Help me with one more course to play in Pinehurst

As some of you may know (from a previous thread), I have a Pinehurst trip scheduled for mid-march. I've got plans on playing...#2, Tobacco Road, MidPines, Pine Needles and The Cradle. But I may have time for one more round and am looking for suggestions. My first thought was to play PH #4, but i've heard good things about the following places...MidSouth/Talamore, Pinehurst #8, Forest Creek (public play?) and CC on North Carolina (public play?). Just wondering what you guys would pick to add to my list? Any of these stand out above the others? Do the two private clubs I've listed allow public play? I"m guessing Dormie Club is not an option if I'm staying at an AirB&B. Any of the other Pinehurst resort courses worth playing? Im just looking for nice scenery, good conditions....it doesn't have to be a Championship caliber course.

In order based on my assessment: Pinehurst 8, Pinehurst 6, Mid south. I dont know the rest you listed so cant say.

I assume you arent looking to get too far out of the area. When I was in NC this summer Lonnie Poole was recommended to me multiple times but I didnt have a chance to play. But its probably too far outta the way.

Forest Creek is private. Play the Cradle!

To me. Pine Needles, Mid Pines, and #4 are all very similar. If you want something different then i say Mid South. However #4 is probably my favorite course in Pinehurst that i have played. I know you didnt list it but #9 really like too. I have never played #8.

CCNC and Forest Creek are private so not an option. I think Dormie is now private but if you can get on, it's your best choice.

Mid Pines and Pine Needles are great choices - nothing similar about them at all - Donald Ross at his best....and they are overseeded so green, Pinehurst courses do not overseed fairways

Courses you can play

#2 - Very Expensive

#4 also expensive and not that great

#8 is good but pricey

Talamore, Mid-South OK

Avoid - Longleaf

Best low cost options - Southern Pines (Elks), Legacy, Foxfire (Grey), Whispering Pines (Pines), Deercroft (15mi)

Pinehurst 3 is an overlooked gem....especially as an add on or afternoon round at replay rate since you are already there. It is a par 68, and thus short at only 5,100 yards...so It gets overlooked. However, this is a Donald Ross course with fantastic , fun, challenging Ross style greens. The course has great elevation variety and was reworked in recent years to have many “pinehurst style” features - sandy areas with wire grass, etc reminiscent of #2,4,Mid Pines, etc. . Last year our group unanimously voted it most enjoyable round of the trip. Leave your driver in the bag and use a hybrid or long iron off the tee to play strategic golf to set up your best approach angle. The approaches to those greens have to be on point and are a ton of fun. One you play #2 and get a taste of the entire pinehurst complex (main clubhouse where courses 1-5 go out), you won’t want to leave and 3 should fit the bill.

IMHO Pinehurst # 4 post renovation is excellent. Not to be missed

Agree. PH #4 is my vote. Don't sleep on Southern Pines. Conditions can be spotty, but a very cool, low key setup.

Play #4 Hanse did a fantastic job at the remodel. I liked it better than #2. If you want a cheaper option (vs. #2 and #4) at Pinehurst then play #8 (Fazio) or #9 (Nicklaus). If you want to go cheap, Southern Pines GC is a Donald Ross that can be had for like $50-$75. Nothing amazing but fun. A good warm-up course. Also ask Tobacco Road if you guys can play the "El Camino" short course after your round. It's a "secret" set of tees on each hole that plays inside of 175 yrds.

IMO Dormie Club and Pine Needles are overrated. Mid Pines is by far the better of the two (MP and PN). Have heard good things about Talamore and MidSouth at their price points. Unfortunately, last time I was down there you had to book a round at Talamore to have access to play MidSouth (I think they quoted me like $250 together, $100 for T and $150 for MS in the middle of August). Also, if you end up meeting a member of Pinehurst, convince him/her to play the Cradle with your guys and you can play for $35 all-day (instead of $50).