Saving for Pinehurst...Which one?

[balladm]

Ok, so here's the deal...I'm enlisted in the Army and my last station was in Monterey, California. While I was there I wanted to play Pebble Beach, as well as the other amazing courses there, but I just couldn't force myself to shell out the cash. I did play great golf out there at Bayonet Black Horse with a military rate cheaper than lunch. Also, we did have our first child while we were there so giving out $600+ seemed better spent in another way. However, I think about not playing those courses (any of them) on a daily basis and I do regret the decision to not buck up and play Pebble.

 

So now I am stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, right next to Pinehurst, and I cannot let that happen again. So I am saving my change and dollars here and there but with my huge enlisted salary I will probably only reasonably be able to play one course out there. I have heard No. 2 is not worth the buck and I just want to hear your insight as to which 1 or possibly 2 I should pick to spend my savings on? BTW I am a 5 handicap and can hold my own, unfortunately I only get to play 3 or so times a month.

[seanylax21]

I work at the main golf shop of the resort. Right now its $420 to play number 2. Its in great shape right now tho and if you wanna spend the money its worth it. You can either take a cart (cart path only) or walk (requires a caddy) which is $55 plus a minimum $30 gratuity. If you're not down to spend that money, courses 4, 6, 7, and 8 are all very good was well. Those cost $230 to play and some around the area would put some of those courses, such as 4 and 8 up against #2. Hope that helps.

[MarkCPA]

Want to play a major championship venue and not break the bank? Call Pine Needles and check out the rates. It's terrific.

[bmr4242]

#4, also look into some other courses in the area, Pine Needles is a great one and Tobacco Road is a course unlike any other ( could be great or Awful, but one of a kind)

[DWCobraJR]

Pine needles is great. I've been a member at the resort 1-6 for a decade.

2 is amazing right now but you HAVE to walk riding in a cart doesn't allow you to experience the course fully.

4 is ok I would say its in the top 5 courses in the area maybe

7 is just another course if you like blind shots and a lot of gimmicks. 7 is your nut.

I would play 2 if you have the coin then Pine Needles or Mid Pines is also good

Thanks for your service!

[sniper]

[quote name='MarkCPA' timestamp='1363135389' post='6600655']
Want to play a major championship venue and not break the bank? Call Pine Needles and check out the rates. It's terrific.
[/quote]

+1

[Gmachine]

#2 if you want the ultimate pinehurst experience. but i went there and decided not to blow my wad on that course and instead played #8. was great. i also hear #4 and #7 are good and a cheaper option than #2.

[act0fgod]

Keep an eye out for military appreciate day at Pinehurst on Labor Day. Last year they offered free golf for active duty members on #8 which is a Golf Digest Top 100 public course (along with #2 and #4).

[url="http://pinehurstmedia.com/news/pinehurst-resort-hosts-fourth-annual-military-appreciation-day-september-3"]http://pinehurstmedia.com/news/pinehurst-resort-hosts-fourth-annual-military-appreciation-day-september-3[/url]

[lefty-golfer]

it is hard to determine what a course is worth, the number is a variable for different people. Thay being said #2 is on my top 3 of all time that i have played, it is worth it in my opinion.

based on limited funds a very good arguement could be made to play #4 and 8 for roughly the same money, as a matter of fact as much as I love #2 that is probably the direction i would go.

Pine Needles also would be good option but at the end of the day you want to play Pinehurst...good luck and thanks for your service.

[BB17406]

Try contacting Forest Creek to see if you can arrange to play this 36 hole private Tom Fazio design. Best courses in Pinehurst.

[balladm]

Thanks all, Awesome recommendations! I'm definitely widening my options. And Mid Pines looks great

[Carolina Golfer 2]

[quote name='seanylax21' timestamp='1363134645' post='6600591']
I work at the main golf shop of the resort. Right now its $420 to play number 2. Its in great shape right now tho and if you wanna spend the money its worth it. You can either take a cart (cart path only) or walk (requires a caddy) which is $55 plus a minimum $30 gratuity. If you're not down to spend that money, courses 4, 6, 7, and 8 are all very good was well. Those cost $230 to play and some around the area would put some of those courses, such as 4 and 8 up against #2. Hope that helps.
[/quote]
Talk to your bosses, then contact balladm via pm. If Pinehurst can't find a down time, to let some of our servicemen come out and experience a great course as a thank you for their service, then that's just a shame....imho.

thanks for your service balladm

[OhioGolfDude]

I am headed to Pinehurst for the 3rd year in a row on a buddies trip. We are playing 36 at Tobacco (we love it!), 36 at Whispering Pines, and 18 at Tot Hill Farm.

Surprisingly got a call from another buddy and his wife who were invited to play #2. My wife rounds out the foursome and we play next Sat the 22nd - super stoked! Going to try and play another Pinehurst course (perhaps) or hit another local course for a practice round before we embark on #2 on Saturday.

[MarkCPA]

[quote name='OhioGolfDude' timestamp='1363181605' post='6603167']
We are playing 36 at Tobacco (we love it!), 36 at Whispering Pines, and 18 at Tot Hill Farm.[/quote]

I don't mean to hi-jack the thread, but I'd like to hear your opinion of Whispering Pines. I'm heading to Pinehurst in May for my annual trip and I've never even had Whispering Pines on the radar. On this trip I've got Tobacco Road (36), Tot Hill Farm, Pine Needles, Talamore, and the Dormie Club scheduled for rounds.

Balladm, thank you for your service to our country!

[Huskypride28]

I'm interested in this topic as well. I'm heading down there for Easter and I've been debating whether or not to buck up and Play 2, play other courses at Pinehurst, or play other courses in the area. Thanks for the great responses.

[Cgmorri]

I had the opportunity to take a golf trip to Pinehurst last April with my wife and two friends. Since we were staying on Pinehurst property, we could play PH #2 at a guest rate ($380ish). I choose not to play because I was playing poorly and figured why spend that kind of money to hack it around for 18 holes, my mistake, I have regretted it ever since, may be the only chance I get, we live in the NW. Only one of us choose to play #2, it was a Sunday and there was a members brunch on the patio which overlooks the 18th, as groups came in it was like a gallery at a tourney, applauding, oohing & aahing with every shot, it was just a pretty cool atmosphere, maybe one of those once in a life time moments for a hack.

[ryanoldroyd]

Just going to see the History at #2 would be well worth the price. Not to mention it is a gorgeous course! Good luck and Thanks for your service.

[Chilli9880]

[quote name='Huskypride28' timestamp='1363184847' post='6603507']
I'm interested in this topic as well. I'm heading down there for Easter and I've been debating whether or not to buck up and Play 2, play other courses at Pinehurst, or play other courses in the area. Thanks for the great responses.
[/quote]
Husky, I will be down in this area as well. My brother in law is coming back from Afghanistan and he was originally stationed at Fort Bragg. We are going down for Easter to see him and I wanted to plan a trip to Pinehurst as well. I smell maybe a GolfWrx/Servicemen meeting at Pinehurst over the Easter weekend :-)

[BamafaninKY]

Play #2. You'll remember if forever and regret it for years if you don't.

I'm returning to Pinehurst the first week of April. It's been 15 years. This time I'm taking my 11 year old son. To say I'm excited to spend the week with him at Pinehurst would be a huge understatement. For the other dads out there, in case you don't know already, PH has unbelievable deals for juniors. Juniors 12 and under play, stay and eat for free. Over 12, I believe they pay for meals, but stay and play free.

[avgjoe]

TR and dormie, at least once

[OhioGolfDude]

[quote name='BamafaninKY' timestamp='1363191272' post='6604347']
Play #2. You'll remember if forever and regret it for years if you don't.

I'm returning to Pinehurst the first week of April. It's been 15 years. This time I'm taking my 11 year old son. To say I'm excited to spend the week with him at Pinehurst would be a huge understatement. For the other dads out there, in case you don't know already, PH has unbelievable deals for juniors. Juniors 12 and under play, stay and eat for free. Over 12, I believe they pay for meals, but stay and play free.
[/quote]

Wow that's great to know about the junior program. Maybe in a few years I can take my boys down there.

[Carolina Golfer 2]

[quote name='BamafaninKY' timestamp='1363191272' post='6604347']
Play #2. You'll remember if forever and regret it for years if you don't.

I'm returning to Pinehurst the first week of April. It's been 15 years. This time I'm taking my 11 year old son. To say I'm excited to spend the week with him at Pinehurst would be a huge understatement. For the other dads out there, in case you don't know already, PH has unbelievable deals for juniors. Juniors 12 and under play, stay and eat for free. Over 12, I believe they pay for meals, but stay and play free.
[/quote]
If you haven't already. You should read Son of the Game by James Dodson. It's his live if Pinehurst and how he shares it with his son.

Great book!!

[BamafaninKY]

[quote name='Carolina Golfer 2' timestamp='1363204495' post='6605871'] [quote name='BamafaninKY' timestamp='1363191272' post='6604347'] Play #2. You'll remember if forever and regret it for years if you don't. I'm returning to Pinehurst the first week of April. It's been 15 years. This time I'm taking my 11 year old son. To say I'm excited to spend the week with him at Pinehurst would be a huge understatement. For the other dads out there, in case you don't know already, PH has unbelievable deals for juniors. Juniors 12 and under play, stay and eat for free. Over 12, I believe they pay for meals, but stay and play free. [/quote] If you haven't already. You should read Son of the Game by James Dodson. It's his live if Pinehurst and how he shares it with his son. Great book!! [/quote]

I have not read it, but I'll check it out. Thanks!

[lowndes]

[quote name='BamafaninKY' timestamp='1363206504' post='6606073']
[quote name='Carolina Golfer 2' timestamp='1363204495' post='6605871'] [quote name='BamafaninKY' timestamp='1363191272' post='6604347'] Play #2. You'll remember if forever and regret it for years if you don't. I'm returning to Pinehurst the first week of April. It's been 15 years. This time I'm taking my 11 year old son. To say I'm excited to spend the week with him at Pinehurst would be a huge understatement. For the other dads out there, in case you don't know already, PH has unbelievable deals for juniors. Juniors 12 and under play, stay and eat for free. Over 12, I believe they pay for meals, but stay and play free. [/quote] If you haven't already. You should read Son of the Game by James Dodson. It's his live if Pinehurst and how he shares it with his son. Great book!! [/quote]

I have not read it, but I'll check it out. Thanks!
[/quote]

I'll second that as just finished the book. Awesome book (as are most books by Dodson) that really made me want to visit the region.

[BD57]

You play #2 because of the history & because it's top 10 in the country. You don't have to play "in season" - there have to be times during the year when the rates are lower.

Pine Needles, not Mid Pines. Pine Needles has hosted the Women's Open and, IMO, it's a lot better golf course than Mid Pines.

After that, it's a question of what you like.

I've played Tobacco Road & loved the experience. Blind shots? Yes, absolutely. Quirky? Without a doubt. If you're going to whine, you'll hate it ... so don't whine.

[size=4]Dormie Club is relatively new. VERY challenging ..... get above the hole & don't worry ... you'll be below the hole on the next shot. It'll beat the snot out of you, but it was worth the trip (to me).[/size]

[size=4]#2 is a bucket list course. You skipped one in California (which you now realize). Don't skip another, find a way to play it when it's more affordable. [/size]

[balladm]

[quote name='BD57' timestamp='1363219179' post='6607287']
You play #2 because of the history & because it's top 10 in the country. You don't have to play "in season" - there have to be times during the year when the rates are lower.

Pine Needles, not Mid Pines. Pine Needles has hosted the Women's Open and, IMO, it's a lot better golf course than Mid Pines.

After that, it's a question of what you like.

I've played Tobacco Road & loved the experience. Blind shots? Yes, absolutely. Quirky? Without a doubt. If you're going to whine, you'll hate it ... so don't whine.

[size=4]Dormie Club is relatively new. VERY challenging ..... get above the hole & don't worry ... you'll be below the hole on the next shot. It'll beat the snot out of you, but it was worth the trip (to me).[/size]

[size=4]#2 is a bucket list course. You skipped one in California (which you now realize). Don't skip another, find a way to play it when it's more affordable. [/size]
[/quote]

You are right...I will have to save and play #2...I went to the PB ProAm and regretted not playing the course. Maybe in the mean time I can try these more affordable courses and save for a couple of years and go to #2 for my Bday or Anniversary...Touche'

[Florida Gator]

[quote name='MarkCPA' timestamp='1363135389' post='6600655']
Want to play a major championship venue and not break the bank? Call Pine Needles and check out the rates. It's terrific.
[/quote]

Having played several courses out there, Tobacco Road, Dormie Club and Pine Needles were my favorites with Pine Needles being the best value especially having hosted 3 majors within the last 20 years.

[DWCobraJR]

[quote name='avgjoe' timestamp='1363194266' post='6604699']
TR and dormie, at least once
[/quote]

Dormie is shut down

[willywonka1]

If going to the Pro Am at Pebble and then kicking yourself for not playing it was bad, imagine going to the Open next year at #2 and looking back at having not played it!!

One piece of advice would be to wait until after attending the Open there next year to play it, you will have a different perspective and it will add to the memory of playing there.

I can tell you from having played #2 on the tuesday after Stewart won in 1999 walking with my dad, the stands still up and taking in all the history that had just taken place there you will not regret it one bit.

That being said, there are endless wonderful options for quality golf in the pinehurst area.

All of the options mentioned previously would definitely be at the top of the list but there are hidden gems all over the area like Seven Lakes, Foxfire, Beacon Ridge, Whispering Woods, Little River that are really a treat to play and give you the true Sandhills experience.

Enjoy your time in such a golf rich area, it really is a treasure.

[Carolina Golfer 2]

I have a different take. I played it about three or four weeks before the 1999 US Open. So when I was watching lt on TV I was able to relate to that hole and know exactly what they were facing. I can't remember who it was but they had the exact same shot from off the green on 17 that I did. I hit the shot of my life to save par. Johnny Miller was saying the guy was dead and he'd be lucky to get the ball withon 20 feet. When he missed for bogey I mockingly said to the TV. 'Man I made par from there, he didn't."

But either way is awesome, playing the course and knowing who did what on what hole was pretty cool as well. I played it late that year and our caddy pointed out the spot on No8 (?) where John Daily face up and just swatted his ball up the slope after it came back to him like 3 times.