Summer in the Sandhills

Gdane · February 7, 2017

One of the guys in my group recently moved to Raleigh for work, and as a result we are starting to plan a summer golf trip to the area. As Midwesterners who generally go to Michigan for our trips, we plan our trips for August every year. I've noticed that prices for the Pinehurst area courses tend to be lower in the summer than in the fall months. I'm sure it has a lot to do with demand in the Spring for people to be able to play when it is crummy in other areas of the country, but is there any other reason for the lower summer rates? Are conditions spotty due to heat?

Thanks!

leoh923 · February 7, 2017

Green conditions can be spotty, as bent greens don't tolerate heat well, but many courses have converted to Bermuda greens, and several more scheduled to convert in '17.

Probably the main reason for lower summer rates is the heat. Last summer we set a record with 65+ days over 90 degrees. Because of this, early tee times go fast.

caniac6 · February 7, 2017

Heat, and courses with bentgrass greens might be showing some stress. Bermuda greens should be good.

jbachman · February 9, 2017

Summer/Winter rates in the Sand Hills are great, I normally knock out a round at Dormie/Needles/Mid Pines/Tobacco Rd for what amounts to one in season round.

You'll see some fairway burn, greens hold up just fine.

Gdane · February 10, 2017

Is there a time of the year when the courses generally punch/do overseeding?

DrSchteeve · February 10, 2017

Is there a time of the year when the courses generally punch/do overseeding?

Bent is usually early spring, early fall, taking 2-4 weeks to fully recover. Bermuda is usually just small tine punches late spring and recovers 1-2 weeks.

rkristopheranderson · February 23, 2017

Is there a time of the year when the courses generally punch/do overseeding?

Bent is usually early spring, early fall, taking 2-4 weeks to fully recover. Bermuda is usually just small tine punches late spring and recovers 1-2 weeks.

Also, new styled Bermuda greens sand periodically throughout the summer. It is very fine sand and has minimal impact on play, and you can only tell for a few days. Just mentioning it bc if you don't expect it, it might seem offputting or influence where you play.