Pinehurst 2 worth it?

[zmosnot]

I'd play number 4 before number 2....more fun...less punishment!

[kizdoc]

We had a guys trip planned all flying in the West Coast for last September including playing #2, #4, Mid Pines, and Pine Needles. Unfortunately, it was also the same week that Hurricane Dorian (Cat 5) came ashore. It was touch and go and Pinehurst wasn't sure the courses would be open for us. They finally decided on the day we were supposed to have flown out to NC that indeed the courses would be open. But by then, we couldn't take the risks and re-booked everything for Bandon (which was awesome, BTW). Mid Pines and Pine Needles were both very understanding of our situation and refunded our deposits. Pinehurst basically told us to go pound sand and kept our deposits. We would have been very happy to have taken a credit and rebooked, but Pinehurst said no. Because of that, the 8 of us have vowed never to play on property. Life is too short and there are lots of other great courses to play.

[cristphoto]

How much advance warning did you give Pinehurst for your cancellation? Every time I've been there they were more than happy to work with the customer. I never have cancelled however.

[kizdoc]

They didn't let us know that the courses would remain open until 2 days prior to us playing which was the same day we were supposed to have flown out. I understand us cancelling was within their 30 day policy, but I think they should have been more flexible because of an unusual hurricane affecting the area. Again, Mid Pines and Pine Needles understood our situation and refunded our deposit and someday I would love to play at those courses. We would have been more than happy to work with Pinehurst, but they basically said too bad. Just wanted to make people aware of booking during hurricane season. It may not be a big deal for people who live in the area to change plans last minute, but for those flying cross country, it was a big deal.

[krawchukery]

Living in the Chapel Hill area...If you haven't played #2 and its on bucket list it's worth it one time. #4 is a great course as well with the overhaul, # 8 is a great track as well. As far as looking at courses in Raleigh NC area, Duke is closed until further notice and Finley and Lonnie Poole are great options for collegiate courses. Check the hot deals on Golfnow and sometimes you can score a round at Finley/Lonnie Poole for <$60 with cart during week. Tobacco Road is also a great course (needs to be played 2-3 times to get full experience), I would suggest taking on Mike Strantz's other design first in Asheboro (TotHill Farm) and then heading over to Tobacco Road. Tot Hill Farm is similar to Tobacco road at 1/3rd of the price. Pine Needles and Dormie are also great options in Pinehurst area.

[HanginDong]

If the price will hinder you from playing elsewhere during your trip than I would say it’s not worth it. If money is not an issue then you should definitely play it at least once, the history/experience alone makes it worth every penny.

 

[hsmahon]

Awesome - thanks for the info. Recently moved to the triangle and played Lonnie Poole last week - which I thought was a challenging course. Will probably try to play Finley in the next few weeks and save Tobacco Road/ Mid pines/ Pine needles for a mini-vacation.

[575M]

Must say I am enjoying the back and forth regarding the playing of Pinehurst #2 given the cost but also enjoying the discussion of the likes and dislikes of the design. Hearing the descriptions of the "experience" as described by the players that absorbed it makes me think it is a "must experience" but with other golfers that would enjoy it for the same reasons.

[Hogan9]

I live in Charlotte and I've played #2 maybe a dozen times over the years. It's a great course and I enjoyed each round even though it is very difficult. Most of the posters here are correct that the greens present most of the challenge. As to whether it's worth $400+, I cannot answer that as I've never paid that much to play there. Pinehurst occasionally has specials (usually in the Winter) that allow one to play #2 at a cheaper rate. That's when I go because living close by I can judge what the weather will be. It's kind of a shame that so many premier public access courses are charging exorbitant fees to play these great tracts. I guess it's whatever the market will bear. Having said all that, if you can afford it, I'd go for it. It's a great experience and will enhance your viewing of the US Open in 2024.

[cmatthews77]

So me and some friends took a Pinehurst trip about 10 years ago (so prior to the Crenshaw/Coore redo) for a 30th birthday celebration. We played 8, 4, 5 and 2 the final day with caddies. (18, 36, 18). We booked it as a golf package so while I’m sure I paid a lot for #2 it was just in the package we paid for. All of the courses were nice and enjoyable but there was just something special about #2 with its history and everything.

On top of that, despite two prior days of playing decent but not spectacular golf (high 70s), everything came together for me on #2 and I shot an even par 72 after making a mess of the 18th but draining a 30 footer for the par. That’s with putting the ball off two greens and having to go back to get a wedge again (kind of embarrassing but a good memory).

So for me, #2 will always be special. So much that I’m hesitant to go back and replay it post re-design because I’m fond of the memory I have.

[Jcbgt106]

100% worth it. I played in 2 years ago and had a great experience. Go early and have the breakfast buffet on the veranda looking over 18. It’s special.

[islesmb]

Just got back from Pinehurst and I must say it was definitely worth it.

[Bigtuna117]

update: decided to play and it was most certainly worth it

[CDM]

I am not a huge fan of TR from a pure golf challenge but it was not meant to be that way.......but...... I would tell anyone you have to play it once in your life just to know. Some love it some hate it.

A good friend last year played it for the first time, his quote after the round "13 or 14 good holes....with....4-5 WTF HOLES....."

[caniac6]

I liked TR, and then played Caledonia. Caledonia was so much better. Kind of hard to believe they were designed by the same guy.

[bsavy83]

I don't like to spend money in life -- but for golf that's an entirely different story. I'm always okay to pony up once. I played this a long time ago as a high school graduation thing with my Dad. What I remember most about Pinehurst is just how amazing the whole experience is. It's not so much the courses themselves, rather the entire package. The place oozes golf. And as a life long lover and player of the game it simply can't be beat. The only other place I have been with such an aura about it is Pebble Beach (haven't played that one yet).

[marktheblake]

 

my group organisers had the same horrible experience leading up to Hurricane ? (Sept 2018) - the one that absolutely smashed the Carolinas. We had over 100 booked from Friday to Wednesday, and 3-5 days before Pinehurst was totally recalcitrant refusing to budge on cancel/defer claiming that they were fine, despite all forecasts being accurate. Pinehurst wanted everyone to turn up and then see what happened.

The organisers only managed to get Pinehurst to agree to cancel the event (deferred by 12 months) on Thursday. I only had about 2 hours notice to cancel my flights to RDU (lost my money, insurance refunded). The outcome was justified, the Pinehurst area was apparently flooded and also without power for 3 days on the weekend.

 

 

 

[alphabits12]

Interesting to hear the different opinions on if playing number 2 is worth it. My dad and I are hoping to take a trip to the Pinehurst area whenever COVID clears up. Initially, we intended to play no. 2 and some of the others on the property. However, after hearing from some others and watching No Laying Up Tourist Sauce, I’ve decided to do a Southern Pines trip instead and play Mid Pines, Pine Needles, and Tobacco Rd. Super pumped for Tobacco Rd! Give us an update on what you decide and your thoughts!

[Bigtuna117]

wound up at pinehurst 2 and loved it. definitely gonna go back and hit the courses you mentioned too but no regrets on playing 2 at all

[alphabits12]

That’s awesome, Glad to hear!