Augusta/Myrtle Beach/Outer Banks in October

[ramdorsky]

Headed east this October and wanting to see/experience anything golf. First time to Augusta, and wondering what the area has to offer besides The Masters. Museums or anything historical. Only have one day to spend in Augusta, so I probably won't try to play anywhere. Then, we're headed to Myrtle Beach to play one round (need suggestions), after which, we will make our way to the Outer Banks, and then Virginia. Any information on these areas would be greatly appreciated. This will be my first time to this area in twenty years. Thanks for any input.

[Fore Putt]

I hate to say this, being from Augusta, but if you aren't coming for the Masters or some other specific reason, you will probably be underwhelmed. While Augusta is much larger and nicer than people who have only been here for the Masters - and therefore the only part of town they've seen is Washington Rd. on their to/from the golf course - will tell you, it's not exactly a tourist destination.

 

We have a nice history museum, art museum and a downtown that is quickly recovering after decades of neglect. But many of the things that make Augusta a nice place to live - state's only public medical school which drives a thriving medical community, lots of industry, and very large Army base with a huge NSA facility and expanding cyber community - aren't things that are particularly exciting to see.

 

That being said, if you want to really see Augusta, try to come back for the tournament and spend a few days. Otherwise, I'd hate for you to be disappointed.

 

Are you flying into Atlanta and then driving to Myrtle Beach? If so, maybe stop in Charleston instead? Or maybe try to fly to Raleigh or Charlotte and go play somewhere at Pinehurst on the way to the Outer Banks? Food for thought.

[ramdorsky]

I hate to say this, being from Augusta, but if you aren't coming for the Masters or some other specific reason, you will probably be underwhelmed. While Augusta is much larger and nicer than people who have only been here for the Masters - and therefore the only part of town they've seen is Washington Rd. on their to/from the golf course - will tell you, it's not exactly a tourist destination.

 

We have a nice history museum, art museum and a downtown that is quickly recovering after decades of neglect. But many of the things that make Augusta a nice place to live - state's only public medical school which drives a thriving medical community, lots of industry, and very large Army base with a huge NSA facility and expanding cyber community - aren't things that are particularly exciting to see.

 

That being said, if you want to really see Augusta, try to come back for the tournament and spend a few days. Otherwise, I'd hate for you to be disappointed.

 

Are you flying into Atlanta and then driving to Myrtle Beach? If so, maybe stop in Charleston instead? Or maybe try to fly to Raleigh or Charlotte and go play somewhere at Pinehurst on the way to the Outer Banks? Food for thought.

 

Good to know. Thank you. Will definitely be there for the tournament one of these days. We are actually driving from Texas to Asheville, NC, for a weekend, then "starting" our road trip from there. Pinehurst sounds good. Not a bad drive from there to Myrtle Beach either. Any course in particular? Is No. 2 public?

[Fore Putt]

Yes, all the resort courses are public, but expensive.

 

There are lots of threads on here about the non-resort courses in the area, but my favorite is Mid Pines. It's an old Donald Ross course with a very cool old clubhouse/hotel. You feel like you're in the 1930s when you're inside. The course had a very successful restoration a few years ago and is a lot of fun to play. Across the street is Pine Needles, which had new greens (and some new bunkers) installed last summer. It is a longer course than Mid Pines and so has been able to host more events...I believe they've played either a Women's Open or one of the other LPGA majors.

 

Or if you really want something fun and "out there," try Tobacco Road, just a few miles north of Pinehurst. Very interesting and fun experience...although it becomes more fun the more you play it and the more you know the course.

 

I have been wanting to play Dormie Club for years, but haven't made it yet. If you read the posts on here, it's a polarizing place. It's a Coore/Crenshaw course and was intended to be private. But when the economy tanked, they opened as a public course with the possibility of going private at some time in the future. People either love it or hate it...although from what I can tell, the people who hate it seem to dislike it based on expectations and not the actual course. So who know...but I want to try it out sooner rather than later.

[SheriffBooth]

That time of year playing golf in the mountains is a real treat. Suggest the Grove Park in Asheville and then, on your way to Pinehurst, take a slightly longer route and go past Chimney Rock and stop and play the Apple Valley course at Rumbling Bald Resort at Lake Lure. The scenery at both is beautiful. Pinehurst and Myrtle are also both pretty great in the fall months, but definitely take advantage of your time in the NC Mountains in October.

[ChxDigLongBall]

Headed east this October and wanting to see/experience anything golf. First time to Augusta, and wondering what the area has to offer besides The Masters. Museums or anything historical. Only have one day to spend in Augusta, so I probably won't try to play anywhere. Then, we're headed to Myrtle Beach to play one round (need suggestions), after which, we will make our way to the Outer Banks, and then Virginia. Any information on these areas would be greatly appreciated. This will be my first time to this area in twenty years. Thanks for any input.

PM me about Myrtle. I may be able to help you out.

[dukeman]

Asheville in October will be beautiful. I don't know about playing GPI. The hotel is BEAUTIFUL and a great place for dining/drinking and going to the spa. The course is (I think) less than 6,000 yards and quite pricey. I would look into some of the other public courses in the area. The Springdale Golf Club used to be a really solid course. Maggie Valley is good too. Better value for the money than GPI.

[ramdorsky]

Big thanks y'all. I'm not going to get any work done today; too many courses to look at.

 

Tobacco Rd. and Dormie Club look pretty awesome (as do the rest of the courses mentioned). Especially like the description of Dormie Club: "..there are no homes, no roads, and no distractions. It is pure golf amid pure nature." Perfect.

 

SheriffBooth,

Thanks for keeping me straight. I like the idea of spending most of our time in the mountains. We can make a coastal trip another time. Might just be a NC trip after a quick glance at all these courses.

 

Glad I have a little time to make a decision.

[Matt J]

If you're playing as a single, why not play it by ear?

 

October can be wet in the mountains, sometimes driving a few hours gets you better weather. You could divert to the RTJ Trail, coast, or other destination.

 

If it's rainy go up to WV and raft the Gauley. You're already wet. Maybe play the Greenbriar.

[ramdorsky]

If you're playing as a single, why not play it by ear?

 

October can be wet in the mountains, sometimes driving a few hours gets you better weather. You could divert to the RTJ Trail, coast, or other destination.

 

If it's rainy go up to WV and raft the Gauley. You're already wet. Maybe play the Greenbriar.

 

Good point. I'll definitely keep this in mind.

[SheriffBooth]

Asheville in October will be beautiful. I don't know about playing GPI. The hotel is BEAUTIFUL and a great place for dining/drinking and going to the spa. The course is (I think) less than 6,000 yards and quite pricey. I would look into some of the other public courses in the area. The Springdale Golf Club used to be a really solid course. Maggie Valley is good too. Better value for the money than GPI.

Big thanks y'all. I'm not going to get any work done today; too many courses to look at.

 

Tobacco Rd. and Dormie Club look pretty awesome (as do the rest of the courses mentioned). Especially like the description of Dormie Club: "..there are no homes, no roads, and no distractions. It is pure golf amid pure nature." Perfect.

 

SheriffBooth,

Thanks for keeping me straight. I like the idea of spending most of our time in the mountains. We can make a coastal trip another time. Might just be a NC trip after a quick glance at all these courses.

 

Glad I have a little time to make a decision.

 

I think Grove Park Inn is now stretched to around 6,700 from the tips - but mostly you're playing there for the history and the scenery.

 

If you're staying in the mountains, it's only an hour and a half or so from Asheville to Linville, and Linville GC is considered by most to be the best public mountain course in the state. Sequoyah National is right off of 74 as you make your way into the state, too - never played there but supposed to be amazing.

[ramdorsky]

Asheville in October will be beautiful. I don't know about playing GPI. The hotel is BEAUTIFUL and a great place for dining/drinking and going to the spa. The course is (I think) less than 6,000 yards and quite pricey. I would look into some of the other public courses in the area. The Springdale Golf Club used to be a really solid course. Maggie Valley is good too. Better value for the money than GPI.

Big thanks y'all. I'm not going to get any work done today; too many courses to look at.

 

Tobacco Rd. and Dormie Club look pretty awesome (as do the rest of the courses mentioned). Especially like the description of Dormie Club: "..there are no homes, no roads, and no distractions. It is pure golf amid pure nature." Perfect.

 

SheriffBooth,

Thanks for keeping me straight. I like the idea of spending most of our time in the mountains. We can make a coastal trip another time. Might just be a NC trip after a quick glance at all these courses.

 

Glad I have a little time to make a decision.

 

I think Grove Park Inn is now stretched to around 6,700 from the tips - but mostly you're playing there for the history and the scenery.

 

If you're staying in the mountains, it's only an hour and a half or so from Asheville to Linville, and Linville GC is considered by most to be the best public mountain course in the state. Sequoyah National is right off of 74 as you make your way into the state, too - never played there but supposed to be amazing.

 

Thank you. Linville GC added to the list...Until I called and they will be closing for the winter October 22. That is the week I am getting there. Should I expect this from most mountain courses?

[SheriffBooth]

I'm surprised any place up there is shutting down before the end of daylight savings. Highs should be in the 50's and 60's in that timeframe - I suppose there could be some frosty mornings but I don't understand closing in October right in the middle of leaf season.

 

https://www.romanticasheville.com/fall.htm

[ramdorsky]

I'm surprised any place up there is shutting down before the end of daylight savings. Highs should be in the 50's and 60's in that timeframe - I suppose there could be some frosty mornings but I don't understand closing in October right in the middle of leaf season.

 

https://www.romantic...le.com/fall.htm

 

That's what I was thinking. A lot of courses I have looked up have higher rates during that time of year. Thanks for the link.

[AppAlum]

I'm surprised any place up there is shutting down before the end of daylight savings. Highs should be in the 50's and 60's in that timeframe - I suppose there could be some frosty mornings but I don't understand closing in October right in the middle of leaf season.

 

https://www.romanticasheville.com/fall.htm

 

That's the standard time for Linville GC and Linville Ridge to close. Grandfather, Elk River, and Hound Ears usually close the next week. Boone GC ( very good public track) is the only one in our area that stays open through November. As to the weather, some years in late October it's in the 60's and 70's. Other years it's in the 30's and snowing. The main reason we close then is because all of the members have left for the season and there's nobody left but employees.

[ramdorsky]

I'm surprised any place up there is shutting down before the end of daylight savings. Highs should be in the 50's and 60's in that timeframe - I suppose there could be some frosty mornings but I don't understand closing in October right in the middle of leaf season.

 

https://www.romantic...le.com/fall.htm

 

That's the standard time for Linville GC and Linville Ridge to close. Grandfather, Elk River, and Hound Ears usually close the next week. Boone GC ( very good public track) is the only one in our area that stays open through November. As to the weather, some years in late October it's in the 60's and 70's. Other years it's in the 30's and snowing. The main reason we close then is because all of the members have left for the season and there's nobody left but employees.

 

I can only hope for the 60's and 70's. Never golfed in snow before........

[ramdorsky]

Looks like I will be playing Maggie Valley, Tobacco Road, Thistle, and Shoals on my way home. Thanks for the input everyone.

[ratdg1]

For the Outer Banks, I highly recommend Nags Head Golf Links. Beautiful course that plays much longer than it looks. Bring an extra dozen balls or you'll be buying them at the turn.

[8overpar]

Another for Nags Head Golf Links. A gps saved a lot of golf balls also. I hit driver I believe 3 times out there, if your a longer player you don't need more than 260 off any par 4. It's shoehorned in a neighborhood so it makes things a little tight. a few holes require "lay ups", go to far and it's in a hazard. Don't bother with the range balls, wedge or 3 iron go 30 yards. I'll send you a picture of the scorecard if you like.

[ramdorsky]

For the Outer Banks, I highly recommend Nags Head Golf Links. Beautiful course that plays much longer than it looks. Bring an extra dozen balls or you'll be buying them at the turn.

Another for Nags Head Golf Links. A gps saved a lot of golf balls also. I hit driver I believe 3 times out there, if your a longer player you don't need more than 260 off any par 4. It's shoehorned in a neighborhood so it makes things a little tight. a few holes require "lay ups", go to far and it's in a hazard. Don't bother with the range balls, wedge or 3 iron go 30 yards. I'll send you a picture of the scorecard if you like.

 

Thanks y'all. I'll see if I can make it work. Probably should have put this thread in "Carolinas." Looking like I'm going to be spending most of my time there.

[NCLancer]

Hey OP...how about a road trip review? Hope you enjoyed your time in The Carolinas.

[ramdorsky]

Hey OP...how about a road trip review? Hope you enjoyed your time in The Carolinas.

 

North Carolina was great. Weather was perfect the days I played golf. Drove Blue Ridge Parkway during a pretty rough storm, but got to see "waterfalls" pretty much the whole day. Only got to play two rounds, Maggie Valley and Tobacco Road. Both of which were in great shape in my opinion.

 

Maggie Valley was the first bentgrass I have ever played, so that was cool. Front nine was pretty straight forward and flat, but the back nine was really fun with a lot of elevation changes. Greens rolled great, and fairways were plush. Staff was very friendly and welcoming.

 

Tobacco Rd. was also in great shape. Yardage book is definitely worth the money. Lots of blind shots, but again, yardage book helped. I also used my range finder quite a bit. The waste areas were fun getting out of, not so much fun getting into. Staff here was excellent. I was playing as a single, and the starters found me a gap on hole 7 or 8. Felt like I had the course to myself for a while. Was really nice finishing in the evening light, with nobody around, just enjoying the scenery.

 

I was supposed to play Thistle on the coast, but, we missed a two hour ferry ride the evening before. So, we stayed two nights in Nags Head and I didn't even get to play the course there. But, we found a hotel on the beach and slept with the door open. Outer Banks was nice, but we see beaches all the time. The mountains and foliage were a great change of scenery.

 

Pinehurst was our last golf stop. I didn't get to play, but it was the most enjoyable time of the trip for me; and we were only there a few hours. I could spend all day talking to Tom, Bob, and Mike. I didn't realize what this game meant to me until I was in Pinehurst. I have been lots of places hoping to feel something special, and never have, until Pinehurst. Even my wife loved Pinehurst, and she doesn't really golf. We decided if we go back to North Carolina, we will be going to Pinehurst. Maybe next time I'll get to play some golf.

 

Thanks to everybody for the input. Going to try to play all the courses recommended one of these days.