a lake house near Dormie that they are not accepting any members who live within 50 miles of the course and that if you want to play the course you must stay over in one of the cottages.

Looking forward to seeing the new walking paths. Dormie is a must play in the Sand Hills.

[Jeff Schley]

If you were going to spend about three to four days in Pinehurst in early April, how would you use the five or six rounds of golf that time might allow?


And what sorts of off-course things would you make sure you made time for?


Assuming this will be a once-in-a-lifetime visit to the area (it’s 15,400km from where I’m sitting typing this!), so maybe the answer is just “play #2 as many times as possible”. I’m open to whatever your answer to the question might be.

Scott certainly don't fork over the $$$$ cash for #2 each day.  It is very good, but I don't think it is a great value compared to missing some of the other courses mentioned.  Pinehurst does a great job of hospitality and if you do stay on site (which you don't have to) we had a great time staying in a condo as part of their housing options. Not too crazy price wise and included breakfast IIRC.  But as a single golfer not needed. U will have a great time.

[Erik J. Barzeski]

The Cradle holds no real allure for me and I would rather spend an hour on Thistle Dhu.

The Cradle often takes FAR longer than it should. Big part of the reason I've enjoyed myself on Thistle Dhu much more than I have on the Cradle. Plus, it's a lot cheaper. 

[hhuffines]

I’d say the golf ideas are spot on.  I used to spend a lot of time down there and really enjoyed having a drink in a rocking chair and watching groups finish on #2.  The pork chop at the Pinecrest is probably still great.  Love hanging around the bar there late night, chipping into the fireplace.  Elliots on Linden has great food as does Chef Warren’s.  Lots going on down there that I haven’t seen yet like the Pinehurst Brewery.  The growth from Raleigh south down into Moore Co. is out of control and more cool stuff should be coming soon…

[David Whitmer]

I agree with what has been said - the only caution I have is to check if they are playing off turf or mats at the Cradle - I played it off of mats and it really isn't worth it.

Jerry, I played The Cradle two weeks ago and we hit off of mats. It’s the only time I’ve played it, but I had no issue with the mats. I assumed everyone always hit off the mats so there wouldn’t be divots everywhere on the tees. To me, it did not take anything away from the awesome experience.

[Jay Mickle]

#2
Mid Pines
Pine Needles
Southern Pines
Dormie
Tobacco Road

Living in Southern Pines I get to play all of these courses and concur with Tim's selection. These courses are all good walks and will be more greatly appreciated by doing so.  Mid Pines is on a little over 100 acres making it the tightest from green to tee. TR has a couple of long transitions and most of the shortcuts are not obvious (ask in the pro shop for shortcuts and take a nice walk).

[PCCraig]

Scott -


I spent a couple of weeks living in Pinehurst right around the New Year this past winter. I have spent a considerable amount of time in the area over the years.


There is no doubt that Pinehurst is the big dog in town but it's also very, very "corporate". If you've never been, I would absolutely play #2. If you must play another course on the property I would add a round at #3 or the Cradle. #4 is just fine and to be honest I wouldn't waste your $$ there when you could drive down the road and play Mid Pines, Pine Needles, etc.


The Cradle is very fun and I would take some time to hang and play there. At ~$75 make sure you have enough time to at least play it twice.


After #2, I would spend your time playing Mid Pines, Pine Needles, Southern Pines, etc. More affordable but also much more interesting than pretty much anything you'll see at the Resort.


Tobacco Road is a must.


Dormie is really good but don't sleep on a day at Forest Creek playing the North (!!) and South courses there. Very good. 


Downtown Pinehurst is fun. Drum & Quill was my favorite pub in Pinehurst, followed by Duggan's.


I think downtown Southern Pines is probably more charming than Pinehurst and has a number of great local spots to eat & drink. The Sly Fox is a great spot.


Have fun - don't forget to spend some time walking around both downtowns checking out all the antique and book stores. Very fun!!

[Sean_A]

If you were going to spend about three to four days in Pinehurst in early April, how would you use the five or six rounds of golf that time might allow?


And what sorts of off-course things would you make sure you made time for?


Assuming this will be a once-in-a-lifetime visit to the area (it’s 15,400km from where I’m sitting typing this!), so maybe the answer is just “play #2 as many times as possible”. I’m open to whatever your answer to the question might be.

Scott

Play #2 twice if you can afford it. It is unquestionably the best course in the area and it can pay to buy an insurance round in case of bad weather.

It's pretty easy to then say play Mid Pines, Pine Needles and S Pines once each. Although, somewhat like London heathlands, there is an element of similarity about these three. If you can stretch to six rounds include these three and Tobacco Road. If not I would drop one of the three and be sure to play TR for the sake of variety.

Dormie Club may be a good alternative if one of the above isn't on. But it may be an issue to get on. Never played #4 so can't comment.

If you are on your own I suggest staying in the middle of Southern Pines. It's a real town. Pinehurst is a bit twee. If you can't get a room in the middle of S Pines, go for the Pinecrest in Pinehurst. If you are with the Mrs then you may want to consider staying a few nights at the resort. In which case there may be a combo deal for stay and play or Spa stuff etc.

Ciao

[Steve Kline]

I’d say the golf ideas are spot on.  I used to spend a lot of time down there and really enjoyed having a drink in a rocking chair and watching groups finish on #2.  The pork chop at the Pinecrest is probably still great.  Love hanging around the bar there late night, chipping into the fireplace.  Elliots on Linden has great food as does Chef Warren’s.  Lots going on down there that I haven’t seen yet like the Pinehurst Brewery.  The growth from Raleigh south down into Moore Co. is out of control and more cool stuff should be coming soon…

I loved Elliot's. Been there quite a bit. On one visit my first wife had us on a raw vegan diet to help treat her cancer. When we arrived we asked the waiter if the chef could do something to fit that. The waiter came back and asked us what our favorite vegetables were. We each got a different custom three course meal that was amazing.


As for the golf,


#2
PN
MP
Dormie
SP
#4 or TR


in that order of preference for me. I'm ambivalent about TR. It was interesting but not great. I might even opt for a second round at PN, MP, or SP before #4 or TR. I can't really justify the cost of #4. Another option for a sixth course would be to try and get on one of the private courses at Forest Creek of CCNC.

[Scott Warren]

Thank you all for sharing your views — it does seem like there’s a pretty strong consensus about the order of things.


Sean — I was leaning towards playing something genuinely world class like #2 more than once if possible rather than seeing something that’s not super memorable. I’ll be travelling without the family, so I can let golf totally guide me. And without the girls in tow my standard of accommodation is much lower!


I’m super fortunate that when I pitched a whistle-stop US trip to see The Masters and then home again, Kerry suggested I go for two weeks and do it justice, but on the flip side, the possibilities and options open up enormously with that much time and choosing places to see becomes harder rather than easier!

[Sean_A]

Thank you all for sharing your views — it does seem like there’s a pretty strong consensus about the order of things.

Sean — I was leaning towards playing something genuinely world class like #2 more than once if possible rather than seeing something that’s not super memorable. I’ll be travelling without the family, so I can let golf totally guide me. And without the girls in tow my standard of accommodation is much lower!

I’m super fortunate that when I pitched a whistle-stop US trip to see The Masters and then home again, Kerry suggested I go for two weeks and do it justice, but on the flip side, the possibilities and options open up enormously with that much time and choosing places to see becomes harder rather than easier!

Scott

You then need to decide between staying at an out of town chain hotel where driving/uber/taxi everywhere after golf is a must or staying in town. The choices in town are much more limited. But last we met you don't drink so maybe the chain hotel option is best if you are watching your pennies to play #2 more than once.

All the courses mentioned are memorable. I only mentioned dropping one of MP/SP/PN because they are cut from the same cloth. Dormie is a bit different. If the walk is sorted it may be worthwhile putting feelers out for a game. TR is very different and I think should be a must, but you risk being disappointed.

Ciao

[Adam Lawrence]

Scottie -- knowing you as I do, I think the only way you'd be disappointed in Tobacco Road is if it was incredibly wet. Otherwise I suspect you'd have a huge shit-eating green on your face the whole way round.

[Ira Fishman]

Another vote for skipping #4. Far better to invest the money in a second round at #2. And would not listen to the folks at the resort who say “#8 is the most fun of the courses”’—it affirmatively is not worth the time or money.


Also another vote for Elliot’s. The food is great as is the service. I also recommend a couple of hours on the porch overlooking the 18th at MP—one of hour favorite post-golf haunts. The food at the bar restaurant at PN is very good, and you are highly likely to meet some fellow golf nuts. If you happen to like pottery, Seagrove is about an hour drive—there are a bunch of interesting galleries.


You will have a great time.


Ira

[jeffwarne]

#2
Mid Pines
Pine Needles
Southern Pines
Dormie
Tobacco Road


The Cradle holds no real allure for me and I would rather spend an hour on Thistle Dhu.

This.
Plus.
As a single(or paired up), I would think playing a (perhaps)  less crowded twilight 9-18 on #1 or #3 would have far more appeal than a crowded, off mat 60ish yard set of holes on The Cradle, where a big part of the fun is who you're with and the game you're playing.
I have no issue with mats, 60 yard holes or a gambling, music filled, post round party scene-but I'd probably want to be with my own group for that scene, given how crowded it probably will be.

[Peter Sayegh]

#2
Mid Pines
Pine Needles
Southern Pines
Dormie
Tobacco Road


The Cradle holds no real allure for me and I would rather spend an hour on Thistle Dhu.

I have not played Dormie or Forest Creek (or The Cradle, same as Tim, I think there are better options time and dollar-wise) but this lineup is my favorite As others have stated, #4 can be skipped, especially because it's a tough course to pair with any other for 36 or even 27 holes. PoP on #4 can be 5.5 hrs+.
Off course, Beefeaters is my go to steak place. SoPies is the only pizza joint I use. Ironwood Cafe is also excellent. To echo a previous post, Drum & Quill is a nice watering hole.

[Tim Martin]

#2
Mid Pines
Pine Needles
Southern Pines
Dormie
Tobacco Road


The Cradle holds no real allure for me and I would rather spend an hour on Thistle Dhu.

I have not played Dormie or Forest Creek (or The Cradle, same as Tim, I think there are better options time and dollar-wise) but this lineup is my favorite As others have stated, #4 can be skipped, especially because it's a tough course to pair with any other for 36 or even 27 holes. PoP on #4 can be 5.5 hrs+.
Off course, Beefeaters is my go to steak place. SoPies is the only pizza joint I use. Ironwood Cafe is also excellent. To echo a previous post, Drum & Quill is a nice watering hole.

Peter-The food options are just as important to me as the golf. Thanks for those.

[Michael Wharton-Palmer]

Forest Creek is certainly worth the visit.
The North is a rather un Fazio Fazio which I really enjoyed with great par fives and some wonderful elevation changes.
Probably going to be my golfing home after we move to the area.
Tobacco Road for me is a do not miss Scott, actually the one course in the area that will probably make the biggest impact


Ironwood should be added to the list of eating places as should a place called Ashtons..I think its called.
Downtown Southern Pines that serves locally produced and grown faire.


GREAT Italian food at a place called Napoli as well...

[Peter Flory]

I really wish that they had prioritized #3 more throughout the years. 

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