Need some Pinehurst recommendations/advice...

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

I am planning a 3 day weekend trip to Pinehurst in late Feb.

 

We are looking at staying at either Pineneedles or MidPines Inn. I'll play both Pineneedles, Midpines and of course No. 2.

 

We are open to staying at Pinehurst as well, whichever has the better deal..

 

Is Mid Pines cheaper than Pineneedles (hotel wise)?

[ryanpgm]

The difference between the two is most of the time negligable, although the MidPines inn is a little nicer, IMO. Stay at the PineCrest Inn if you are looking for to stay in town. Short walk to all the bars and restaurants. The manor and holly are also good choices to stay in town. As far as recommendations for area courses goes, if you have more time is Tobacco Road in Sanford, which is like 20 minutes away from Pinehurst. Fun course to play and is usually in good shape. Hope this helps.

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

looks like the Pinecrest Inn is nice, good rates and within walking distance of a lot of stuff...

 

I want to play #2 and either Mid Pines or Pineneedles. I might only be able to play 2 rounds unless my wife can hang out at the spa while I play No. 2.....

[ryanpgm]

I find MidPines and Pine Needles interesting courses. The majority of the people that you talk to that have played both either like one or the other, and not both. I personally prefer Pine Needles to MidPines, although there are far better courses in the area to spend your money on than #2 IMO. If it is your first time, I recommend it, but I don't think that you will walk away impressed with your $300 green fee, or whatever they are currently charging, probably not too far off. Some good things to do in the area after golf would be: Dugan's Pub, good spot right in down town, The PineCrest Inn at night usually has a piano player, and just walk around historic downtown. Good Food is as follows: Pinecrest Inn, The Barn, and there is a really good place on Midland Road right near Knollwood golf course, great food. The food at the resort is most times good too. Since your wife is attending, I would recommend Pure Gold on US 1 in Aberdeen, for a little gentlemen's fun, but unless your wife is into that, you may not have the most fun return trip home. Have fun, it's a wonderful area. BTW, I worked at a private course there for 4 years, any other questions you may have, I will be happy to try and answer.

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

What a good alternative to No. 2 be? Are any of the other Pinehurt courses nice?

 

I personally would rather go play Kiawah for one half the price! I agree.

[glenwayputters]

What a good alternative to No. 2 be? Are any of the other Pinehurt courses nice?

 

I personally would rather go play Kiawah for one half the price! I agree.

 

#8 is the best alternative. I like it better than #2, but you should play #2 one time, say you did it and then play #8 every other time you are in PInehurst.

 

Have to agree with ryanpgm, stay at the Pinecrest Inn, best place in the area. you can even chip in the bar.

 

jay

[MCDavis]

Ryan is dead on in everything he's saying...I live 30 minutes from Pinehurst and 5 from Tobacco Road (even though I've never played it).

 

You gotta play #2 once in life, but you probably will only play it once.

 

Mid-Pines and Pine Needles are owned by the same people and are both great courses. You would not be doing bad at all to play each one if you only have time for 2 rounds, and you'll save some $$.

 

Mid-Pines has a great Sunday buffet (other days possibly) that never disappoints...sit in the lower room looking out over the course.

 

1 mile or so north of The Barn on US#1 is The Lob Steer Inn...another good restaurant...steak/seafood and the also used to have a great buffet. Haven't been in a while, so not sure if they still do.

 

Also on US #1, but 1 mile south of The Barn, is The Squire's Pub...really good English food if you want a change of pace.

 

Hope you enjoy your trip!

[ryanpgm]

If you are into Mike Stranz's courses, there is a course called the Pit that would be a good alternative (similar to Tobacco Road); however, for the money MidPines and Pine Needles are great tracks that have a lot of history. Glenwayputters and MCDavis are exactly right, #8 is the best alternative to #2, #7 isn't bad either, but may be the hardest damn golf course you will ever play from all the way back. The LobSteer is a great spot to eat, and is only a few miles from the village and even closer to the MidPines Inn. Late February is a great time to play golf in the Sandhills, so enjoy your stay.

[dubbie]

I didn't think Pure Gold was that great. Dugan's can be a blast if they are having Karokee.

 

Last time I was there I stayed at the Manor, a Pinehurst property. Spent about 20 minutes with Arnie (yep, that one) one morning. That's where he always stays when he goes there. The breakfast buffet at the Carloina, main Pinehurst property, is unfreakingbelievable.

 

#8 is good, but 4 & ^ aren't bad either. You gotta play #2 if you haven't, but once is enough, IMHO.