Dormie Club Trip - Looking for ideas for my wife

[BHoover]

The topic pretty much says it all.  I'm trying to plan a short trip to NC with my wife, and I'd like to play Dormie Club.  Are there activities in the Pinehurst area to keep her busy and have fun while I'm golfing?  She is really into historic small towns/villages and antique shops.  From what I've heard and read on the internet, it seems like there might be places for her to explore while I'm golfing.   

This also won't be a purely golf trip for me.  I'm thinking that I might be able to play 36 holes.  After that, the purpose of the trip would be to spend some quality time with the wife as well.  Is Dormie Club the type of place that a single can go and hope to get paired with a random group? 

I've never been to Pinehurst, so I really have no idea whether it's a good place for couples to visit or if it's simply a "guy's" sort of retreat.  Has anyone taken a similar trip to the area?   

[Mike Hendren]

Three approaches:

1.  Book extremely early tee time and order breakfast in bed for her.
2.  Book spa treatment for her during golf.
3.  When all else fails, romantic dinner the night before.  Make sure she is over-served while you merely nurse your adult beverage of choice.  Early tee time the next day while she sleeps it off.

You're welcome.

Bogey

[Bruce Wellmon]

Bogey,
           #3, classic. Now I know who to turn to when advice is needed.

Brian,
         Are you staying at the resort or ? My advice is stay there one night at least, then your wife can be pampered at the spa.
         Lastly, request Cory to caddy for you at DC.
         Everybody's happy.
         Pottery shopping for her in Seagrove for day 2 golf.
                Bruce

[Matt MacIver]

My impressons:

1) from my best guess you will not be paired up, traffic remains very low there.  Enjoy the solo experience. 
2) there is nothing else to do at Dormie, nada; historic Pinehurst is ~5 miles away. 
3) Pinehurst is a cute little town to prowl around in for 3-4 hours.  Enough for you to complete your round, not much more. 
4) Stay at the resort, a little more to see and do, plus the aforementioned spa. 
5) Historic Aberdeen is also a place to windowshop a few hours away. 
6) Tell her to bring a book...or two.  It's not like Pebble where a non-golfing spouse can stare dreamily at the ocean.  Unless you LOVE pine trees. 

[Ron Csigo]

        Lastly, request Cory to caddy for you at DC.

If Cory caddies as fast as he plays, then you'll be done in just over two hours.   

[Jim_Kennedy]

Brian,
Type "Things To Do In the Sandhills" into any search engine and you'll find enough stuff to keep your wife busy while you play.

Enjoy your trip, it's a nice area.

[Joe_Tucholski]

To sumarize the things my wife and her mom did on our last trip when we weren't working on the house.
The few blocks of historic downtown Village of Pinehurst
Farmers market (there are a number of them at different locations depending on the day your are playing)
Shopping in downtown Aberdeen and Southern Pines (both have "cute" downtown areas)

[Mike Hendren]

I feel terrible.  I forgot the 4th option:  Enroll the Mrs. in the Fast Track High Performance Driving School at Rockingham Speedway.  The Rock is only 30 minutes away.  Tell them DW's buddy Bogey sent you.

Does the Elks Club at Southern Pines have slots?

Bogey

[Dan Kelly]

Perhaps out of the question, but if your wife likes walking a nice piece of land, and Dormie Club allows it...

My wife and I both have very fond memories of her walking with me while I played -- with a couple of pensioners at the Old Course and, a couple of days later, at North Berwick, where I played alone.

My memories might be marginally fonder than hers, but only marginally. She won't soon forget the kindness of one of my Old Course companions, who, on a very cold, windy, rainy day, dug into his golf bag to outfit her properly -- with some sort of hooded rain shirt and some woolly mitts.

[Shane Wright]

Perhaps out of the question, but if your wife likes walking a nice piece of land, and Dormie Club allows it...

My wife and I both have very fond memories of her walking with me while I played -- with a couple of pensioners at the Old Course and, a couple of days later, at North Berwick, where I played alone.

My memories might be marginally fonder than hers, but only marginally. She won't soon forget the kindness of one of my Old Course companions, who, on a very cold, windy, rainy day, dug into his golf bag to outfit her properly -- with some sort of hooded rain shirt and some woolly mitts.

Brian, Dan's advice is spot on.  Of course, it depends on your wife and her personality.  Having my wife caddy for me (at her request) at Waterville and Ballybunion was the best golfing decision I have ever made. 

[Chris_Hufnagel]

Perhaps out of the question, but if your wife likes walking a nice piece of land, and Dormie Club allows it...

My wife and I both have very fond memories of her walking with me while I played -- with a couple of pensioners at the Old Course and, a couple of days later, at North Berwick, where I played alone.

My memories might be marginally fonder than hers, but only marginally. She won't soon forget the kindness of one of my Old Course companions, who, on a very cold, windy, rainy day, dug into his golf bag to outfit her properly -- with some sort of hooded rain shirt and some woolly mitts.

I think Dan's advice is great...some of my most favorite rounds at some amazing courses have been as a solo golfer with my wife walking along, taking pictures, and just sharing in the experience.  She loves golf, loves to be outside, and loves the exercise - she also love me and my unhealthy love for the game.  If the Dormie Club allows it - I would offer it up as a suggestion.

The key I have found is some sort of reciprocation – a nice dinner, spa, shopping, etc. – she has never asked for it, but I know she appreciates the fact I appreciate the time she spent with me...

My wife actually walked 54 of my 121 holes with me as part of the Hundred Hole Hike at Kingsley last month...she was great to have along and keep me motivated and I know she really enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to meet some great guys who also did the Hike there...

[David Stewart]

I played Dormie 5 or 6 times while I was living in NC. Their policy may have changed now, but when I went they would not let you carry your own clubs. You either have to take a cart or take a walking caddie, and if it is your first time they will encourage you to take a forecaddie even if you ride. However, I don't think they would have any issues with your wife walking/riding along. Enjoy the course. It is outstanding.

[John Kavanaugh]

If your wife should choose to tag along either pay a full fee for her or make sure you go off as a single. There are few things more rude on a casual round than a non playing gallery.

[astavrides]

.

[Greg Tallman]

If your wife should choose to tag along either pay a full fee for her or make sure you go off as a single. There are few things more rude on a casual round than a non playing gallery.

John, I beg of you, if you ever head down this way please give me a heads up. I will move heaven, earth, non-playing riders and anyone else with an opinion so as you maight enjoy your round. 

[Paul Jones]

Three approaches:

1.  Book extremely early tee time and order breakfast in bed for her.
2.  Book spa treatment for her during golf.
3.  When all else fails, romantic dinner the night before.  Make sure she is over-served while you merely nurse your adult beverage of choice.  Early tee time the next day while she sleeps it off.

You're welcome.

Bogey

Bogey,

I am impressed !!!  Will have to file this one away for later.

Paul

[Dan Kelly]

If your wife should choose to tag along either pay a full fee for her or make sure you go off as a single. There are few things more rude on a casual round than a non playing gallery.

Really? I can think of lots of ruder things!

But, having said that: Of course we asked the gentlemen at St. Andrews if it was OK for Patty to tag along -- and of course they readily assented. Had they shown the slightest reluctance, she'd have waited for me in town.

I don't see how paying a full fee would make it any less rude -- unless you were paying your playing companions' full fees.

[Chris_Hufnagel]

If your wife should choose to tag along either pay a full fee for her or make sure you go off as a single. There are few things more rude on a casual round than a non playing gallery.

Interesting...I have played several rounds (with both friends and golfers I met for the first time that day) with their "non-playing galleries" and never for one second thought it was rude.  In rounds where my wife joined me with golfers I have never met, I never got that impression either...but, thanks for that perspective as I would not want ever impose on any one else in my group...

[John Kavanaugh]

Paying a full fee earns you the same rights as every golfer on the course. Hitting a ball is a bonus.

[Michael George]

If your wife should choose to tag along either pay a full fee for her or make sure you go off as a single. There are few things more rude on a casual round than a non playing gallery.

John - what about playing Solja Boy on the first tee?  In my defense, your buddies are the ones that put me up to it.

[Lester George]

Send her to Ballyhack!  They will pamper her!

Lester

[Tom Fagerli]

My wife loves the spa at Pinehurst. She goes there while I play occasionally. Your wife will love the Village, downtown S Pines and Aberdeen. You have nothing to worry about. Go to dinner at Ironwood Cafe on Midland Rd. Cant have a bad time in Moore County IMO.

[Bill_McBride]

Send her to Ballyhack!  They will pamper her!

Lester

Probably no fire pit action now!

[A.G._Crockett]

I played at the Dormie Club on Friday, 6/29.  There were 14 players on the tee sheet for the day; we saw three of them the entire time we were on the property.  The parking lot attendant told us that there had been FOUR players the day before. 

I would think that if you wished to play alone with your wife walking along, it would be quite possible.  Alternatively, your round certainly won't take long, and she should be able to spend time in the village pretty easily.

[BHoover]

As it turns out, my wife and I are busy the weekend I had planned on going to Dormie Club (we're babysitting our friends' three kids).  So I guess we won't be going to Pinehurst this summer.  Bummer.

How is the fall at Dormie Club?  Anyone interested?