Pinehurst in April

[Lefty-Golfer]

So I have a buddies trip 2nd week of April, 8 rounds in 4 days - it is a lot of golf. We have gone there the last few years and have a list of course we want to play, we try to add one or two new courses every year. This the new venue was dormie club, its reputation stands on it own so i am looking forward to 36 holes there!

My problem.

We love the old National course that was purcahsed by Pinehurst, we hoped to schedule 36 there as well but at the time of our booking Pinehurst hadn't released the new proceedures yet and weren't booking rounds past the end of February. I was referenced to the Pinewild CC which has 2 courses and I was told both are very nice.

My question, I can't find much about Pinewild via the search or in general internet searches. The little bit I have found for the most part has been solid to good - Has onyone here player Pinewild? worthwhile or should I call back and try to confirm the National? list below.

Wed - Pine Needels 2 rounds

Thurs - Dormie 2 rounds

Friday - Tobacco Road and Mid Pines

Saturday - Pinewild both courses or other

Thoughts?

[saevel25]

My question, I can't find much about Pinewild via the search or in general internet searches. The little bit I have found for the most part has been solid to good - Has onyone here player Pinewild? worthwhile or should I call back and try to confirm the National? list below.

Wed - Pine Needels 2 rounds

Thurs - Dormie 2 rounds

Friday - Tobacco Road and Mid Pines

Saturday - Pinewild both courses or other

Thoughts?

I went to Pinehurst last year. Here are the courses I played ranked in order of favorites.

Mid Pines

Mid South

Southern Pines

Talimore

If you like Pine Needles then try out Mid Pines across the street. Another Donald Ross designed course. It stood ahead of all the courses on the list.

[DaveP043]

I get to Pinehurst a couple of times a year, we bought a condo at Talamore about 7 years back.  I think you'll enjoy Pinewild, both courses are challenging, and its been in great shape when I've played.  Its semi-private, and you get a little more of a private feel in their clubhouse than at some of the other courses.  Its a little ways out of town (compared to other Pinehurst courses), so allow a little extra time to drive there.

I've played Dormie a few times, and I like the layout.  I heard some talk late last fall that it wasn't in real good shape, I hope that's changed by April.  I've never seen it in bad shape myself.

The other courses I really like are MidPines (more Donald Ross, maybe the prettiest course in the area), Southern Pines (at the Elks Club, a great value for a Donald Ross Course), and the two courses we're members of, Talamore and MidSouth.  Tobacco Road is a trip, but I like it as well.

You've been to Pinehurst before, you know a few places to eat and drink.  If you'd like some more suggestions, let me know.  We've found some nice places beyond the big-box restaurants on 15-501.

Dave

[Lefty-Golfer]

Dave I have played every course you mentioned, I actually like mid-south quite a bit and southern pines is a great bargain...just only have so much time!!

Dugans, ironwood cafe and holly are typical in the rotation. willing to hear local information on others!

[DaveP043]

Dugans, ironwood cafe and holly are typical in the rotation. willing to hear local information on others!

Here are a few of my favorite places to eat and drink.  In the middle of Southern Pines, Chef Warren's has fine dining in a pretty casual setting.  At the south end of Southern Pines, not far from the Elk's Club, is the Sly Fox, a gastropub with a nice selection of beers and some really good food.  In Pinehurst, kind of out of the way behind the Cadillac dealer, is Maxie's, Large beer selection, good food, lots of TVs, more of a locals place but very welcoming.  Last, for pizza, I'd recommend Etalia in Southern Pines.  The owner's had a nearby place that burned down, and have reopened on Pennsylvania Avenue.  I haven't been to the new place, but the wood-fired pizza at the original was outstanding, and the reviews on TripAdvisor are excellent.

One more question, where are you staying?.

[Lefty-Golfer]

a house somewhere near the village but not sure where. thanks much for the info.

[mdaugherty24]

Left-Golfer,

Pinehurst local here. Thats a pretty nice line up you have there, should be a fun trip for you guys. The Magnolia course at Pinewild is a must play if you can get your group on, they host US Open qualifiers and many other events there yearly. The Holly course is more a members type track, still a good one but not of the same caliber as the Magnolia. Personally i would take Tobacco Road off that list, its such a tourist trap lol. Maybe consider...National like you said or any other of the Pinehurst resort tracks. Mid South, Legacy and The Elks club are solid courses. And go eat at Maxies in the village some of the best food in town and great atmosphere!!!

[Lefty-Golfer]

Left-Golfer,

Pinehurst local here. Thats a pretty nice line up you have there, should be a fun trip for you guys. The Magnolia course at Pinewild is a must play if you can get your group on, they host US Open qualifiers and many other events there yearly. The Holly course is more a members type track, still a good one but not of the same caliber as the Magnolia. Personally i would take Tobacco Road off that list, its such a tourist trap lol. Maybe consider...National like you said or any other of the Pinehurst resort tracks. Mid South, Legacy and The Elks club are solid courses. And go eat at Maxies in the village some of the best food in town and great atmosphere!!!

Thanks will do on maxies - I don't like tobaccco road at all and if I never played it again would be fine but my best friend, favorite villan, prefered better ball partner and main drinking buddy seems to think it is the greatest...LOL it just isn't worth the pain fighting with him! Even the first T ball hitting between the fake mountains annoys me, and the 2nd shot over the burm that crosses the entire fairway i find stupid....

Glad to hear Magnolia is that good - the reason I stay away from the Pinehurst courses is just cost. I have found if you book the replays like I do it saves close to 100 a day. I don't like playing average courses when we go on a trip - I try to book the best ones.

[jsgolfer]

Thanks will do on maxies - I don't like tobaccco road at all and if I never played it again would be fine but my best friend, favorite villan, prefered better ball partner and main drinking buddy seems to think it is the greatest...LOL it just isn't worth the pain fighting with him! Even the first T ball hitting between the fake mountains annoys me, and the 2nd shot over the burm that crosses the entire fairway i find stupid.... Glad to hear Magnolia is that good - the reason I stay away from the Pinehurst courses is just cost. I have found if you book the replays like I do it saves close to 100 a day. I don't like playing average courses when we go on a trip - I try to book the best ones.

Tobacco Road is a gimmicky course, I played well there but yuck! That's a course I will probably not play again. The only thing missing at that course is a windmill and a clowns mouth. How they rate Tobacco Road in the topi of any list must be number one mini golf course

[DaveP043]

I'm chuckling to myself a little, I think Mike Strantz is the most polarizing golf course architect in recent memory.  If he hadn't passed away, he might have even rivaled Pete Dye.  I agree that Tobacco Road is kind of goofy at times, but I think there are some really good holes there too.  I enjoy playing there every couple of years, but it will never be a place I'd want to play every day.  Tot Hill Farm and True Blue can be similarly odd.  I like the two courses in Virginia, Stonehouse and Royal New Kent, and Caledonia Golf and Fish Club is extremely attractive.

[jsgolfer]

Count me as unimpressed with Strantz.  Royal New Kent, played there once last year, ranks up there with Tobacco Road for gimmicky crappy holes.  Conditions were awful.  Another course I won't ever play again.  Only hole that was any good was the 18th.  Although they at least had decent draft beer.

My review on TripAdvisor for the course from September 2014

"Wow, color me unimpressed with this golf course. Conditions were dreadful, bunkers were atrocious, this course tried to be Tobacco Road in Virginia and failed woefully. Greens were just aerated, so knew that going in, but I couldn't believe how bad the rest of the conditions were. The bunkers for the most part were not playable. These were probably the worst bunkers I've ever played out of, no sand, some were soaking wet, and it was over 100 degrees the day before. Lots of dead and diseased spots on the greens. fairways weren't in great shape. Pretty much the most unenjoyable golf course I've ever played.

However, the staff was great, but I wouldn't play this course again. Not worth the money and anyone who rates this as the top of anything , other than the heap should be ashamed of themselves."

Going to Pinehurst in May for a group outing.  Playing 1, 5 & 6.  Had the option to play #2 (already played it, not worth $325).

[DaveP043]

jsgolfer, I can understand your issues with Royal New Kent.  Both that one and Stonehouse have had money problems, and have changed management at least a couple of times.  I imagine both courses are very labor-intensive to maintain, and they're not very close to any of the major cities, either Richmond or Newport News.  I've played RNK when its been really nice, but have also played it when its pretty run-down.

Have fun in Pinehurst, all of the Pinehurst Resort courses are kept in really nice condition.  A friend of mine owns a house on Course No. 1, and we get to play them all pretty regularly.

BTW, you and I are almost neighbors.

[DaveP043]

After having some back-and-forth over Tobacco Road and the other Mike Strantz courses, I found this interview to be interesting.

http://golfclubatlas.com/feature-interview/mike-strantz/

[Rynrem]

Ive been wanting to play RNK. maybe I will do that this year when I am up for the Federal Club's Mem/Guest. We normally play Spring Creek in Zions Crossroads...good course but still want to play RNK

[jsgolfer]

Ive been wanting to play RNK. maybe I will do that this year when I am up for the Federal Club's Mem/Guest. We normally play Spring Creek in Zions Crossroads...good course but still want to play RNK

Federal Club is a great course, miles better than Royal New Kent, if you play there don't say you weren't warned. That course stinks to high heaven.

[jsgolfer]

After having some back-and-forth over Tobacco Road and the other Mike Strantz courses, I found this interview to be interesting. [URL=http://golfclubatlas.com/feature-interview/mike-strantz/]http://golfclubatlas.com/feature-interview/mike-strantz/[/URL]

Nice article, I'll still never play another one of his courses.

[GolfLug]

I have played RNK 6 times in last 3 years, Stonehouse and Tobacco twice each. I am with the ones who think RNK and TR designs seemed fairly 'forced' and on the gimmicky side. The par 5 13th hole amphitheater green on TR (there are a few on all three courses) absolutely takes the cake. Also, the sectioned fairway with man made dunes (also par 5s) just silly. Neither of the courses any harder than any 130 slope courses after the first time. Stonehouse has its share but far less gimmicky and genuinely pretty par 3s.

But really this is all relative. Can't say that they are not enjoyable. They are  quite and hence have gone back back multiple times to play. Actually TR was in a great condition 3 years ago even in a blistering June. The other 3 course in PH that we played (Southern Pines, Woodlands - Maples, Legends - Nickluas) were in terrible condition. I guess you get what you pay for especially in June. No more budget trips for me.

It is hard to believe Mike Stranz did Caledonia if you compare to these three, which is genuinely one of the best courses I have played in the Mid Atlantic.

I would recommend Brickshire (2 miles from RNK). Very similar but more playable. PLENTY long if you choose to play. As always course condition will heavily influence perception.

[GolfLug]

Nice article, I'll still never play another one of his courses.

Lol, you are a trip man, but I hear you.