Trip Decision - Pinehurst vs. Tobacco Road, Pine Needles, MidPines - Is it worth the extra money?

[BG5]

Gents,

 

I am going to take my first trip to North Carolina and I am so excited but not I have to decide which courses I am going to play.

 

I can go to Pinehurst for 2 nights and play both #2 and #4 for a total cost of $850

 

I can go do a 3 day trip and play Tobacco Road, Pine Needles and Mid Pines for about $550

 

I am sure I will knock out all of these courses at some point in time but if you had a choice which trip would you do?  Any feedback or advice would be great

[mikedejong33]

I have done the Southern Pines/Pinehurst trip 3 times now, and never set foot on the Pinehurst resort. For the amount they charge to play the good courses at the resort, I would way prefer to play Tobacco Road, Mid Pines, Pine Needles, Southern Pines, Talamore, Mid South, etc. Then again I spent 10 days in Scotland and didn't play the Old Course, and again, I didn't feel cheated (played the New, Jubilee, Castle, Dukes, Castle Stuart, Dornoch, Nairn, etc.). Unless you absolutely feel the need to play #2 due to the history, etc. I think you can get the sandhills golf experience playing some world class courses for a fraction of the price. But that's just me...

[BG5]

16 minutes ago, mikedejong33 said:

I have done the Southern Pines/Pinehurst trip 3 times now, and never set foot on the Pinehurst resort. For the amount they charge to play the good courses at the resort, I would way prefer to play Tobacco Road, Mid Pines, Pine Needles, Southern Pines, Talamore, Mid South, etc. Then again I spent 10 days in Scotland and didn't play the Old Course, and again, I didn't feel cheated (played the New, Jubilee, Castle, Dukes, Castle Stuart, Dornoch, Nairn, etc.). Unless you absolutely feel the need to play #2 due to the history, etc. I think you can get the sandhills golf experience playing some world class courses for a fraction of the price. But that's just me...

 

That's kind of what I am thinking.  I know a few guys who have played Tobacco Road and they just love the place.  Pinehurst #2 is def a course I have to play at sometime in my life but maybe that can wait.  It would be cool to play prior to the U.S. open but I am not sure I want to pay the high prices.  On the other hand its an extra $300 so its not life changing money but it all adds up in the end

[Guest RobS]

I've spent a lot of time in that area.   Having played all of those courses more than once, I'd go with the more golf for less money.  If you haven't played #2 before, that makes it a different decision.  If it's on your list of must play, I'd probably knock that out.  I enjoy #4 every bit as much as #2, so playing those 2 is a really solid trip.  With that being said, I don't find those 2 courses to be head and shoulders better than any other excellent courses in the NC Sand Hills.  My view on #2 is that it's worth the money one time.  After that, I wouldn't be pressed to play it again when there is so many other good courses at more reasonable prices.

[SBH9458]

I find agreement in that Pinehurst #2, if it is on your bucket list… knock it down.  I love #4 and #8 as well.  
 

If it were not, the volume of exceptional golf available in the area is undeniable.  For me… popular opinion or not… I will pass on playing Tobacco Road again for the rest of my days.  No need for me to go back, ever.  I have a great friend who loves the place, for a balancing opinion, but it is not for me.  

[krtgolfing]

I would knock out 2 and 4 since those require stay and plays.

[MattM97]

I'll agree with others here, if bucket list do the Pinehurst one but more golf for less is always better, I'm doing that second option in a few weeks and it's not like what you get are bad courses at all, just nice to have your money get a bit more out of it. 

[ebeck66]

Not sure if this matters, but Pinehurst does not overseed. The Bermuda fairways are dormant now. I know Mid Pines overseeds the fairways, not sure about Pine Needles and Tobacco Road. 

[klineka]

I would do the 3 round option no questions asked. 

 

You can always go to the actual resort and try to walk on The Cradle, play the putting course, and eat dinner/visit the pro shop if you wanted to check the resort out but not pay the premium to stay there. 

 

I haven't played Pine Needles but Tobacco Road and Mid Pines are absolutely fantastic. 

 

You get an extra round and $300 to spend in the pro shops to reach the same price as 2 rounds at the actual resort. It's not like those 3 courses you mentioned are goat track munis either, they're all really really good courses. 

 

FWIW, I've been to Pinehurst 3 times and haven't played any of the resort courses yet. That will change when I visit in 2025 but I've played 10+ rounds down there and have had an awesome time every single time even without playing the resort courses.

[cassel191919]

If you plan on going back I would do the 3 day, if you're not positive play number 2 I believe it is one of the best there is. Tobacco Road is fun, but their prices are starting to get crazy. 250 plus for what some would call goofy golf is getting a little ridiculous.

[jcook10]

3 hours ago, BG5 said:

Gents,

 

I am going to take my first trip to North Carolina and I am so excited but not I have to decide which courses I am going to play.

 

I can go to Pinehurst for 2 nights and play both #2 and #4 for a total cost of $850

 

I can go do a 3 day trip and play Tobacco Road, Pine Needles and Mid Pines for about $550

 

I am sure I will knock out all of these courses at some point in time but if you had a choice which trip would you do?  Any feedback or advice would be great

If that $850 is all in, caddies, merch, etc. Then that is the steal of the century. Did Pinehurst with my dad last year and pricing got out of hand quickly with merch, caddies, etc. Loved the golf at Pinehurst didn't love the DisneyWorld feel of it.

[Looper34]

You can't go wrong with either choice but if have never done Pinehurst, I would go with that. Very relaxing and pleasant place. 

[caniac6]

After walking Pinehurst #2 at last years U.S.Open, and walking Pine Needles at the last Women’s US Open, Pine Needles would be a lot more fun to play than #2. Pinehurst does have a great history and atmosphere, but from strictly a playing perspective, I’d rather play PN.

[dbornack]

I'd say skip #2, but it's probably not going to ever get any cheaper.  So..  do it if you can.  I've played it 3-4 times now, and honestly, #4 is just as good, and way better for the dollar.

[Poor Mans Ty Webb]

I’ve got a (first ever) trip there coming up, and struggled to try to squeeze TR into the itinerary with Pinehurst resort stay. We ended up deciding to exclusively focus on the resort and bang out everything that’s “resort only” in one shot. So we’ve dropped TR, and are focusing on #2, #4, #10, and #8.

 

The way I saw it, Pinehurst area has SO many courses that it’s very tough to do it all in one trip, so we decided to come back and hit the big ones we’re missing (off resort) next time. Resort stay is $$$$, and I wouldn’t want to be forced into staying there twice. 
 

When I go back, it will be with a focus on TR, PN, SP, MP, etc. I can do something at Pinehurst if I want (all of the odd-numbered courses are still in play), but I could also avoid it entirely, knowing that I’ve had the “full resort experience” there. 

[tjblue]

Did I read this right....you're staying two nights and playing 2 and 4 for 850?

 

That's a no brainer when you include never playing 2 before!

[BG5]

7 hours ago, tjblue said:

Did I read this right....you're staying two nights and playing 2 and 4 for 850?

 

That's a no brainer when you include never playing 2 before!

 

Correct.....I would go in December and total cost for golf and lodging is $850

[ND2005]

Dude just do Pinehurst. That’s a solid price. You won’t regret it. Consider swapping 4 for 10. 
 
I know the days are short but you could also maybe squeeze 3 into an afternoon, it’s a fun short Ross layout and is only $50 replay rate. 

[Pure716]

3 hours ago, BG5 said:

 

Correct.....I would go in December and total cost for golf and lodging is $850

Is this currently going on? I am local and have never, ever heard of that price.  To give you an idea, back in June it was $2,500 for a single to stay two nights at the non-refurbished rooms in the Carolina Hotel, and play #2 and #4.  If that's the price, and you've never played #2, I think you'd be crazy not to.

[canonlbp430]

Play 2 and 4. You can hit the others any time in the future. With that pricing I would get those courses of the bucket list immediately if I had never been there before.

[ND2005]

3 hours ago, Pure716 said:

Is this currently going on? I am local and have never, ever heard of that price.  To give you an idea, back in June it was $2,500 for a single to stay two nights at the non-refurbished rooms in the Carolina Hotel, and play #2 and #4.  If that's the price, and you've never played #2, I think you'd be crazy not to.

it’s off-season. The bed and breakfast package which includes one round per day is 272 per night, plus the upcharge fee for #2

[Gdane]

If we could all hold hands and stop broadcasting how incredible the offseason rates for the Pinehurst/Southern Pines area are that would be great.   🤫

[Pure716]

1 hour ago, ND2005 said:

it’s off-season. The bed and breakfast package which includes one round per day is 272 per night, plus the upcharge fee for #2

I absolutely believe that you saw those prices. However, when I look at the remaining month of December (When the OP said he was going), the base price per night is $538. 

 

If I sort by lowest price:

Bed and Breakfast Package $538 per night or $1,075.76 after taxes and fees

Bed & Breakfast Golf Package $657 per night or $1,313.76 after taxes and fees

 

This is without counting the upcharge to play No. 2 or 4.  Again, I'm not disagreeing that you got those prices - I just am not seeing anywhere near that onlne.

Edited December 11, 2024 by Pure716

[Looper34]

3 hours ago, Pure716 said:

I absolutely believe that you saw those prices. However, when I look at the remaining month of December (When the OP said he was going), the base price per night is $538. 

 

If I sort by lowest price:

Bed and Breakfast Package $538 per night or $1,075.76 after taxes and fees

Bed & Breakfast Golf Package $657 per night or $1,313.76 after taxes and fees

 

This is without counting the upcharge to play No. 2 or 4.  Again, I'm not disagreeing that you got those prices - I just am not seeing anywhere near that onlne.

B&B/Golf package, double occupancy at the Holly/Manor/condos with 1 round of golf is $272/night. Add the $200 surcharge for #2 and it's in the $800 range. Breakfast is included,  dinner. is not.

[bluedot]

The obvious good news is that either trip is going to put you on world class golf courses; I’ve played all 5, and you can’t go wrong here.

 

I suppose it comes down to three questions:

1. How much does the extra money matter?
2. Is either deal a “one-time only” thing, or are these more or less standard, and available this time each year?
3. How soon will you be able to do the other package that you don’t pick this time?
 

All other things equal, I guess I’d opt for the 3 round package, and pocket the savings toward a next trip.  One way to look at it would be that the savings would reduce the cost of the return trip to play #2 and #4, even if it’s at a higher cost.

 

 #2 is really special because of its place in the history of the game, but Pine Needles and Mid Pines aren’t that far behind #2 in golf’s history, and if you include women’s golf, Pine Needles is right there with #2.  #4 is a great golf course, but easily the most “missable” of the 5, while Tobacco Road, OTOH, is absolutely unique.  There are a lot of extreme opinions about TR, and I’m the same; it’s my favorite golf course in the world, and the place I’d go if I had only one round left to play.  You might play great there, or you might run out of golf balls, but you will NEVER see anything else like it.  

[SheriffBooth]

On 12/11/2024 at 7:14 AM, BG5 said:

 

Correct.....I would go in December and total cost for golf and lodging is $850

 

I think for winter golf I would keep my $300 and play the other 3 tracks.  #2 will be fully dormant with painted greens, and if it's windy and cold it will just be a good walk spoiled.  I'd save your first visit to #2 for when it's warmer, the days are longer, and you can sit on the back porch with a cold beer and watch other groups come in.

[Drwoods2017]

On 12/11/2024 at 7:14 AM, BG5 said:

 

Correct.....I would go in December and total cost for golf and lodging is $850

I would check in on that pricing because just the surcharge alone to play #2 is 250 dollars even on the Donald ross package. Are more people going than just yourself?

Edited December 12, 2024 by Drwoods2017

[Drwoods2017]

15 hours ago, Looper34 said:

B&B/Golf package, double occupancy at the Holly/Manor/condos with 1 round of golf is $272/night. Add the $200 surcharge for #2 and it's in the $800 range. Breakfast is included,  dinner. is not.

I've been the last 2 years on new years day and done both the bed and breakfast golf package and the Donald ross package and never has it been less than $1000 bucks after surcharges fees.

[ND2005]

1 hour ago, Drwoods2017 said:

I've been the last 2 years on new years day and done both the bed and breakfast golf package and the Donald ross package and never has it been less than $1000 bucks after surcharges fees.

 

The rates are publicly listed...

 

From the online booking engine it looks like December is pretty booked out (hopefully OP already has a reservation), but for example I picked a random couple of nights in January and the quote was $1088 for 2 people, 2 nights, at the Holly on the Bed, Breakfast, and Golf package (4 x 272 = 1088). 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 12, 2024 by ND2005

[Drwoods2017]

7 minutes ago, ND2005 said:

 

The rates are publicly listed...

 

From the online booking engine it looks like December is pretty booked out (hopefully OP already has a reservation), but for example I picked a random couple of nights in January and the quote was $1088 for 2 people, 2 nights, at the Holly on the Bed, Breakfast, and Golf package (4 x 272 = 1088). 

 

 

 

 

Just pulled up my folio from last year and there's 100 more dollars a night just from taxes and fees. They charge a "package service charge and tax", which isn't included in the publicly listed rates. Listed price might be 272 for 2 nights but by the end of it its still over 1000 dollars once everything is added in if you're playing #2. Not to mention surcharge for #2 change that used to be 150 this time and year and was bumped up to 250 after the Open. It all sounds great to start until you get that final bill and see all the add on stuff.