Going with a group of guys to the Pinehurst area the first weekend in Feb. Been told we're playing Seven Lakes, Bayonet at Puppy Creek, and Whispering Woods. Anyone have any thoughts on these courses, best places to eat, and best golf shops.
Thanks,
Brandon

No Pinehurst? Why?

Anyways, there is nothing to do, period. You can head out of Pinehurst a bit and have a bit more to do in Southern Pines.

Buy plenty of liquor and hang out at Pinehurst resort. Play lawn bowls drunk...awesome.


Most of the resort restaurants are great, except for the main clubhouse.

Go to Robert's golf shop in Pinehurts (actually in Aberdeen i believe) Also there is US Golf right down the road. Robert's has a load of used clubs.

Thanks for the info. I wish we were playing some of the Pinehurst Resort courses, but a buddy is organizing the trip. 8 guys going. He found a deal that is $99 for 3 days/2 nights stay plus 3 rounds of golf. One each at the clubs I was asking about. Looks like a really good deal, so hopefully we can try some of the better courses next year.

You need to visit the Clubhouse at Pinehurst Resort. It is like a museum. They have a great statue of Payne Stewart near the 18th of #2. You need to try to eat one night at the Pinecrest Inn. Get the Pork Chop. It is there signature dish. It melts in your mouth. http://www.golflink.com/golf-courses/artic...e_Crest_Inn.asp I have played Seven Lakes. Nothing spectacular but a fun course. You do need to try to play some of the Resort courses next time you go. I suggest, of course, #2 but #4 is just as good of a golf course IMO. The newest one #8 was a great course too.

I live in Fayetteville when I am not in Iraq and I play Bayonet all the time. It is a pretty nice course. Very quiet area. Pay attention to the road signs because it is out in the middle of no where. I would suggest Tobacco Road though if you are going to be in that area. Between Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Fayetteville, everything is about a 30-45 minute drive. There is a Pro Golf store on Bragg Blvd in Fayetteville. I do all of my golf shopping there.

If you are into being Patriotic, I would suggest visiting the Airborne and Special Operations museum downtown Fayetteville. Pay tribute to some REAL hero's. Golf is great but the reason that we can play this awesome sport is because of the sacrifices these great American's did for all of us.

I second Bayonet at Puppy Creek. We had a great time playing this course on our last Pinehurst trip.

Thanks for the info, and you're right on about the REAL heros. I certainly appreciate your courage and sacrifice as well.
Stay safe,
Brandon

Well, I can comment on Bayonet at Puppy Creek, as it is only 5 miles from my house. You will not be disappointed by the condition of the course. It is own by a turf farm, so it is always in great condition. The greens are receptive, and roll well. If you are looking for something to do and it will be quite different, then you can do one of two things if you are willing to spend some money. Right down Highway 401 from Bayonet, there is the Raeford Parachute Center where you can tandem skydive from 12500 ft. The guy who runs the drop zone is a former club pro. That will cost about $250 with full motion video and still photos. If that doesn't suit you, then you can go to the Paraclete XP indoor skydiving place. It is the largest windtunnel in the world, and with 8 guys, you can get about 30 minutes worth of tunnel time for a good price. I can't tell you the price, but it is a unique experience, because you can fly in the tunnel all the way up to the ceiling that is about 60 feet high. Once you fly in the tunnel you might want to go for a real jump.

Just some ideas. If you are interested in eating in the area, then check out Johnson's Mill which is right by the golf course. If you are looking for a really good steak, then about 10 miles east on Highway 401 (Raeford Rd.) is Chris's Steakhouse. This place is very good, and has a great appetizer cheese dip that comes with the price of the meal.