One of the best value courses in the Sandhills, Southern Pines is a classic, old-fashioned 6,300-yard Donald Ross layout that should not be overlooked by golfers visiting the Pinehurst area.
Southern Pines Golf Club
One of the best value courses in the Sandhills, Southern Pines is a classic, old-fashioned 6,300-yard Donald Ross layout that should not be overlooked by golfers visiting the Pinehurst area.
Obviously Pinehurst No. 2 draws most of the attention from Ross historians wandering North Carolina, but it was not actually the first nine created by the iconic architect in the state. Although the front nine at Pinehurst was indeed Ross’s first design, he actually completed the full 18 at Southern Pines a year before completing the full route at No. 2.
Although that other Ross design has remained in the public view more often due to its hosting of the U.S. Open and other major events, Southern Pines has remained steady in its presentation throughout the past century-plus, playing at just 6,500 yards from the back tees.
In July 2020, the club was purchased by the same group that operated Mid Pines and Pine Needles, two other fine Donald Ross designs in the sand hills region. This acquisition will create one of the finer collections of Ross courses in the country, as well as an upgrade of course maintenance standards. Perhaps it may also mean a restoration of some of Ross’s original holes, which have been lost to time.
Kyle Franz was the architect entrusted with restoring the course to its former glory and the work was carried out in two phases. Tree removal and bunker work was completed during the first half of 2021 before attention turned to reworking the greens and clearing other areas around the property in the summer of that year.
Major changes were made to holes 6, 7, 15 and 18 and a new short par three hole was added between the 4th green and 15th tees – built close to an abandoned hole that was lost in the 1970s – and this now allows golfers to play a 9-hole loop starting with holes 1 to 4, the new hole, then finishing with holes 15 to 18.
“The goal is to make the course feel like a Ross original, staying true to the well-preserved routing and trying to remove superfluous elements added over the decades,” said Franz at the outset of the project. “We will be widening the fairways to make them more inviting (and) removing maintained rough around the greens will encourage players to be creative and have more fun.”
North Carolina has an unusually strong claim to being one of America's great golf destinations. From the historic courses around Pinehurst and Southern Pines to the more distinctive layouts scattered across the Sandhills, there is enough variety to suit almost any kind of golf trip. The only question is how much you want to spend. For this guide, Top100 has built three different two-night itineraries for a four-ball, with each one offering a different way to experience North Carolina golf. The budgets range from $750 to $2,000+ per person, with three rounds included in every trip. From three Donald Ross classics for less than $750 to the ultimate Pinehurst Resort experience, here's how to plan your North Carolina golf trip. $750 - The Sandhills Classics If you want to experience the Pinehurst area without spending a fortune, the $750 itinerary is the sweet spot. For four golfers sharing two rooms, two nights and three rounds, you can build a genuinely memorable Sandhills trip around three Ross courses that all feature prominently on the Top100 North Carolina ranking: Mid Pines (#7), Southern Pines (#11) and Pine Needles (#13). The beauty of this itinerary is its simplicity. All three courses sit within a few minutes of one another, so there is no need to spend half your trip behind the wheel. Instead, you can settle into Southern Pines and concentrate on the golf. Mid Pines is the highest-ranked of the three and makes an excellent starting point. It is a relatively compact course by modern standards, but there is plenty of variety in the holes and the undulating terrain means that the lie you leave yourself can be as important as the shot itself. The greens are a particular feature, with plenty of subtle breaks that aren't always obvious from the fairway. A few minutes away, Southern Pines Golf Club offers a different feel. It is less formal than its better-known neighbours and remains one of the more affordable ways to experience the area's historic golf. For golfers who want to see what Pinehurst was like before it became synonymous with luxury golf travel, this is an essential stop. The final round is at Pine Needles, a course with considerably more championship pedigree. It has hosted the U.S. Women's Open four times, most recently in 2022, and provides a slightly more polished resort experience while retaining the strategic qualities associated with Ross's work. The numbers work surprisingly well too. The three-course Bell Golf Package at Pine Needles bundles two nights' accommodation with all three rounds, breakfast, dinner and carts. At approximately $585 per person, there is still room within the $750 budget for a rental car, fuel and a few extras where necessary. For a first taste of the Sandhills, this is difficult to beat. You get three Top100-ranked courses, three distinct takes on classic North Carolina golf and barely any wasted time travelling between them. $1000 - Tobacco Road and the Strantz Experience The middle itinerary moves away from the traditional Sandhills experience and towards three more varied public-access courses: Tobacco Road (#5), Talamore and Tot Hill Farm. Tobacco Road is the obvious starting point. Mike Strantz's course is one of the most distinctive in the country, and its unconventional layout makes it unlike the other courses in this series. Blind shots are part of the design rather than an occasional feature, while the dramatic changes in elevation and extensive sandy areas give the course a character all of its own. It is a course that can feel intimidating on the first tee, but once you accept that not every shot needs to be conventional, the strategy begins to reveal itself. Talamore provides a useful contrast. The course is more conventional, with a mix of woodland and open holes and enough water and bunkering to keep the round interesting. It also has the practical advantage of being part of a resort operation, making it straightforward to combine with accommodation. The third round at Tot Hill Farm brings the trip back towards Strantz territory. Like Tobacco Road, it makes extensive use of the natural terrain, although the course feels less polished and more remote. The course winds through dramatic terrain and uses the natural landscape to create a succession of memorable holes. It is a good complement to Tobacco Road rather than simply another version of it. The three rounds should cost approximately $650 per person, based on fall rates of around $300 for Tobacco Road, $200 for Talamore and $150 for Tot Hill Farm, including the latter's cart fee. Accommodation for two nights and a shared rental car should bring the overall trip to roughly $800-$900 per person, leaving some headroom within the $1,000 budget. This is the itinerary for golfers who want to see a less conventional side of North Carolina golf, with Tobacco Road providing the clear centrepiece. $2000+ - The Ultimate Pinehurst Experience For golfers prepared to spend more than $2,000 per person, there is no need to look beyond the resort that put North Carolina on the golfing map. A two-night stay at Pinehurst Resort, combined with rounds on Pinehurst No. 2 (#1), No. 4 (#9) and No. 10 (#16), delivers the ultimate version of the Sandhills experience. No. 2 is the historic centrepiece and the course most golfers will have seen on television. Its crowned greens and sandy waste areas are immediately recognisable, while its U.S. Open history gives the round an additional dimension. The challenge is less about finding a way to overpower the course than avoiding the difficult positions that can quickly lead to dropped shots. Around the greens in particular, the difference between a good approach and a slightly misplaced one can be significant. No. 4 offers a different experience. It is a larger, more expansive course, with wider corridors and a greater sense of scale. The course has undergone a major transformation in recent years and now sits comfortably among the best courses at the resort. No. 10, meanwhile, is the newest of the three and provides a different perspective again. The Coore & Crenshaw design occupies a quieter part of the property and makes extensive use of the natural sandy terrain. Its inclusion also means the trip isn't simply a greatest-hits tour of Pinehurst's past; you are seeing where the resort's golf story is heading. Pinehurst's Donald Ross Golf Package includes two nights' accommodation, three rounds, breakfast and dinner, with supplements for No. 2 and No. 10. For four golfers sharing two rooms, the trip is likely to come in at around $2,800-$3,000 per person once the package, course premiums, rental car and fuel are accounted for, before any additional discretionary spending. While it’s a substantial investment, this is not simply three rounds of golf. It is a stay at one of America's great golf resorts, playing three of the best courses in North Carolina, including the state's No. 1 course. For golfers looking to make Pinehurst the centrepiece of a Carolina trip, this is the premium option. Each itinerary is based on two nights and three rounds for four golfers sharing two rooms. Prices include accommodation, green fees and food where appropriate, but exclude flights.
The Sandhills of North Carolina represent American golf's most sacred ground, where Donald Ross crafted his masterpieces and legends continue to emerge. Pinehurst isn't merely a golf destination—it's a pilgrimage site where the sport's greatest champions have tested their mettle across nearly 130 years of golfing history. Pinehurst - Your Next Golf Holiday? Why serious golfers choose Pinehurst: Unmatched heritage - Home to more major championships than any resort destination, including four U.S. Opens on the legendary No. 2 course Championship diversity - Ten distinct courses at Pinehurst Resort alone, each presenting unique challenges from Donald Ross classics to modern masterpieces Year-round playability - Mild Sandhills climate offers excellent conditions 10 months annually, with spring and autumn providing perfect golf weather Complete golf immersion - Purpose-built resort village where every aspect revolves around the game, from morning coffee to evening reflections The concentration of world-class golf within a 30-minute radius remains unmatched anywhere globally, making Pinehurst the ultimate destination for discerning golfers seeking authentic American golf history. North Carolina's Championship Golf Courses Pinehurst No. 2 - Donald Ross's crown jewel and America's most celebrated golf course. The crowned greens and strategic bunkering create an unforgiving test that has humbled golf's greatest players across four U.S. Opens. Recent restoration by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw returned the course to Ross's original vision. Pinehurst No. 10 - Tom Fazio's modern masterpiece seamlessly blends contemporary design with Sandhills tradition. This spectacular layout features dramatic elevation changes and strategic water features whilst maintaining the area's characteristic sandy soil and longleaf pines. Consistently ranked among America's finest resort courses. Old Town Club - Arguably North Carolina's finest golf experience, this ultra-exclusive members-only facility requires proper introductions but rewards with an absolutely sublime golf experience. Located approximately two hours from Pinehurst, the course represents golf architecture at its most refined. Access requires member invitation and planning. Pine Needles Golf Club - Donald Ross's family-friendly masterpiece, famous for hosting multiple U.S. Women's Opens. The course maintains Ross's strategic principles whilst offering a more approachable challenge. The historic lodge provides intimate accommodation with direct course access. Mid Pines Inn Golf Club - Another Ross gem recently restored to original specifications, featuring the architect's signature crowned greens and strategic bunkering. The intimate inn setting provides old-world charm with modern amenities. Southern Pines Golf Club - The oldest Ross course in continuous play, this members' club welcomes visitors and showcases the master's early design philosophy. More intimate than its famous siblings but equally challenging for serious golfers. North Carolina's Best Kept Golf Secrets Tot Hill Farm Golf Club - This Mike Strantz design offers dramatic, links-inspired golf through rolling Sandhills terrain. Known for bold architectural features and strategic challenge, it provides exceptional value compared to resort courses. Green fees approximately £85 (€100/$110). Forest Creek Golf Club - Two Tom Fazio courses provide members and their guests with exceptional golf experiences. Both layouts utilise natural Sandhills topography whilst offering distinct playing characteristics. Limited access through member introductions makes this a special treat for connected visitors. Country Club of North Carolina - This prestigious club features two excellent courses: the Ellis Maples design renovated by rising architect Kris Spence, and a classic William Byrd/Robert Trent Jones layout. Both courses maintain impeccable conditions year-round. Tobacco Road Golf Club - Mike Strantz's wild and wonderful creation challenges conventional golf thinking with dramatic elevation changes and bold design features. This public course offers a championship-level challenge at accessible pricing. The Dormie Club - Part of the exclusive Dormie Network, this Tim Cate design provides limited access to qualified golfers. The course showcases modern architecture whilst respecting Sandhills' traditions. Access requires Dormie Network membership or proper introductions. Sample Itineraries: Choose Your Pinehurst Adventure 3-Day Championship Experience Day 1: Arrive Raleigh-Durham Airport, drive to Pinehurst Resort (90 minutes). Check into Carolina Hotel, evening dinner at 1895 Grille in Holly Inn. Day 2: Morning championship test on Pinehurst No. 2, afternoon visit to Tufts Archives and World Golf Hall of Fame. Evening at Villaggio restaurant with a celebration of conquering America's most famous course. Day 3: Morning round at Pinehurst No. 10 for Tom Fazio's modern masterpiece, check out Pine Needles Lodge (15 minutes). Afternoon round at Pine Needles Golf Club, evening dinner at Ashten's in Southern Pines, before departure next morning. 5-Day Classic Experience Days 1-3: Follow the championship experience above Day 4: Check out Pinehurst Resort, morning round at Southern Pines Golf Club for an authentic Ross heritage experience. Afternoon check into Pine Needles Lodge, evening exploring Southern Pines town centre. Day 5: Morning round at Tot Hill Farm for Mike Strantz's dramatic links-inspired design. Afternoon departure via Raleigh-Durham Airport, allowing reflection on diverse architectural styles from Ross classics to modern innovation. 7-Day Comprehensive Experience Days 1-5: Follow classic experience above Day 6: Morning round at Mid Pines Inn Golf Club, a recently restored Ross gem. Afternoon check into Mid Pines Inn for an intimate lodge experience. Evening at Chef Warren's restaurant. Day 7: Challenge yourself with Tobacco Road Golf Club's wild Mike Strantz design featuring dramatic elevation changes. Afternoon departure with memories of North Carolina's most diverse golf architecture. 10-Day Ultimate Private Access Experience Days 1-7: Follow the comprehensive experience above Day 8: Travel day to access the private Forest Creek Golf Club (member introduction required). Experience Tom Fazio's dual masterpieces with on-site accommodation if available. Evening dining at club facilities. Day 9: Morning round at Country Club of North Carolina's Ellis Maples/Kris Spence course, afternoon round at their William Byrd/Robert Trent Jones layout. Both courses showcase immaculate conditioning and exclusive atmosphere. Day 10: Return to Pinehurst area for departure preparations and final equipment purchases at pro shops. Morning flexibility for additional practice or replay of favourite course before evening departure. Ultimate 7-Day Connoisseur's Collection Note: This itinerary requires extensive planning and member connections for private club access Day 1: Arrive and settle at Pinehurst Resort, evening preparation for championship golf ahead. Day 2: Pinehurst No. 2 championship experience, afternoon recovery and planning for exclusive access days. Day 3: Early departure for Old Town Club (2-hour drive, member invitation essential). Experience arguably North Carolina's finest golf course. Overnight accommodation near Old Town or return to the Pinehurst area. Day 4: Pinehurst No. 10 morning round, afternoon at Pine Needles Lodge with evening at historic property. Day 5: Morning round at Mid Pines Inn, afternoon at Southern Pines Golf Club for a double Ross experience. Day 6: Tot Hill Farm morning challenge, afternoon preparation for final exclusive experience. Day 7: Forest Creek Golf Club South course (member access required), afternoon departure with memories of North Carolina's most prestigious golf collection. Pinehurst Travel Logistics Transportation: Raleigh-Durham International Airport serves the region with direct connections to major European hubs. Rental cars provide essential flexibility for course-hopping, though many accommodations offer shuttle services to affiliated courses. The village of Pinehurst remains walkable, with most resort amenities accessible on foot. Weather & Packing: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) provide ideal conditions with temperatures ranging from 15-24°C (59-75°F). Summer brings heat and humidity, requiring early morning tee times. Winter remains playable with temperatures 4-15°C (39-59°F). Equipment: Club transportation through airlines works well, though several local shops provide quality rental sets. Pine Needles and Pinehurst Resort offer excellent pro shops for equipment needs. Many courses include GPS-equipped golf carts in green fees. Documentation: Official handicap certificates are required for premium courses. Some private clubs require advance verification and member introductions. Dress codes tend toward smart casual, with most facilities requiring collared shirts and proper golf attire. Where to Stay for Pinehurst Golf Pinehurst Resort provides the complete experience with three distinct accommodation options. The Carolina Hotel offers luxury with grand Southern architecture, whilst Holly Inn provides intimate charm, and Magnolia Inn delivers modern comfort. All resort guests enjoy access to courses No. 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, and 10, plus extensive practice facilities. Pine Needles Lodge creates an intimate golfing experience with direct course access and charming accommodations. The historic property maintains old-world character whilst providing modern amenities for discerning golfers. Mid Pines Inn offers similar charm with excellent course access and more budget-friendly pricing than resort options. The property provides an authentic Sandhills atmosphere with personal service. Private club accommodations at Forest Creek and Country Club of North Carolina provide exclusive experiences for qualified guests. Both clubs offer on-site lodging with immediate course access, though arrangements require member sponsorship. Local hotels and B&Bs throughout Southern Pines and Aberdeen provide excellent value for golfers prioritising course access over resort amenities. Many offer package deals with area courses at significant savings. Pinehurst's Culinary Scene Premium dining experiences centre around resort restaurants, with Villaggio in Magnolia Inn leading the pack for exceptional Italian cuisine and wine selection. 1895 Grille in Holly Inn provides classic American fare with Southern influences. Local Southern Pines restaurants offer outstanding value and authentic regional cuisine. Ashten's, Walcott's, and Chef Warren's provide excellent dinners. These establishments showcase local ingredients and traditional Southern cooking. Casual dining and lunch venues include the legendary Pinehurst Racetrack Restaurant for hearty breakfasts, Mason's in Aberdeen for exceptional morning meals, and The Villager Deli for lunch with views of the Donald Ross statue. The lunch buffet at The Deuce provides excellent value and remains the best deal in town for golfers seeking substantial midday meals. New dining destination at Pinehurst No. 10 offers excellent cuisine at the Sandmines location, providing another quality option for golfers exploring the newer facilities south of the main resort. Post-round refreshments flow naturally at resort bars, Dugan Pub for an authentic atmosphere, or Pinehurst Brewing Company for local craft beers. 19th hole culture remains strong throughout the region, with most venues welcoming golf conversation and camaraderie. Booking Golf in Pinehurst Resort course reservations at Pinehurst require accommodation packages for premium courses No. 2 and No. 4, whilst other resort courses allow outside play with advance booking. Peak seasons (spring and autumn) require 60-90 day advance reservations. Private courses like Pine Needles, Mid Pines, and Southern Pines accept advance bookings from qualified golfers. Summer months offer better availability and reduced pricing, whilst spring and autumn book quickly. Package deals through Pinehurst Resort or area hotels often provide better value than individual bookings, particularly for multi-course experiences. These packages frequently include accommodation, meals, and course access at attractive rates. Weather contingencies remain important given seasonal afternoon thunderstorms. Most courses offer rain checks or rescheduling options, though peak season flexibility may be limited. Local booking assistance through resort concierges or area golf shops can access member guest opportunities at private courses. Building relationships with local professionals often opens doors to exclusive experiences. Explore Beyond Golf Tufts Archives provides fascinating insights into Pinehurst's golf history, showcasing how James Walker Tufts transformed the Sandhills into America's premier golf destination. The World Golf Hall of Fame within the USGA building offers an additional historical perspective. Weymouth Woods Nature Preserve delivers excellent hiking through longleaf pine ecosystems, providing peaceful recovery from intense golf experiences. The preserve showcases a natural Sandhills environment that attracted original developers. Historic Southern Pines offers charming downtown shopping, antique browsing, and local craft galleries. The town maintains a small-town atmosphere whilst providing sophisticated amenities for visitors. Equestrian activities remain strong throughout the region, with various stables offering trail rides through Sandhills terrain. The area's horse culture complements its golf heritage beautifully. Cultural attractions include local art galleries, seasonal festivals, and historic home tours that showcase the region's development from health resort to golf mecca. Insider Local Knowledge Avoid common mistakes by understanding that Pinehurst No. 2 requires genuine shot-making skills - the crowned greens punish poor approach shots mercilessly. Seasonal timing proves crucial, with March-April and October-November providing optimal conditions. Summer golf requires dawn tee times to avoid heat and afternoon storms. Local connections through resort staff, pro shop personnel, or area golfers can unlock access to private clubs and special experiences. Southern hospitality opens doors for polite, respectful visitors. Equipment preparation should include wedges suitable for sandy conditions and putting practice for crowned greens. Many visitors underestimate how different these surfaces play compared to modern designs. Cultural expectations favour traditional golf etiquette and dress codes. The area takes golf seriously whilst maintaining welcoming atmosphere for genuine golf enthusiasts. Budget Planning & Travel Value Championship course experiences at Pinehurst No. 2 and No. 10 command premium pricing, reflecting world-class facilities and historical significance. Mid-tier options like Pine Needles, Mid Pines, and Southern Pines provide excellent value with authentic Ross designs without resort premiums. Budget-friendly alternatives include public courses like Mid South Club, Legacy, Talamore, and Longleaf. These provide solid golf experiences at accessible pricing. Total trip estimates vary significantly based on accommodation and course choices. Budget-conscious golfers can enjoy excellent experiences, whilst premium experiences at Pinehurst Resort with championship courses represent a significant investment. Money-saving strategies include off-season timing, package deals through area accommodations, and mixing premium courses with budget-friendly alternatives. Many local restaurants provide exceptional value compared to resort dining. The Sandhills of North Carolina offer unparalleled golf experiences for every budget, from budget-conscious enthusiasts to luxury-seeking golfers. The concentration of quality courses, combined with reasonable accommodation and dining costs outside the resort, creates exceptional value for international golf travellers seeking authentic American golf heritage.
The Sandhills – high-class designs outside Pinehurst I have been very fortunate to play a great deal of golf in Great Britain and Ireland. In fact by last count I have played 38 of the top 50 courses in GB&I including 18 of the top 20. However, access to the top courses in the USA is an entirely different matter. Most of the top courses are member only and extremely exclusive. The top public access courses are usually associated with expensive resorts and can be out of price range for many golfers. However, the Pinehurst area in the Sandhills of North Carolina offers golfers an opportunity to play a number of high-class golf courses at a very reasonable price. Pinehurst is about 350 miles from my home in Knoxville, Tennessee, so it made sense to travel to this fascinating area and try out some of the great courses here. I had visited the wonderful Pinehurst Resort two years ago and played the justifiably famous #2 course, but this time my wife joined me for a tour of several great golf courses outside the resort. We arranged to play Mid Pines, Pine Needles, Southern Pines, Dormie Club and Tobacco Road over the course of five days. First up was Southern Pines, a 1906 Donald Ross design that’s set in beautiful rolling terrain. Ross originally designed nine holes then added the second nine later and like all of the other courses we played on this trip the nines do not return to the clubhouse, which is a fun variation of the ubiquitous nine-hole loops seen in the vast majority of courses in the USA. The greens are pure Donald Ross – subtle yet challenging contours with slopes and run offs in every conceivable direction are the order of the day. The course is very pretty and tree-lined with gentile doglegs on almost every hole. The straightforward downhill opening par four is followed by the lovely short par five 2nd. The tee shot rolls downhill and a well-struck shot offers the opportunity to go for the green in two. However the second shot is uphill off a downhill lie to a green with a significant false front. I really enjoyed the stretch of 10 through 13, a collection of four unique par fours. 10 and 11 are short holes demanding precision but the par four 12th is slightly uphill and at 419 yards is quite a challenge. The 13th returns downhill at 400 yards and the approach is played to a sloping green with a dangerous drop off behind the putting surface. All these are really solid par fours. My wife is a relative beginner, playing to a 36 handicap, but she enjoyed the course. As is the case with most Ross designs the front of the greens were open and welcomed a run up shot versus the forced carries of many modern designs. Unfortunately, as great as the design is, Southern Pines is currently in a significant state of disrepair. The course is poorly maintained and the staff less than welcoming. I played from the back tees and many were unmowed and covered with weeds. In addition the pace of play was atrocious. It took our two ball over five hours to cover the entire 18, and we noticed several beer sodden foursomes in front of us holding up the entire course. Rumors abound that several groups are interested in purchasing the course, and if someone could come in and put some tender care into it (and an infusion of cash, obviously) then I believe Southern Pines could be a US Top 100 contender. Pine Needles and Mid Pines are two more classic Ross designs that lie across the road from one another near the town of Southern Pines. They were originally built to accommodate the overflow of visitors which the original courses at Pinehurst were unable to handle. The land is significantly hillier than the relatively flat land that Pinehurst #2 sits on, so the courses have a distinct flavor of their own. If anything these courses reminded me of some of the great heathland courses around London, perhaps most closely resembling the three “W’s” of Woking, West Hill and Worplesdon. Both these courses flow through beautiful pine forests that influence play but also allow recovery shots. Both courses have undergone renovations in the past few years. Mid Pines has been worked over by Kyle Franz who restored many of the putting surfaces. It has magnificent greens with an incredible variety of run offs, mounds and slopes – each green complex is unique and challenging. In addition, the course has restored the scruffy sand-like waste areas instead of thick Bermuda rough, much like the Coore-Crenshaw restoration of Pinehurst #2. The overall result is a wonderful course. The flow and curves of the holes demand very precise ball striking. The short par four 4th is a good example of the challenges that Mid Pines presents. The hole is only 330 yards, with lovely bunkering on the left. However, a huge single pine tree will block a shot played too carefully to the right. The green is small and angled away from the player with a steep slope off the right. The precision required here is entirely appropriate for a hole of this length. In addition, the par threes are in my opinion all excellent. The 2nd plays from one elevation to another, while the downhill 8th, bunkered 11th and long (230-yard) 13th are all solid challenges. Mid Pines is approximately 6,700 yards from the back tees and is a genuine test for any level of golfer. Pine Needles has hosted several U.S. Women’s Opens and is on schedule to host the championship again in 2022 for the fourth time. Although Mid Pines and Pine Needles are similar in design characteristics they differ sufficiently to be enjoyed on their own account. Pine Needles has undergone several renovations and Kyle Franz is continuing work on Pine Needles as he did at Mid Pines. The routing is unique as the course runs in a long almost continuous loop so that each hole seems to be in isolation from the other. There is essentially no rough on this course, only fairway and pine needles. The fairways are wider than Mid Pines but the course still demands strategy and precision to negotiate the best approach into the greens. The green complexes here are more pronounced than at Mid Pines and are closer to the style of greens at Pinehurst #2 than any other Ross course I have played. The starter warned me to approach the greens carefully, especially with longer clubs. I got the opportunity to appreciate his advice early in my round. On the beautiful long 438-yard par four 2nd I rifled my 5 iron second shot directly at the pin. My shot landed a few feet away from the hole only to roll off the back of the green onto a bank from where I was happy to make bogey. There are a number of supremely challenging holes. The par four 4th plays uphill and is guarded by a large bunker to the left with room available to the right off the tee. However, a large bunker to the left and two to the right protect the green so that the approach has to be played with the utmost precision. I also loved the par five 10th where the drive is challenged by a magnificent bunker in the corner of the dogleg. 17 is a great dog leg left par four where the tee shot is again dominated by a significant bunker in the corner of the dogleg. Overall I preferred Pine Needles ever so slightly over Mid Pines. I thought the setting was more attractive, I found the tight driving lines a little much at Mid Pines. My wife enjoyed both courses as well, but probably liked Pine Needles a little better, especially since she came within 6 inches of a hole-in-one at the downhill par three 13th. Both courses had a nice set of forward tees at just less than 5,000 yards, which suited her game well. The management at both courses is outstanding and the conditioning second to none. The Pinehurst area could be considered Donald Ross heaven and these two courses are among his finest designs. While the three Ross courses highlight the design features of the early 20th century, the other two courses we played, Dormie Club and Tobacco Road, showcase modern golf course architecture. Dormie Club was originally an expensive private club, but fell upon hard times during the economic difficulties earlier this century and is now open for public play. The course is a Coore and Crenshaw design and many of their architectural features are readily apparent. There appears to have been minimal shaping of the land, instead using the significant contours of this hilly lakeside property to bring character to the holes. The course flows up and down, left and right, and any combination of those as well. Overall there is a calm minimalist feel to the course. The holes are very pleasing to the eye as they flow through the tree-lined property. You never feel cramped at Dormie Club but the holes don’t lack strategic interest. I found the back nine much more absorbing than the front. There are several great holes on the inward half including the brutal 465-yard par four 13th hole, with a lone tree to the right of the fairway which really tightens up this already tough hole. The 14th is a short par four barely 300 yards long, but a huge bunker on the right dominates the well-contoured green. Fifteen is a beautiful par four with an oblique wetland hazard running down the right side of the fairway, offering the player endless options off the tee. The uphill par five 17th is probably my favorite hole on the course. The approach must contend with a huge cross bunker/waste area that demands a decision from the player to either lay up or go for it. Tobacco Road is probably the most well known design of the late Mike Strantz. I have often played Caledonia and True Blue (his two courses in the Pawleys Island area near Myrtle Beach) and they have always been favorites of mine. I was looking forward to playing this highly regarded layout and it was a fascinating experience to say the least. Tobacco Road is a somewhat bizarre combination of Pine Valley, Prestwick and Lahinch with a dose of modern Tom Fazio design thrown in for flavoring. This course is a 3D puzzle that is difficult to decipher on the first visit or with a course guide. In general I think the course is very fair, although it is very intimidating visually. There is usually much more room than initial appearances would suggest. The greens range from the sublime to the ridiculous (there must be a 20-foot elevation change from the lower to the upper tier of number seven). In general the course is fun to play but one that definitely demands a second go to really appreciate what is going on. My favorite holes included the short par four 5th. A massive waste area runs from the tee almost 250 yards up the left side of the fairway. There is a generous amount of room right and the reasonable play is to go right and hit a wedge into the green. Long hitters, however, may be ever so tempted to aim for the small sliver of landing area just past the waste area in an attempt to drive the green. I thought this was a cleverly designed hole. Nine is a fantastic uphill par four where the approach is guarded by a massive deep bunker to the right of the green, but in reality there is quite a bit of room to the left to approach the hole. Strantz went for glory on this course, and I thought he missed on a few holes. Thirteen is an uphill, dogleg par five with a dell green that is ridiculously narrow and guarded not only by the hills but by high grass. I thought this hole was somewhat contrived. I would certainly play both of these courses again. Rumor has it that Bill Coore is visiting Dormie Club for some updates, and I think some subtle bunkering and improvement of several of the green complexes, especially on the front nine, would really improve the course. Tobacco Road is certainly a wild ride. Surprisingly my wife much preferred Tobacco Road to Dormie Club. Tobacco Road has a forward set of tees around 4,300 yards that allowed her the challenge of the holes without pressing her to make forced carries either off the tee or approaching the green. At Dormie Club the forward tees were often only 10 or 15 yards in front of the men’s tees, and several holes were just too long for most female golfers. The par five 10th for example was 571 yards from the most forward tee! This was just a little much for her. In addition several of the tee shots had forced carries over wetlands that were just too difficult for her to negotiate. A few new tee boxes accommodating women and younger players would be a welcome addition to this fine course. I really think there are few places in the USA that offer as much quality golf at an affordable price than the Pinehurst area. Between these five courses, the famous Pinehurst #2, and several of the other fine courses at the Pinehurst Resort a golfer can sample the best of classic golf design as well as the new. I plan to return in the future and would recommend this area to anyone interested in playing quality, memorable golf courses at a very reasonable cost. Richard Smith Knoxville, Tennessee
The latest ranking of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World serves as the ultimate global golf bucket list. Most members of our World Top 100 Panel are seasoned golfers, each playing 20-30 of these courses annually while travelling extensively over decades to form their opinions on others. We recognise that opinions vary—even among our panel members. Rankings are subjective, and there are undoubtedly 50 or more courses in the UK and USA alone that could easily fit onto this list. Links Golf Pilgrimages The rankings
California, United States
New Jersey, United States
Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
New York, United States
New York, United States
