Southern Pines Renovation/Restoration

[iacas]

Southern Pines, a Donald Ross design, fully reopens today

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Architect Kyle Franz has completed a restoration of Southern Pines in North Carolina, which includes a cool sand green on a bonus hole.

 

[DaveP043]

This is pretty dang close to their original schedule, and I'm glad.  I'll be playing at Southern Pines when I go down in November.

[StuM]

The "Lost Hole" could be quite interesting.  To putt on a green similar to what was around some 70 years ago instead of the more modern greens we have grown up with appeals to me.  Not sure when but some day I will try to play it.

[iacas]

I hope to get back perhaps before the end of the year. Maybe around Thanksgiving.

[Chris Brooks]

Hmmm. Should I play here instead of Pinehurst #8? I have one day to work with on my current trip. Southern Pines looks like it might be the better option. 

[iacas]

15 minutes ago, Chris Brooks said:

Hmmm. Should I play here instead of Pinehurst #8? I have one day to work with on my current trip. Southern Pines looks like it might be the better option. 

Yes. Definitely.

[DaveP043]

12 minutes ago, Chris Brooks said:

Hmmm. Should I play here instead of Pinehurst #8? I have one day to work with on my current trip. Southern Pines looks like it might be the better option. 

Southern Pines will definitely be less expensive, but #8 is a really solid golf course.  Southern Pines was a really nice layout before the renovation, good use of the original ground contours, and hearing that Franz has restored the green complexes to something near their original Donald Ross designs will only make it  better.

[iacas]

Southern Pines Golf Club – Golf Club Atlas

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Southern Pines Golf Club North Carolina, United States of America Southern Pines GC enjoyed a small but loyal following for decades. Courtesy of an ownership change and the ensuing Kyle Franz re-do in...

[DaveP043]

16 minutes ago, iacas said:

Southern Pines Golf Club – Golf Club Atlas

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Southern Pines Golf Club North Carolina, United States of America Southern Pines GC enjoyed a small but loyal following for decades. Courtesy of an ownership change...

I need to read this.  I played SPGC last November, and again this April.  I loved the changes, but I have a few reservations too.  I'll get back here once I've read the Golf Club Atlas article.

[saevel25]

The course looks completely different. I really like what I see from the photo's. 

[iacas]

I've played it before, during, and post-renovation. I've enjoyed every time, but the last one the most.

[DaveP043]

9 minutes ago, saevel25 said:

The course looks completely different. I really like what I see from the photo's. 

Its even more striking when you're there.  The removal of so many trees has really opened up sightlines between holes, and probably produced better air flow to improve turf health.

[coachjimsc]

We are looking forward to playing it in August on our trip.

[GolfLug]

In PH area this weekend and through Tuesday on a buddies trip. Playing our 'championship' round here at SP on Tuesday and I simply could not be more excited. 

10 hours ago, saevel25 said:

The course looks completely different. I really like what I see from the photo's. 

Played here back in 2011 last so am looking forward to the reno.

[Hardspoon]

I had the chance to play Southern Pines this weekend...it's REALLY good.  A solid 8/10.  

 

[DaveP043]

8 hours ago, Hardspoon said:

I had the chance to play Southern Pines this weekend...it's REALLY good.  A solid 8/10.  

One thing I thought when I've played here since the renovation, a number of the greens have pretty severe slopes.  Knowing how fast the new dwarf Bermuda can play, I thought they might be too sloped in some areas (or that the greens would be too fast for the slopes).  How did that seem to you?

[GolfLug]

1 hour ago, DaveP043 said:

One thing I thought when I've played here since the renovation, a number of the greens have pretty severe slopes.  Knowing how fast the new dwarf Bermuda can play, I thought they might be too sloped in some areas (or that the greens would be too fast for the slopes).  How did that seem to you?

Ahh, so I am not the only one who thought this. If I have a complain from playing this a month ago, this would be it. I am all for a test but it didn't seem like a fair skill test in reading the greens unless you have played here a few times. Bit too severe for my taste. Makes Stoneleigh greens seem friendly in comparison. That's saying something. 

The course itself if deserving of the attention it has gotten since the reno. 

[saevel25]

Aimpoint makes reading those greens much easier. 😉