Rating the Pinehurst courses (resort and others)

[Dave52]

On 4/25/2024 at 7:09 AM, ND2005 said:

I have only seen the photos and the reviews but I think 10 will quickly surpass 4 as the “second best” course at the resort 

Absolutely true. Possibly recency bias, but having played 2, 4, & finally 10 this week. I’m left with a sadness that I may never play 10 again, I can’t say that about 2 or 4. 10 is the best course of the trio. 

[2Bogey]

What’s the typical pace of play at Mid Pines or Pine Needles on a Saturday AM in late June? Thanks. 

[Atwsc7]

It's under 5 hours. Most of the time it's been 4 to 440 for us. Never really any backups

[Pepetito]

9 hours ago, Dave52 said:

Absolutely true. Possibly recency bias, but having played 2, 4, & finally 10 this week. I’m left with a sadness that I may never play 10 again, I can’t say that about 2 or 4. 10 is the best course of the trio. 

Decisions, Decisions....

[Net_5]

Just got back two weeks ago.  Based on what we played, courses only no amenities:

 

No. 2

No. 4

Southern Pines

Pine Needles

Mid Pines
No. 8

No. 3

Tobacco Road

 

No. 3 is probably too low for the fun we had playing it.

 

 

[tonyt3524]

We are looking to do a trip down here next year but won't be staying on the property so we will only have potential access to Cradle, 1, 3 and 5. Outside of the Cradle which one should we try to play?

[Drwoods2017]

3 hours ago, tonyt3524 said:

We are looking to do a trip down here next year but won't be staying on the property so we will only have potential access to Cradle, 1, 3 and 5. Outside of the Cradle which one should we try to play?

I'm a fan of 3. It's shorter but the greens are tough.  Feel like all of them are overpriced but that's a separate issue. Since they've changed the policy regarding only being able to book 24 hours in advance we tend to skip all resort courses if we aren't staying there.

[tonyt3524]

5 minutes ago, Drwoods2017 said:

I'm a fan of 3. It's shorter but the greens are tough.  Feel like all of them are overpriced but that's a separate issue. Since they've changed the policy regarding only being able to book 24 hours in advance we tend to skip all resort courses if we aren't staying there.

 

That's where I'm at. Only one that I want to play is the Cradle but the Pines courses are looking a lot more tempting. 

[pmccallum86]

2 hours ago, tonyt3524 said:

 

That's where I'm at. Only one that I want to play is the Cradle but the Pines courses are looking a lot more tempting. 

 

I like #3 but any of the Pines courses are worlds better. 

[CanFred]

On 4/25/2024 at 11:48 AM, mikedejong33 said:

I would suggest playing 36 at Tobacco Road. The first go around is a bit tough, you don't know where to go, how much room there is, etc. The second round is awesome as you know it a bit better. Its a once in a lifetime golf experience. 

Couldn't agree more @mikedejong33 - TR needs to be part of any trip to Pinehurst.  As far as lodging, I stayed in the cabins at MidPines.  Nothing to write home about, but you aren't there for the accommodations😂...

 

I haven't played 10, but I'd only put #2 against the Pines course truthfully.

Edited May 29, 2024 by ChrisATL

[miss0033]

11 hours ago, Drwoods2017 said:

I'm a fan of 3. It's shorter but the greens are tough.  Feel like all of them are overpriced but that's a separate issue. Since they've changed the policy regarding only being able to book 24 hours in advance we tend to skip all resort courses if we aren't staying there.

 

I was so irritated with my last "trip" to Pinehurst.  Tried to book a "twilight" round on #3 for a cheaper rate, and was told on the phone it was the first twilight tee time available.

 

When I got to the course the next day I waited over 20 minutes to check-in for the round because there was a huge line in the proshop and only one or 2 people working checkout and check-in.  They checked me in for the $125 standard off-site guest rate.   I was told that Twilight didn't start for another hour, there was no ability to move a tee time within 24 hours, and I would need to cancel and pay a fee if I wanted to move it.  They also then said #3 was a significant walk and recommended we take a cart, which added an additional $25.  We went downstairs for the cart, and the first two people said yeah, just a minute, and disappeared.  It took a third person to finally get one for us.  We tee off almost 30 minutes late, and after not being able to move the tee time, there was absolutely nobody on the course.  We only saw one other group the whole time and I think they were playing a neighboring Pinehurst course, not #3.

 

After the round, we used one of their shuttles and the drivers acted irritated that they were there, and while sitting in one of the shuttles I got to hear the sickening sound of a graphite shaft snaping near the tip when he shoved a bag into the back like a Delta baggage handler.

 

#10 looks cool... but for the price of lodging and the rounds of golf, not to mention the eye watering food and beverage prices, I really have very little desire to ever go back to Pinehurst.  #1, #5, #6, and #7 are all forgettable courses at best.  They are more or less local municipal level courses that wind through neighborhoods.  #8 was okay but felt extremely over priced.  I haven't played #2, and only played #4 before the remodel.  Rounds at the Cradle can take a long time if you get behind the group of 12 playing together...

 

There is so much good golf in the area, that Pinehurst isn't even a thought in my mind.  Southern Pines, Mid Pines, Pine Needles, Tobacco Road, not to mention some others like Lonnie Poole, UNC Finley, Duke, Talamore, Mid South...  

 

 

[Drwoods2017]

6 hours ago, miss0033 said:

 

I was so irritated with my last "trip" to Pinehurst.  Tried to book a "twilight" round on #3 for a cheaper rate, and was told on the phone it was the first twilight tee time available.

 

When I got to the course the next day I waited over 20 minutes to check-in for the round because there was a huge line in the proshop and only one or 2 people working checkout and check-in.  They checked me in for the $125 standard off-site guest rate.   I was told that Twilight didn't start for another hour, there was no ability to move a tee time within 24 hours, and I would need to cancel and pay a fee if I wanted to move it.  They also then said #3 was a significant walk and recommended we take a cart, which added an additional $25.  We went downstairs for the cart, and the first two people said yeah, just a minute, and disappeared.  It took a third person to finally get one for us.  We tee off almost 30 minutes late, and after not being able to move the tee time, there was absolutely nobody on the course.  We only saw one other group the whole time and I think they were playing a neighboring Pinehurst course, not #3.

 

After the round, we used one of their shuttles and the drivers acted irritated that they were there, and while sitting in one of the shuttles I got to hear the sickening sound of a graphite shaft snaping near the tip when he shoved a bag into the back like a Delta baggage handler.

 

#10 looks cool... but for the price of lodging and the rounds of golf, not to mention the eye watering food and beverage prices, I really have very little desire to ever go back to Pinehurst.  #1, #5, #6, and #7 are all forgettable courses at best.  They are more or less local municipal level courses that wind through neighborhoods.  #8 was okay but felt extremely over priced.  I haven't played #2, and only played #4 before the remodel.  Rounds at the Cradle can take a long time if you get behind the group of 12 playing together...

 

There is so much good golf in the area, that Pinehurst isn't even a thought in my mind.  Southern Pines, Mid Pines, Pine Needles, Tobacco Road, not to mention some others like Lonnie Poole, UNC Finley, Duke, Talamore, Mid South...  

 

 

It's just simple greed and they can do that now. It's sad how the experience has fallen off.  The biggest issue for me is the ridiculous everyone needs to be on a package thing. We went over new years to go to the new years party.  I stayed on the bed and breakfast golf package. They forced my wife to be on the regular bed and breakfast package. So essentially you have to pay double for a 1 room. Next time I'm just going to not even tell them she's there.  Its ridiculous to charge per person for 1 room. 

[tonyt3524]

The thought of an airbnb and just playing the Cradle sounds better and better...

[Drwoods2017]

17 hours ago, tonyt3524 said:

The thought of an airbnb and just playing the Cradle sounds better and better...

This is the way to go but the cradle is also incredibly packed. Last time we called down to get a tee time the day before only thing they had was 5 pm

[snagy2000]

IMO, the Cradle is overrated. Don't get me wrong, It's fun, but mostly waiting on every shot for the group in front of you while teeing off from severely mediocre teeing grounds due to excessive usage, just isn't worth making a special trip to Pinehurst. 

[sodak77]

18 minutes ago, snagy2000 said:

IMO, the Cradle is overrated. Don't get me wrong, It's fun, but mostly waiting on every shot for the group in front of you while teeing off from severely mediocre teeing grounds due to excessive usage, just isn't worth making a special trip to Pinehurst. 

My opinion exactly.  Glad to say I played it but thought it was pretty boring and the holes repetitive.  Comparing it to the short courses at Bandon, SV and Prairie Club which were much more fun and varied. 

 

Now, Thistle Du on the other hand is something I can't recommend enough.  Such a fun time where we ended up spending a lot of time playing.  

[ND2005]

1 hour ago, snagy2000 said:

IMO, the Cradle is overrated. Don't get me wrong, It's fun, but mostly waiting on every shot for the group in front of you while teeing off from severely mediocre teeing grounds due to excessive usage, just isn't worth making a special trip to Pinehurst. 

 

Agreed. I would never seek out a round on the cradle. If I'm there for 2/4/10 and happen to have some extra time, sure. But that's about it. 

[tonyt3524]

6 hours ago, Drwoods2017 said:

This is the way to go but the cradle is also incredibly packed. Last time we called down to get a tee time the day before only thing they had was 5 pm

 

Which would be fine with us. The thought is to drive down on a Friday and just do The Cradle/Thistle Du that afternoon/evening and not be rushed to get checked in and go play 18. Coming down from VA (3-4 hours) so we could also stop somewhere on the way.

Edited May 31, 2024 by tonyt3524

[miss0033]

4 minutes ago, tonyt3524 said:

 

Which would be fine with us. The thought is to drive down on a Friday and just do The Cradle/Thistle Du that afternoon/evening and not be rushed to get checked in and go play 18. Coming down from VA (3-4 hours) so we could also stop somewhere on the way.

Play Royal New Kent on the way down?  Prior to Tot Hill and Tobacco Road?  

 

😁

[Looper34]

22 hours ago, snagy2000 said:

IMO, the Cradle is overrated. Don't get me wrong, It's fun, but mostly waiting on every shot for the group in front of you while teeing off from severely mediocre teeing grounds due to excessive usage, just isn't worth making a special trip to Pinehurst. 

Agree. Certainly not worth going out of the way to play it. 

[2Bogey]

Can anyone share any comments on the restaurants on and off the Pinehurst property? Keeping it casual so not looking for anything fancy. Thanks!

[ChrisSP]

15 hours ago, 2Bogey said:

Can anyone share any comments on the restaurants on and off the Pinehurst property? Keeping it casual so not looking for anything fancy. Thanks!

 

Go to Maxie's for sure, near the Village. Cool local spot for wings, sandwiches, bar food.

 

The Pine Needles Lounge is a good spot for a casual meal. Very good burgers.

 

If you like pizza, Vito's off Route 5 on the way to where No. 10 is now is very good. Try the Sicilian style.

 

And every trip to Pinehurst should include a visit to Beefeaters for a steak. Old-school, casual steakhouse.

[2Bogey]

Appreciate it!

[Pepetito]

Question for you all who have done Pinehurst resort and Southern Pines area trip:

My group had originally planned on doing Bandon in October of 2025 for our 40th birthdays.  However, the new reservation process and the feedback i've read on it makes it sound like even if you try to book that at the earliest possible time its a small chance you actually are able to book what you want.  And that earliest possible time to book has not yet occurred (still waiting for them to open up October 2025 reservations).

 

That said, we had pivoted to Pinehurst as our backup plan.  My concern is that interest will skyrocket after the US open and booking said Pinehurst trip for October 2025 may be a challenge with the greatly increased demand.

 

All of this is to say:  If I want to book Pinehurst for October 2025, is it imperative that I book the trip before the US open, or do you guys still feel I have some time to wait out Bandon?  How early would you say I'd need to make those Pinehurst reservations to feel good that it wont be all booked up?

 

Thanks.

[cer5059]

1 hour ago, Pepetito said:

Question for you all who have done Pinehurst resort and Southern Pines area trip:

My group had originally planned on doing Bandon in October of 2025 for our 40th birthdays.  However, the new reservation process and the feedback i've read on it makes it sound like even if you try to book that at the earliest possible time its a small chance you actually are able to book what you want.  And that earliest possible time to book has not yet occurred (still waiting for them to open up October 2025 reservations).

 

That said, we had pivoted to Pinehurst as our backup plan.  My concern is that interest will skyrocket after the US open and booking said Pinehurst trip for October 2025 may be a challenge with the greatly increased demand.

 

All of this is to say:  If I want to book Pinehurst for October 2025, is it imperative that I book the trip before the US open, or do you guys still feel I have some time to wait out Bandon?  How early would you say I'd need to make those Pinehurst reservations to feel good that it wont be all booked up?

 

Thanks.

Not that this will help too much, but I booked a trip for this August, playing all the big, non-Pinehurst courses, back in late March and didn't have any trouble getting a place to stay or tee times for any of the five rounds we're playing.

 

We're playing:

Mid-South

Talamore

Tobacco Road

Mid Pines

Southern Pines

[Pepetito]

25 minutes ago, cer5059 said:

Not that this will help too much, but I booked a trip for this August, playing all the big, non-Pinehurst courses, back in late March and didn't have any trouble getting a place to stay or tee times for any of the five rounds we're playing.

 

We're playing:

Mid-South

Talamore

Tobacco Road

Mid Pines

Southern Pines

Yeah the Mid Pines/Pine Needles/Southern Pines trio wont even accept reservations until November for October 2025.  I'm more concerned about the Pinehurst piece of the equation.

[krtgolfing]

17 minutes ago, Pepetito said:

Yeah the Mid Pines/Pine Needles/Southern Pines trio wont even accept reservations until November for October 2025.  I'm more concerned about the Pinehurst piece of the equation.

 

I don't think you can book Pinehurst that far out. According to the online calendar you can only book up until 2/29/2025 currently.

[Pepetito]

30 minutes ago, krtgolfing said:

 

I don't think you can book Pinehurst that far out. According to the online calendar you can only book up until 2/29/2025 currently.

I called them a month ago.  You can book lodging and golf package now but they wont slot in your golf until July I believe.

[Drwoods2017]

2 hours ago, Pepetito said:

Question for you all who have done Pinehurst resort and Southern Pines area trip:

My group had originally planned on doing Bandon in October of 2025 for our 40th birthdays.  However, the new reservation process and the feedback i've read on it makes it sound like even if you try to book that at the earliest possible time its a small chance you actually are able to book what you want.  And that earliest possible time to book has not yet occurred (still waiting for them to open up October 2025 reservations).

 

That said, we had pivoted to Pinehurst as our backup plan.  My concern is that interest will skyrocket after the US open and booking said Pinehurst trip for October 2025 may be a challenge with the greatly increased demand.

 

All of this is to say:  If I want to book Pinehurst for October 2025, is it imperative that I book the trip before the US open, or do you guys still feel I have some time to wait out Bandon?  How early would you say I'd need to make those Pinehurst reservations to feel good that it wont be all booked up?

 

Thanks.

I wouldn't worry about it because demand for it is already high. I would say 2024 would be higher demand than 2025 because people wanna play it the same year as the open. I don't think people are just now learning about Pinehurst because of the US open. That being said October is prime time.  I would rather go through the hassle to book bandon 100% more than settling for Pinehurst.  Pinehurst is great but the rounds and rooms are way overpriced. Booking for Bandon isn't actually all that bad.  Just call as soon as the booking window opens and you'll be able to get exactly what you need.  

[Pepetito]

1 hour ago, Drwoods2017 said:

I wouldn't worry about it because demand for it is already high. I would say 2024 would be higher demand than 2025 because people wanna play it the same year as the open. I don't think people are just now learning about Pinehurst because of the US open. That being said October is prime time.  I would rather go through the hassle to book bandon 100% more than settling for Pinehurst.  Pinehurst is great but the rounds and rooms are way overpriced. Booking for Bandon isn't actually all that bad.  Just call as soon as the booking window opens and you'll be able to get exactly what you need.  

Thats not how it works anymore in regards to Bandon.  Everyone has to log into a virtual waiting room at a set time and you get a number in the queue and then they call you back when you get to the front of the line.  I've read tales of people getting in at the exact time it opened only to be so far down the queue that when they got their call eight hours later everything they wanted was booked.