Golfweek's best you can play in NC

North Carolina

• 1. Pinehurst No. 2, Pinehurst (No. 14 c)
  
• 2. Mid Pines Club, Southern Pines (No. 85 c)
  
• 3. Dormie Club, Pinehurst (m)
  
• 4. Pine Needles, Southern Pines ©
  
• 5. Linville GC, Linville ©
  
• 6. Pinehurst No. 8, Pinehurst (m)
  
• 7. Tobacco Road, Sanford (m)
  
• 8. Bald Head Island Club, Bald Head Island (m)
  
• 9. Ocean Ridge (Leopard’s Chase), Sunset Beach (m)
  
• 10. Pinehurst No. 4, Pinehurst (m)
  
• 11. Ocean Ridge (Tiger’s Eye), Sunset Beach (m)
  
• 12. Southern Pines GC, Southern Pines ©
  
• 13. Cape Fear National GC, Wilmington, (m)
  
• 14. Duke University GC, Durham ©
  
• 15. The Omni Grove Park Inn, Asheville ©
  

Agree/disagree? How many have you played?

I played numbers 2 and 3 on the list this past weekend back to back. Have also played numbers 4, 7, 13, and 14.

Mid Pines was outstanding. I never played it prior to the restoration but there wasn't anything I didnt like about it.

BHI is open to the public? Who knew?

I was really bummed I couldn't make it to Mid Pines with you. Did you end up taking any pictures? Worth staying on site?

I'd like to get out to the Duke University course this season and try to get on Pinehurst No. 8 as well. Don't have any desire to play No. 2 though. Price would kill me!

Tobacco Road was a ton of fun.

[quote name='Hakko' timestamp='1430072191' post='11445589']
BHI is open to the public? Who knew?
[/quote]

Looks like you can play if you are staying there.

"
[b]Guest Memberships[/b]
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[b]Stay and Play[/b]
Enjoy one of Tim Cate’s Masterpieces and relax as you experience the Bald Head Island golf lifestyle. See what it would really be like to live on Bald Head Island and play golf all day, every day, as much as you like! For more information click here:[color=#1F497D][url="http://www.baldheadisland.com/amenities/golf"] http://www.baldheadisland.com/amenities/golf[/url][/color]
[b]Guest Play[/b]
Visiting Bald Head Island Club as a guest of a member? Welcome! We look forward to having you with us. Our goal is to make your stay at the Bald Head Island Club as carefree and enjoyable as possible. Please contact the Bald Head Island Club golf shop at 910-457-7310 for all your golf questions, including dress code, rates and everything in between."

[quote name='CactusGolf' timestamp='1430077017' post='11445871']
I was really bummed I couldn't make it to Mid Pines with you. Did you end up taking any pictures? Worth staying on site?

I'd like to get out to the Duke University course this season and try to get on Pinehurst No. 8 as well. Don't have any desire to play No. 2 though. Price would kill me!

Tobacco Road was a ton of fun.
[/quote]

Staying at Pine Needles was great. I would stay there again if with a group. Let's plan a round at Duke soon.

[quote name='PGood' timestamp='1430078100' post='11445947']
[quote name='CactusGolf' timestamp='1430077017' post='11445871']
I was really bummed I couldn't make it to Mid Pines with you. Did you end up taking any pictures? Worth staying on site?

I'd like to get out to the Duke University course this season and try to get on Pinehurst No. 8 as well. Don't have any desire to play No. 2 though. Price would kill me!

Tobacco Road was a ton of fun.
[/quote]

Staying at Pine Needles was great. I would stay there again if with a group. Let's plan a round at Duke soon.
[/quote]I have a buddy coming in for Memorial day weekend. He'll be here Friday through Monday. I know he wants to give Tobacco Road a try, but he mentioned the Duke course as well.

[quote name='CactusGolf' timestamp='1430078220' post='11445955'][quote name='PGood' timestamp='1430078100' post='11445947']
[quote name='CactusGolf' timestamp='1430077017' post='11445871']
I was really bummed I couldn't make it to Mid Pines with you. Did you end up taking any pictures? Worth staying on site?

I'd like to get out to the Duke University course this season and try to get on Pinehurst No. 8 as well. Don't have any desire to play No. 2 though. Price would kill me!

Tobacco Road was a ton of fun.
[/quote]

Staying at Pine Needles was great. I would stay there again if with a group. Let's plan a round at Duke soon.
[/quote]I have a buddy coming in for Memorial day weekend. He'll be here Friday through Monday. I know he wants to give Tobacco Road a try, but he mentioned the Duke course as well.[/quote]

Just let me know

There is absolutely no way, in my opinion, that Leopard's Chase and Tiger's Eye should be on this list.

[quote name='Mitchell' timestamp='1430079842' post='11446075']There is absolutely no way, in my opinion, that Leopard's Chase and Tiger's Eye should be on this list.[/quote]

Why? What would you replace them with? I've never played either.

I know I would like to have seen UNC's Finley course on here. Love that course.

[quote name='Mitchell' timestamp='1430079842' post='11446075']
There is absolutely no way, in my opinion, that Leopard's Chase and Tiger's Eye should be on this list.
[/quote]

I'm interested in hearing more.

[quote name='Mitchell' timestamp='1430079842' post='11446075']
There is absolutely no way, in my opinion, that Leopard's Chase and Tiger's Eye should be on this list.
[/quote]

They certainly shouldn't be ranked higher than Cape Fear.

[quote name='Chris_NH' timestamp='1430093437' post='11447315']
[quote name='Mitchell' timestamp='1430079842' post='11446075']
There is absolutely no way, in my opinion, that Leopard's Chase and Tiger's Eye should be on this list.
[/quote]

They certainly shouldn't be ranked higher than Cape Fear.
[/quote]

So is it Cape Fear is not ranked high enough on the list or do you really not like Tigers Eye/Leopard Chase?

[quote name='poppyhillsguy' timestamp='1430095910' post='11447669']
[quote name='Chris_NH' timestamp='1430093437' post='11447315']
[quote name='Mitchell' timestamp='1430079842' post='11446075']
There is absolutely no way, in my opinion, that Leopard's Chase and Tiger's Eye should be on this list.
[/quote]

They certainly shouldn't be ranked higher than Cape Fear.
[/quote]

So is it Cape Fear is not ranked high enough on the list or do you really not like Tigers Eye/Leopard Chase?
[/quote]

Those are the only three on the list I've played. I like TE and LC, but I always regarded Cape Fear as the type of course you plan a trip around. Last time I went to Myrtle, we used Wilmington as our airport (which is why we played Cape Fear). It was good enough that I'd probably opt to do the same thing next time around - just so that I can play it again.

I can't really speak to where those three should be on the list, just that (IMO) Cape Fear is *much* better than TE or LC.

I've played numbers 1 and 15. While the Omni Grove Park Inn is a very nice well maintained somewhat historic(Donald Ross I think) course, it shouldn't rank this high in my opinion. There are several other better courses in the area and certainly in the state that are much better.

I might put The Club at Irish Creek on this list.

[quote name='PGood' timestamp='1430101052' post='11448347']
I might put The Club at Irish Creek on this list.
[/quote]that would be a good option, I feel that the Big Cats courses are vastly over-rated and nondescript.

7, 8, 9, 11, 13 and 14
Agree that Tiger's Eye should not be on that list and that CFN should be ranked higher. Thistle (another Tim Cate design with Leopards Chase and CFN) should be ranked as well. Unless things have changed recently, Bald Head Isl only takes a call to the pro shop for a tee time. The ferry ride makes it an all day affair though,

[quote name='cowboynjungle1' timestamp='1430099290' post='11448151']
I've played numbers 1 and 15. While the Omni Grove Park Inn is a very nice well maintained somewhat historic(Donald Ross I think) course, it shouldn't rank this high in my opinion. There are several other better courses in the area and certainly in the state that are much better.
[/quote]

Completely agree with your assessment.

Played 2,3,4,6,7,9,11, and 12.

Needles should be ranked ahead of mid-pines and Dormie, maybe even first. If you factor in cost, prob is first.

The 2 big cats courses are ok but nothing special.

Southern pines is a hidden gem.

[quote name='hdr_ric' timestamp='1430182122' post='11454885']Played 2,3,4,6,7,9,11, and 12.

Needles should be ranked ahead of mid-pines and Dormie, maybe even first. If you factor in cost, prob is first.

The 2 big cats courses are ok but nothing special.

Southern pines is a hidden gem.[/quote]

What did you like better about Pine Needles over Mid Pines?

[quote name='PGood' timestamp='1430182337' post='11454901']
[quote name='hdr_ric' timestamp='1430182122' post='11454885']Played 2,3,4,6,7,9,11, and 12.

Needles should be ranked ahead of mid-pines and Dormie, maybe even first. If you factor in cost, prob is first.

The 2 big cats courses are ok but nothing special.

Southern pines is a hidden gem.[/quote]

What did you like better about Pine Needles over Mid Pines?
[/quote]

They are very close. I just like the overall feel at Pine Needles a little more. I played Mid-Pines once pre-renovation and several times since and they did a GREAT job. The only thing I can really complain about at mid-pines would be the first 4 holes, they are kind of jammed in there a little bit. I dislike the 3rd hole particularly. I just don't think it is very pretty - and the fairway is always swampy. However, from the back to back par 5s onward, the course is awesome. The renovation really opened it up so you can see the back nine up on the hill from the 6th and when you are up on 13 and 15, can look back down on the course spreading out below you. I guess while nitpicking, I will say I also think #9 is a little lacking - also kind of jammed in there.

All that said, I love Mid-Pines, just like Needles a little more. I have never been down there without both courses being on the rotation, and I can't see that ever changing.

[quote name='hdr_ric' timestamp='1430233487' post='11458129'][quote name='PGood' timestamp='1430182337' post='11454901']
[quote name='hdr_ric' timestamp='1430182122' post='11454885']Played 2,3,4,6,7,9,11, and 12.

Needles should be ranked ahead of mid-pines and Dormie, maybe even first. If you factor in cost, prob is first.

The 2 big cats courses are ok but nothing special.

Southern pines is a hidden gem.[/quote]

What did you like better about Pine Needles over Mid Pines?
[/quote]

They are very close. I just like the overall feel at Pine Needles a little more. I played Mid-Pines once pre-renovation and several times since and they did a GREAT job. The only thing I can really complain about at mid-pines would be the first 4 holes, they are kind of jammed in there a little bit. I dislike the 3rd hole particularly. I just don't think it is very pretty - and the fairway is always swampy. However, from the back to back par 5s onward, the course is awesome. The renovation really opened it up so you can see the back nine up on the hill from the 6th and when you are up on 13 and 15, can look back down on the course spreading out below you. I guess while nitpicking, I will say I also think #9 is a little lacking - also kind of jammed in there.

All that said, I love Mid-Pines, just like Needles a little more. I have never been down there without both courses being on the rotation, and I can't see that ever changing.[/quote]

Gotcha. I have not played pine needles since 2000 so I don't really remember it to compare.

I've played Tobacco Road once, Duke a few times as its close and down the street, I'm visiting Bald Head tomorrow (likely won't play because I heard its super pricey), and will be playing Cape Fear National in June. I love Duke though, great course. Tobacco Road was cool and I'm glad to say I played it, but its likely a one and done unless I get invited back for something special.

I'd pick the Palmer designed Lonnie Poole NC State Course over Duke. Duke isn't that memorable. IMHO.

[quote name='BMC' timestamp='1430266267' post='11461847']I'd pick the Palmer designed Lonnie Poole NC State Course over Duke. Duke isn't that memorable. IMHO.[/quote]

I don't know if I can get on board with that. Lonnie Poole eats my lunch every time I have played it. Such a hard track. I really regret my decision to tee it up after every round. Hard to root for a course like that. �

They re-worked the bunkering and removed native grass from inside the traps. I just think it's cool that they built a new course a mile from downtown Raleigh in this day and age. Has some nice views of the city.

It's hard, so you need to pick the right tees. Fairways are more generous than they appear.

conditions at duke are not good at all right now

[quote name='avgjoe' timestamp='1430702489' post='11492653']
conditions at duke are not good at all right now
[/quote]Same with Bryan Park-Champions. I've never seen their fairways or some of the tees that bad.

[quote name='CactusGolf' timestamp='1430703283' post='11492709']
[quote name='avgjoe' timestamp='1430702489' post='11492653']
conditions at duke are not good at all right now
[/quote]Same with Bryan Park-Champions. I've never seen their fairways or some of the tees that bad.
[/quote]

It's been a hard winter and a wet spring. I don't think any course in the area came away unscathed.

Linville is great!