which pinehurst golf course should an average golfer play?

Logistically speaking, Pinehurst courses No. 1 through No. 5 play out of the main clubhouse facility about two par 4s away from the Carolina Hotel. Courses No. 6, No. 7 and No. 8 are all at their own locations and have their own clubhouses and driving ranges. Resort shuttles take golfers to/from each within about 5-10 minutes drive.

Full Answer

What makes Pinehurst a great golf course?

The combination of a more forgiving design, a diverse array of hole layouts and the distinct Pinehurst aura, provided a golf experience not soon to be forgotten.

What was it like to play Pinehurst No 4?

There were no delusions of grandeur when I stepped up to the first tee at Pinehurst No. 4. No expectations of ease, nor realistic hopes of a clean scorecard. For this 20-handicap, the experience was meant solely as a stroll of enjoyment. And in that regard, for four-and-a-half hours it exceeded every hope.

How much does it cost to buy a Pinehurst 18-holer?

Of those 18-holers, Pinehurst No. 2 ($305-$485) is the mac-daddy, a 1907 Donald Ross design that has hosted three U.S. Opens, three U.S. Amateurs, a U.S. Women’s Open, a PGA Championship, a Ryder Cup and … we’ll stop here for fear of running out of space on the Internet.

Is number 4 more difficult at Pinehurst than number 2?

Course designer Gil Hanse-who spearheaded the renovation of No. 4 last year-said Pinehurst caddies have relayed to him that No. 2 is more challenging for the average golfer, but No. 4 might be more of a challenge for the upper-echelon golfers. That certainly bore out in my experience, with No.

Which Pinehurst course is the easiest?

Walkability at Pinehurst Resort 1 through No. 5 are easier than the No. 6 and No. 7 courses, which were built on more rugged terrain through residential developments, but there are no horrible walks between holes.

Which Pinehurst course is best?

According to the N.C. Golf Panel, the Pinehurst Area has the top three Fairest Courses to Play in the state – Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club is first, followed by Pinehurst No. 2 and the Dogwood Course at The Country Club of North Carolina. Pinehurst No. 8 is included as eighth on that list.

Is Pinehurst number 2 hard?

The second is one of the most difficult holes on one of the most difficult courses you'll find. During the open it could stretch to over 500 yards…as a par 4. It's far too easy to find yourself in the trees or the waste bunker on the left off the tee, and if you are you'll have a tough time making par.

What does it cost to play Pinehurst number 2?

Pinehurst No. 2 has hosted the 1936 PGA Championship, the 1999 and 2005 U.S. Opens and both the men's and women's 2014 U.S. Opens. It will also serve as the site of the 2024 U.S. Open. Greens fees range from $50 to $495, depending on the time of year and which of the club's courses you play.

How much does it cost to play Pinehurst Number 4?

The greens have many undulations making putting very challenging. The course was in good condition but here is my issue. When you come to Pinehurst, and pay $280 for a round on number 4, you expect excellent and pleasant service.

Is Pinehurst 2 only walking?

Both Pinehurst No. 2 and Pinehurst No. 4 are cart path only.

Why is Pinehurst 2 famous?

The home of the famed No. 2 golf course. Around the world, Pinehurst is where the American golf story is rooted, and where it continues to flourish. Most know of its modern history – with stories like the Payne Stewart putt that won the 1999 U.S. Open.

How do you get a tee time at Pinehurst 2?

The first and most obvious way to get a tee time on the Pinehurst No. 2 course is to buy a stay & play package through Pinehurst Resort. These packages typically consist of accommodations at one of the Pinehurst Resort properties and a couple of rounds of golf at the Pinehurst Resort courses (courses number 1-8).

How much does it cost to golf at Pinehurst?

Pinehurst No. Peak Rate: $460 (caddie not required).

How much do you tip a Pinehurst caddy?

CADDIEMASTER® is the provider of caddie services for Pinehurst Resort. Caddie fees are paid upon check-in at the golf shop. Most guests typically share a caddie between two players. Our recommended caddie gratuity is $50 and up per bag for a walking caddie, and $30 per bag and up for a forecaddie.

How much does it cost to play Augusta?

To join is reportedly under $100,000, which might be one-tenth of other high profile clubs in the country. And if you were lucky enough to play the course with member, you can probably afford it. Guest fees are said to be about $40.

How much is it to play 18 holes at Augusta National?

Non-Member Rates at Augusta MunicipalWeekday Rates (Monday-Thursday)18 Holes Walking$219 Holes Walking$14Hero Card$27League Play$2715 more rows

When did Mid Pines Golf Club reopen?

Mid Pines Golf Club. Mid Pines Golf Club also returned to its roots after a recent restoration. The original Ross routing dating to 1921 reopened in August 2013 -- to rave reviews. Architect Kyle Franz used aerial photos as a blueprint to uncover sandy native areas lining its fairways.

Is Pinehurst 2 dangerous?

The inverted saucer greens -- Pinehurst No. 2's signature -- remain as perplexing and dangerous as ever. This Donald Ross gem has already hosted the 1999 and 2005 U.S. Opens, the 1991 and 1992 Tour Championships, the 1951 Ryder Cup, the 1938 PGA Championship and countless prestigious amateur events.

How many golf courses are there at Pinehurst?

At a glance: The eight golf courses at Pinehurst Resort. The 17th hole on the No. 7 course at Pinehurst Resort is a straightaway par 4 to an elevated green. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor. Pinehurst No. 4's par-3 14th hole plays over water and is 229 yards from the back set of tees. Courtesy of Pinehurst Resort.

How many courses are there at Pinehurst Resort?

Pinehurst Resort, the most popular golf destination, offers eight quality courses alone. Here is a primer to help make your decision. The North Carolina Sandhills are golfing country, anchored by the Pinehurst Resort, home to eight courses built between 1897 and 2004. Few visitors have time to play them all on one trip, ...

How many golf courses has Tucker played?

To date, his golf travels have taken him to over two dozen countries and nearly 600 golf courses worldwide. While he's played some of the most prestigious courses in the world, Tucker's favorite way to play the game is on a great muni in under three hours.

How many yards is Pinehurst No 3?

Pinehurst No. 3. The shortest of the Pinehurst Resort courses at 5,682 yards and just two sets of tee boxes, Pinehurst No. 3 makes up for it with the smallest greens, many of which are crowned, heavily bunkered with runoff areas.

How many yards is the eighth hole at Pinehurst?

The scenic, par-3 eighth hole plays 237 yards from the championship tees at Pinehurst No. 8, designed by Tom Fazio. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor. The 17th hole on the No. 7 course at Pinehurst Resort is a straightaway par 4 to an elevated green. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor.

What fairway is Pinehurst No 2?

Pinehurst No. 2. The masterpiece of Donald Ross' estimated 400-plus course designs in North America, if only because he lived on the third fairway of Pinehurst No. 2 and was constantly altering the course until his death in 1948. Though not horribly penal off the tee, the crowned greens steal the show here.

What is the 17th hole of Pinehurst Resort?

The 17th hole on the No. 7 course at Pinehurst Resort is a straightaway par 4 to an elevated green. Brandon Tucker/Golf Advisor. If you are heading to Pinehurst, N.C., for a golf vacation, you have decisions to make. Pinehurst Resort, the most popular golf destination, offers eight quality courses alone. Here is a primer to help make your decision.

Peter-T

I am planning a 3 night, 3 day trip to the Pinehurst area for 8 golfers in late March. The group varies in experience with a few beginners. The best among us (not me) is about an 18 handicap. We plan to get a house for all of us though airbnb or vrbo (anyone ever stay at Caddy Shack I or II).

NC Golfer

In my opinion, Hyland golf club in So. Pines, good price, very fair lay out. With that said, a bit average. If you play the late twilight rate at the Pinehurst resort, I'd recommend #5 first and either #1 or #3. It used to be half priced green fees. I assume it still is.

GaDawg

Played from the correct tees, I would suggest Pine Needles and Mid-Pines.

vandyland

Agree with @NC Golfer We found #5 to be quite playable. We played it as a second round on a 36 hole day and while it lacks some of the conditioning and beauty of the main pinehurst resort courses we all enjoyed the round. I would avoid all other pinehurst courses except #1 and #3 with beginners.

DaveP043

I'm with the others, at the resort #1 and #5 are the friendliest. #3 isn't long, but had the typical Ross green complexes, which are demanding. Off the resort I can recommend 7 Lakes and Deercroft from recent experience as being very reasonably priced, decent condition, and not excessively challenging.

NC Golfer

I have one more suggestion. If you find yourself north of Pinehurst in Sanford or feel like driving to Raleigh. Try Quail Ridge. Low green fees and decent shape. I love the front 9 as it is very playable for a beginner with several tee boxes. They have a 9 hole rate too and overseed on the offseason.

GolfSpy Barbajo

Sitting in the kitchen of a condo belonging to my gracious Canadian hosts at Cottages of Pinehurst National - which is the location of Pinehurst #9. After three days here I'd say unless you just want to play it for the experience - and I think you should if you want to - #2 and #4 are very fair tee to green, but the greens will make you crazy.

Day One

As you probably know, the mothership here is Pinehurst Resort, which is home to — count ‘em — nine 18-holes courses, plus a short course called The Cradle. Of those 18-holers, Pinehurst No. 2 ($305-$485) is the mac-daddy, a 1907 Donald Ross design that has hosted three U.S. Opens, three U.S. Amateurs, a U.S.

Day Two

After No. 2 and 4 in the Pinehurst resort pecking order, a lot of folks would point you to No. 8. But we’ll encourage you to give No. 3 ($95-$125) a chance. It was Ross’s favorite course at Pinehurst for a couple of decades and it still possesses a slew of the interesting features that he loved.

Day Three

Within an easy radius of Pinehurst Resort, you’ll find plenty more of Ross, the finest being Mid Pines ($85-$215) and Pine Needles ($85-$235), sibling courses under the same ownership. Ross built them both in the 1920s, and in 2013 and 2017, respectively, Kyle Franz restored them.

Day Four

Last but nowhere near least, you can’t leave the region without taking a crack at Tobacco Road ($70-$189), a 1998 design by the late, great Mike Strantz. Ask enough people, and you’ll find some who will tell you that the course is “goofy” and “tricked up.” Do yourself a favor and cut those people out of your life.