Bryan
I can still remember when #6 opened. The Fazio & Fazio layout has a few weak holes, but actually is one of their bes uses of natural land contours around, rare for Mr F.
I agree totally about the surrounds these days, but the holes are still there and maybe I block out the extraneous junk. There are actually bunkers in play, bunkers to be challenged and real strategy in places, built on some interesting topography. It is the surrounds that have been changed at #6, the golf course at #4 so we're really talking aesthetics.
Rmember that I am a Rees supporter, but I cannot support #7; and #8 (Mr. F again) is quite possibly the most overblown, poorly routed resort/core course in existence. That's the best Pinehurst could do to revel in its centennary? Give me a break.
Personally, I won't go to the resort any more. It is outrageous what they charge and unfortunately, I am old enough to remember the days there where you played in the a.m. in four hour foursomes on #2 and cart ball on any other course you chose in the afternoon in about an hour and change. And it cost less than $200 a day servis compris. Now it's $325 just for a six hour round at 2p.m. on #2, one solitary time during your stay. Bullshit. Get someone else's money.
As for Mid Pines and Pine Needles and the Elks Club, I did not mean to disparage them, but more folks out to get out of town and see Tobacco Road, it is pretty cool, not without faults. An eye-opener it is.