Poor Man's Pinehurst

[David Schofield]

JKM,

I disliked Hole #4 when I played it but after reflection, I've come to the conclusion that the narrow chute from the tee to green makes up for the rather bland green. 

Not to merge two current threads (i.e. "Holes w/ 2 greens" and this one), but did Hole #3 have a second green at one point short and to the left of the current green?

[Steve Kline]

The Pit is horrible. I've played it around 7 to 10 times and I would not ever want to go back. Everything JKM said and then some. Little River Farm is not far from the Pit and would fit in with a poor man's Pinehurst. Not the greatest course but reasonably inexpensive from what I recall. JKM's course (Mid-South) is also well like by the groups I've taken down there.

By far my (as well as everyone I've ever taken to Pinehurst) favorite place to eat is The Barn. Also, right up the street from the Pinecreat is a cool pub - can't remember the name though.

[John Moore II]

Steve Kline--The name of the pub up the street from the Pinecrest is Dugans.

David Schofield--I think #3 used to have the green short of the normal one, but based on where it is placed, its about 230 from the tee, but you can't reach the green since its tucked into a cove of trees, I have always thought it was a nursery green, but I could be wrong. 3 is just another of the foolish, contrived holes at The Pit. Its only about 360 yards, but it has this stupid mounding about 260 yards from the tee, and then shrinks down to not more than 15 yards wide on the other side of the mounds, oh, and the green is elevated with maybe a 10 yard gap between trees to get to the green. If you make a par 4 be only 360 yards, at least give someone a chance to get there, or roll it close.

[Matt MacIver]

Re: T- Road, this has been mentioned on other strings several times: the second round each day os 50%, and given the numerous blind shots (4 or 5 bells to ring after leaving various fairways), it's the best money you'll spend all weekend.  Getting to know that course CAN NOT be done in one round. 

[Rob_Waldron]

I am not a big fan of The Pit either. Other good alternatives include: Mid South which is actually a good AP design and Talamore. The Llamas are in a pen since they retired from being caddies. The National is also worth playing. Pine Needles is a far better value than its neighboring Pinehurst Resort courses. The John Fought renovations are spectacular!

If you can gain access the no brainers are the two courses at Forest Creek and CCNC. 

[John Shimp]

The thing i see missing in your schedule is Ross.  Whether you play Southern pines or spend more for midpines or pine needles, it would be a big miss not to play some Donald ross in pinehurst.  All those courses have classic understatedness to them that epitomizes pinehurst and what Ross did there (wouldn't describe #2 greens that way though).  While I like tobacco road, it is nothing like playing a ross in pinehurst.  I'd drop the ride to tot hill farm and drop the pit and add 2 ross courses to your list.

[Steve_Lovett]

The Darling House is a terrific new pub in Pinehurst Village.  It's been open 4-5 months, but looks like it could've been there since the beginning.  Worth a visit/drink IMO.

How would those who know compare accommodations at the Pine Crest Inn with the Holly Inn, Magnolia, Mid Pines, etc...?

[Mike_Cirba]

Mark Studer's description of Southern Pines is dead solid perfect, and if you can fit Mid Pines in as well you'd never regret it.

Bill McBride has me ready to make a reservation for the rocking chairs alone!

I'd also agree that The Pit is probably a bit over-rated, but it was one of the first "ripped out of the earth, raw experience" courses built, so for that fact alone it deserves more street cred than it gets here.

[Bill_McBride]

How would those who know compare accommodations at the Pine Crest Inn with the Holly Inn, Magnolia, Mid Pines, etc...?

The Pine Crest is on the spartan side but very comfortable.  No elevator.  Hardwood floors.

I've only stayed at the Pine Needles Lodge - okay but nothing special, not better than PC - and the main lodge at Pinehurst, the Carolina, which is very expensive and nice but not worth the extra cost, at least not IMHO.

The Pine Crest Inn is a total experience and it's all about the golf.

[Steve Lang]

I'm setting up a Pinehurst trip for next July with some lads who tolerate me (hard to make it plural, I know).  We're looking at the following four courses for a variety of reasons, principle among which is affordability:  The Pit, Anderson Creek, Tot Hill Farm and Tobacco Road.  That three of the four are edgy courses of the Quarry or Strantz variety is apparent.  I'll welcome any suggestions on substitutions or affirmations of our brilliance.  Have at it with my gratitude.

Ron M.

-played there since 1980, so... my $0.02:
-distances between your proposed venues looks like bad logistics if you're looking at 36 a day
- gonna be really, really hot in july,
- you could actually get in 45 - 54 holes a day for well 2 week's daze, never playing a hole twice if you really want to burn out (been there, done that)
- if you're travelling relatively close by Tot Hill Farm en route to Southern Pines, then take in THF, otherwise catch it later.. 
- Anderson Creek not unique, not needed, too far from Southern pines proper..  if it fits travel plans, I'd start earlier and get to venues in Southern Pines
- T-Road a must
- we've always started week at Southern Pines CC (Elks) and it probably remains in memory among my personal favorite value low hassle Ross experiences in the area
- Pinehurst courses not for poor-men
- I rememeber in the 80's they used to demand a $10 surcharge-premium at The Pit.. (above package rates available from allmost all the hotels/motels there).. you'd be better off to just ride around it and not play, if you really want to see it.  Haven't played it in this century..
- as stated, Highland Hills a good value
- my buds like The Carolina for value.. big hitting opportunities

poormen need to check out all the stay & play packages available.. not much difference, hell, we used to stay at Jay & Judy's Fairway Motel at edge of Aberdeen and Southern Pines for years, they'd get all the tee times.. check or know on when greens are being plugged, conditioning.. a little local knowledge goes a long way to improving your experience

spartan rooms ok... look for pool and sauna to unwind, which is definitely a plus and necessary if you're going to max out playtime.. 

step up to condo, when you're going to make a week of it and food/comfort become more important

enjoy