Rating the Pinehurst courses (resort and others)

[supergriff34]

On 6/15/2022 at 11:17 AM, allparz said:

Here are all the courses in a 10 Mile Radius of Pinehurst Center in my order -  Disclosure/Bias - Member at Pine Needles/Mid Pines/SPGC  (Never played the Par 3 at Pinewild)

But it is crazy there are 34 courses in that Circle -- and Little River, Pinebluff and The Pit have all shut down, and the extra 9 at SPGC shut down.  Splitting hairs over most of these.

Like Gaffs, as a member, I just  show up and play at Pine Needles/Mid Pines -- Some group is always short a player or cancels, and always play with interesting folks who appreciate a little history lesson.

 

#2 - Pinehurst (History and Difficulty)
Pine Needles (The best example of all the key Donald Ross features - Risk Reward, Green complexes, routing genius)
Mid Pines
CCNC Dogwood
Dormie
Southern Pines
#4 Pinehurst
CCNC Cardinal
Forest Creek South
#8 Pinehurst
Mid South
#7 Pinehurst
Forest Creek North
#1 Pinehurst
Talamore

#5 Pinehurst
Legacy
#9 Pinehurst
Pinewild Magnolia
PineWild - Holly
Whispering Pines - Pines
Foxfire - Grey
Whispering Pines - River
#6 Pinehurst
#3 Pinehurst
Deercroft
Hyland
Foxfire - Red
Whispering Woods
Longleaf
Seven Lakes
Beacon Ridge
Midland
Knollwood

when did little river close?

[Cwing]

Interested. I’ll be there in Nov. in to follow comments.

[R4haehl]

Great thread! Lots of similar but differing opinions which reminds me of how people "rank" the Bandon courses. I am headed there with a group of 12 in mid July. Really looking forward to it and will definitely come back with my thoughts after. Here is our line up:

 

- 7/14 AM - Pine Needles

- 7/14 PM - Southern Pines (originally was supposed to be Mid Pines but I guess there is some course maintenance happening the week before?)

- 7/15 AM - #2

- 7/15 PM - The Cradle

- 7/16 AM - #4

- 7/16 PM - #7

- 7/17 AM - Tobacco Road - Possibly 36 here but TBD - will depend how quick we get around in AM and how much time we have before heading to airport in Raleigh

[miss0033]

On 6/27/2022 at 12:11 PM, R4haehl said:

- 7/17 AM - Tobacco Road - Possibly 36 here but TBD - will depend how quick we get around in AM and how much time we have before heading to airport in Raleigh

 

Unless you have a late flight... odds are slim.  Once you get past 10am it turns into a 5 hour round most days - especially on a Sunday afternoon.  So if you have a 6:30 or so AM, can hit the turn immediately at 11:00 or 11:30 - finish up at 4...  Quickly pack your thing together (there is a single shower in the "locker room" there, but can be a long wait sometimes).  Drive the 45 minutes back to RDU to return rental car and take shuttle to airport.

 

If you've got an 7:30pm flight or later.  You can probably do it, I wouldn't want to push it that much closer.  Unless you're cool setting a time and walking away no matter what hole you reached.

 

I say this as someone who added an extra AM round here on our departure day, and barely made it to the airport on time after a single Sunday AM round that ended up taking 5 hours.

 

Just manage your playing group's expectations.

 

It is however the most fun golf course that I have every played, personally.  (I am going to Sand Valley this year, and Bandon next year, so we will see how it stacks up)  But as a single, stand alone course.  It is awesome!  And I am so glad something like that exists.

[miss0033]

I haven't played many courses down there, but I will throw in my 2 cents.

 

1 - Tobacco Road

 

2 - Mid Pines

3 - Pine Needles

4 - UNC Finley

5 - Lonnie Poole

 

 

6 - Tot Hill Farm

7 - Legacy

8 - MidSouth

9 - Talamore

10 - Pinehurst #3

 

11 - Southern Pines (Pre-Reno)

12 - Pinehurst #5

 

Tobacco Road left such an impression on me the first time I played it, and I almost always cannot wait to go back.  I play it once or twice every 3 years (family down there).  I can see why others don't like it as much, but I love it.  I wouldn't want to play it everyday, but that is most courses I play.  I don't want to be a member anywhere because I feel like I would get sick of the course.  My "Home" course, I probably play 6-7 times a year.  I'd love to play it every year, even a few times a year.

 

I really liked MidPines.  Pine Needles was fun, but I felt like it wound through a neighborhood in certain holes, and I don't care for that as much.  Both great courses though.

The college courses in the area are fantastic as well.  UNC Finley gets the bump for being walkable, while Lonnie Poole is a difficult walk and has areas where you have to double back.

 

Tot Hill Farm also a really interesting layout and a good departure in our trips.  It is in rough shape, and not close to anything.  I can clearly see why many don't like it.  I however enjoyed it more than several other courses I played on the same trip.

Legacy, MidSouth, and Talamore are, to me, almsot all interchangeable.  Good courses, decent conditions (when I played) but nothing particularly memorable about them.

 

Pinehurst #3 was okay, Pinehurst #5 might as well have been a local muni back home.  Nothing memorable about it at all.  Both wind through neighborhoods, again, I am not a fan of that, but at least #3 had some interesting golf.  Southern Pines was pre-reno, so maybe I should just take it off my list.

 

If I was a local and playing these regularly, my rankings might be different.  But as a golf tourist, those are my opinions.

[cmckay]

Has anyone played Pinewild Country Club (Magnolia)? Were looking for a 4th course to add on to our itinerary of Mid Pines, Pine Needles, and Southern Pines and heard Pinewild was a nice course to add. We've all done Tobacco Road so was looking for another option that we haven't played 

[R4haehl]

21 hours ago, miss0033 said:

 

Unless you have a late flight... odds are slim.  Once you get past 10am it turns into a 5 hour round most days - especially on a Sunday afternoon.  So if you have a 6:30 or so AM, can hit the turn immediately at 11:00 or 11:30 - finish up at 4...  Quickly pack your thing together (there is a single shower in the "locker room" there, but can be a long wait sometimes).  Drive the 45 minutes back to RDU to return rental car and take shuttle to airport.

 

If you've got an 7:30pm flight or later.  You can probably do it, I wouldn't want to push it that much closer.  Unless you're cool setting a time and walking away no matter what hole you reached.

 

I say this as someone who added an extra AM round here on our departure day, and barely made it to the airport on time after a single Sunday AM round that ended up taking 5 hours.

 

Just manage your playing group's expectations.

 

It is however the most fun golf course that I have every played, personally.  (I am going to Sand Valley this year, and Bandon next year, so we will see how it stacks up)  But as a single, stand alone course.  It is awesome!  And I am so glad something like that exists.

I appreciate the insight! I kind of figured that may be the case. Our flight is at like 7pm, so it would be tight. Looking forward to it!!

 

[dmay73]

#4 best 

[mikedejong33]

On 6/30/2022 at 7:47 AM, cmckay said:

Has anyone played Pinewild Country Club (Magnolia)? Were looking for a 4th course to add on to our itinerary of Mid Pines, Pine Needles, and Southern Pines and heard Pinewild was a nice course to add. We've all done Tobacco Road so was looking for another option that we haven't played 

We played 36 at Pinewild, playing Magnolia and Holly. It is really nice. Maybe a little on the "short and easy" side, but really nice place I thought.

[spineshank]

On 6/30/2022 at 9:47 AM, cmckay said:

Has anyone played Pinewild Country Club (Magnolia)? Were looking for a 4th course to add on to our itinerary of Mid Pines, Pine Needles, and Southern Pines and heard Pinewild was a nice course to add. We've all done Tobacco Road so was looking for another option that we haven't played 

 

Ive played it twice. Its nothing special imo. Holly isnt even as good as Magnolia either. 

[Cwing]

On 6/29/2022 at 5:12 PM, miss0033 said:

 

Unless you have a late flight... odds are slim.  Once you get past 10am it turns into a 5 hour round most days - especially on a Sunday afternoon.  So if you have a 6:30 or so AM, can hit the turn immediately at 11:00 or 11:30 - finish up at 4...  Quickly pack your thing together (there is a single shower in the "locker room" there, but can be a long wait sometimes).  Drive the 45 minutes back to RDU to return rental car and take shuttle to airport.

 

If you've got an 7:30pm flight or later.  You can probably do it, I wouldn't want to push it that much closer.  Unless you're cool setting a time and walking away no matter what hole you reached.

 

I say this as someone who added an extra AM round here on our departure day, and barely made it to the airport on time after a single Sunday AM round that ended up taking 5 hours.

 

Just manage your playing group's expectations.

 

It is however the most fun golf course that I have every played, personally.  (I am going to Sand Valley this year, and Bandon next year, so we will see how it stacks up)  But as a single, stand alone course.  It is awesome!  And I am so glad something like that exists.

Not to thread jack but if you liked Tobacco Road, you will also enjoy Sweetens Cove. I loved both places. They are not comparable to Bandon Dunes as Bandon is a different kind of golf from SC and TB Road. Bandon was late Aug, 2021. Sweetens was early Aug, 2021 and TB Road was Nov, 2018. Played PH #4 right after renovation. Going back in Nov again this year.

 

We did #4, Dormie Club, Pine Needles and Tobacco Road that trip. 

.

Edited July 26, 2022 by Cwing

[tjl48]

Figure this is good a place as any. Going to book a package at Pine Needles and Mid Pines. Which of the 2 is better to stay at for lodging? 

[miss0033]

Neither is great.  Pine Needles is quite dated, Mid Pines is very, VERY dated.  I'd go Pine Needles if those are the only 2 options.

[italianstallion]

On 8/7/2022 at 2:55 PM, tjl48 said:

Figure this is good a place as any. Going to book a package at Pine Needles and Mid Pines. Which of the 2 is better to stay at for lodging? 

Mid pines was probably top 5 worst places I’ve ever stayed. I’d try Pine Needles. 
 

Either way the prices can’t be beat. It was cheaper to book golf plus rooms than it was to just book the golf. 

[The Swanny]

I am hitting #2 and #4 end of this month.  Will let you m ow my thoughts on the 2 after.

[mlwenzlick]

Played Tobacco road, Pine Needles, and the Duke U course when I was down there this past April for the masters. Absolutely loved TR, I live not far from Sand Valley so it wasn’t my first go round on that “style” but it was an experience. Would play it again absolutely. Pine Needles no thanks. It was “nice”, but I couldn’t tell you what any hole is from memory besides #1. Just blah considering the price.

 

Duke was the most surprising for me though. Really enjoyed that place, and contrary to my long held beliefs (sorry Dookies 😛) the service was EXCELLENT. For the price would absolutely play it again. The UNC-Finley course on the other hand looked boring when i stopped by and the pro shop was lame.

[JRSc]

14 hours ago, mlwenzlick said:

Played Tobacco road, Pine Needles, and the Duke U course when I was down there this past April for the masters. Absolutely loved TR, I live not far from Sand Valley so it wasn’t my first go round on that “style” but it was an experience. Would play it again absolutely. Pine Needles no thanks. It was “nice”, but I couldn’t tell you what any hole is from memory besides #1. Just blah considering the price.

 

Duke was the most surprising for me though. Really enjoyed that place, and contrary to my long held beliefs (sorry Dookies 😛) the service was EXCELLENT. For the price would absolutely play it again. The UNC-Finley course on the other hand looked boring when i stopped by and the pro shop was lame.

Did the Davis Love redo already take place at Finley?  Haven't been there in a long time. The UNC Golf team looks really strong this year.

[caniac6]

18 hours ago, mlwenzlick said:

Played Tobacco road, Pine Needles, and the Duke U course when I was down there this past April for the masters. Absolutely loved TR, I live not far from Sand Valley so it wasn’t my first go round on that “style” but it was an experience. Would play it again absolutely. Pine Needles no thanks. It was “nice”, but I couldn’t tell you what any hole is from memory besides #1. Just blah considering the price.

 

Duke was the most surprising for me though. Really enjoyed that place, and contrary to my long held beliefs (sorry Dookies 😛) the service was EXCELLENT. For the price would absolutely play it again. The UNC-Finley course on the other hand looked boring when i stopped by and the pro shop was lame.

I worked at the Duke course many years ago when in turf school at NC State. Great place to work, and the entire pro staff was absolutely fantastic. Stopped by last week while passing through Durham, and if anything, they were even better. Just a great place.

[caniac6]

On 10/19/2022 at 12:50 PM, JRSc said:

Did the Davis Love redo already take place at Finley?  Haven't been there in a long time. The UNC Golf team looks really strong this year.

Got a Facebook post from Finley today. It showed Davis Love sitting on a piece of construction equipment. He did the course for U.Va., and I have not played it, but it looks a lot better than the old course.

[postfold]

On 10/19/2022 at 12:50 PM, JRSc said:

Did the Davis Love redo already take place at Finley?  Haven't been there in a long time. The UNC Golf team looks really strong this year.

 

Just closed it a couple days ago for the redo, supposed to reopen September 2023 iirc.

[spineshank]

On 10/18/2022 at 9:50 PM, mlwenzlick said:

Played Tobacco road, Pine Needles, and the Duke U course when I was down there this past April for the masters. Absolutely loved TR, I live not far from Sand Valley so it wasn’t my first go round on that “style” but it was an experience. Would play it again absolutely. Pine Needles no thanks. It was “nice”, but I couldn’t tell you what any hole is from memory besides #1. Just blah considering the price.

 

Duke was the most surprising for me though. Really enjoyed that place, and contrary to my long held beliefs (sorry Dookies 😛) the service was EXCELLENT. For the price would absolutely play it again. The UNC-Finley course on the other hand looked boring when i stopped by and the pro shop was lame.

 

I liked Finley. I would say I like Lonnie Poole better though. Havent played Duke yet.

[awelday]

On 6/3/2022 at 8:29 PM, StudentGolfer4 said:

 

@exgolfpro" you may know the answer to this, but our veteran caddy told us that members still have to pay a hefty surcharge whenever they play #2. He also mentioned they use to have different classification of members and that determined what pricing was and time of year played a big factor too. Any insight on this?..."

Any surcharges for #2 depend on the level of membership. A Signature (highest level) membership is subject to a cart fee. And yes, rates vary with the season if a member is subject to a rate. 

[TGrant]

Older thread but Ill throw a little rating in there. Caddied at the resort for almost 3 years, played them all, know them all. 

 

Honorable Mentions that are close to the top 10 for me : Pinehurst #3, Mid South Club, Southern Pines, Talamore, Lonnie Poole, Finley. 

 

1. #2

2. #4

3. Mid Pines 

4. CCNC Dogwood

5. Dormie 

6. Pine Needles 

7. Forest Creek North (Could go South, but prefer bermuda greens) 

8. #8 

9. Tobacco Road 

10. CCNC Cardinal 

Edited December 18, 2023 by TGrant

[ChrisSP]

I'll add my $0.02 having previously lived in the area for a couple if years. List is courses I've played and my preference based on personal appreciation for the courses.

 

1. Pinehurst No. 4

2. Mid Pines (under appreciated)

3. Pine Needles

4. Pinehurst No. 2

5. Pinehurst No. 8

6. Pinewild Magnolia

7. Dormie (overrated)

8. Talamore

9. Pinehurst No. 7

10. Southern Pines

11. Pinehurst No. 1

12. Legacy

13. Pinewild Holly

14. Whispering Pines (Pines)

15. 7 Lakes

16. Hyland

17. Foxfire Grey

18. Foxfire Red

19. Longleaf

20. Whispering Pines (River)

21. Beacon Hill

22. Whispering Woods

23. Deercroft

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24. Tobacco Road (trash)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25. Tot Hill Farm (trash can juice)

 

[golfheaven69]

I don’t get the Dormie love. Thought is was ok but nothing special. 

[Husker4theSpurs]

On 1/10/2024 at 6:11 PM, golfheaven69 said:

I don’t get the Dormie love. Thought is was ok but nothing special. 

It's like a lot of Coore Crenshaw in that the more you play the more you appreciate. But in general I agree. Still working on some drainage issues--nothing major--but needs to a bit firmer and faster. It's a value added course in that the service and experience is so great that it tends to elevate the opinion of the course imho. Solid place though.

[kwainio]

Did a trip down there in the fall. They're honestly all great courses, and all have similarities and differences. I loved Southern Pines, but it still needs some more time to grow in, it's just my *style* of architecture, it'll get there. Tobacco Road is great, I loved it, but ranking it on this list would be like comparing classical to jazz, yes they're both music, but they're so wildly different where do you even start?

 

1. #2

.....

2. #4

3. Mid Pines

....

4. Southern Pines

5. #8

6. Pine Needles

7. #3

 

?. Tobacco Road

[DoubleorQuits]

The third hole at Mud Pines has to be one of the worst holes in America.  

[Looper34]

14 hours ago, DoubleorQuits said:

The third hole at Mud Pines has to be one of the worst holes in America.  

There's a golf ball magnet on the right side, I've donated a couple myself.

[Atwsc7]

On 1/28/2024 at 7:15 PM, DoubleorQuits said:

The third hole at Mud Pines has to be one of the worst holes in America.  

It's a tough tee shot, but a good hole