ItinerantGolfer

I agree about skipping the site seeing on the Outer Banks and play Pine Needles instead. Its about 6+ hours of driving out of your way to get to the Outer Banks and back which, in my opinion, is not really worth it. Haven't been to Hilton Head over Thanksgiving, but my hunch is that it will be pretty quiet. I wouldnt expect that there would be a lot of people around and a lot of restaurants will probably be closed on Thanksgiving day.

Between those two I preferred Pacific Dunes. I wouldn't rule out Old Macdonald either. I was a big fan. If you can do a 36 hole day you can have a chance to see 2 courses. The replay rate is typically half of what the first play costs . . . if you're really ambitious, the third round is FREE.

Up north Arcadia Bluffs is definitely one of the best there is. Great views and a fun course. Its a long drive from the Detroit area though.

Pebble Beach. Absolutely no question about it. The first 5 holes are really spectacular, but once you get to 6 the course could be any parkland course in America. Its still a great course, but the holes don't have the seaside vibe. There is no question in my mind that you want to play Pebble.

Love the Coore & Crenshaw courses that I've seen. Really looking forward to seeing what they've been doing down there in Florida at Streamsong Resort.

I've played the Cascades and Kingsmill. I personally preferred Cascades over Kingsmill's River Course. The Primland recommendation is really good as well. I haven't played there, but I've heard great things.

Spring Creek Golf Club is another good one for Virginia. Its between Charlottesville and Richmond.

I'd go with Kiawah. If not Kiawah I'd go to Pinehurst and play The Dormie Club as much as I could. Great course!

Here are a couple I have taken over the last few years. Arcadia Bluffs #6 Cypress Point #15 Sand Hills #17 Pinehurst No. 2 #9 Fishers Island Club #3