hello,
we are looking in april 2009 for sandhills/pinehurst are golf... Can someone verify you have to stay at the pinehurst place to play on pinehurst courses??? especially ( & only #2)?

Also some other courses recommendations, etc.. ?

What about a travel company ?

Not sure if you have to stay there to play #2, but a buddy and I did the stay and play and it as $256 each which included one night's stay, a breakfast/dinner, and a round on #2. We didn't get to play it, but #4 and 8 are supposed to be great. Pine Needles was an awesome golf course, which we played the first day we were there. On our way back to DC we played Tobacco Road, which is definitely an experience and a must play if you ask me.

I don't know if you have to stay at PH resort in order to play #2. We were able to play #1 twilight without a reservation two years ago staying elsewhere (and I think they offered #2, but it was $$$$$$$ - even #1 was like $150). I do think you get a pretty decent discount if you're a resort guest.

There are a zillion great courses in the area. I put up pics of a couple that we played in April up in course review section (under South and South East). Personally, from 3 trips, I've really liked Mid Pines, Anderson Creek, National (private), Legacy and Foxfire. Southern Pines G.C. (Ross course) was good but in poor condition. I liked the Carolina, but a lot of people don't. Hyland Hills isn't anything special. I didn't care for the CC of Whispering Pines or The Pit.

Travel company - I've been pleased with Tobacco Road Golf & Travel and the Golf Group. Both have been great to work with. Someday we're going to try staying at Pine Needles/Mid Pines or at Pinehurst, but the package deals really are hard to beat.

Im pretty sure the Pinehurst resort is seperate from any other package groups. They btw, seem to offer great course/accomodation packages, Im sure you could find one. When I played #2 last March, I was a single and called the day before (and got to choose pretty much any time I wanted). I believe they can fit out larger groups, but they may make you call the afternoon before...

#2 was by far the greatest 4 hours Ive ever spent on a golf course, who gives a crap how much it costs!!! Have fun!

I live 30 minutes away and you do not have to stay at the resort to play #2 but you must call ahead and see if it is even open to open play. They shut down #2 alot but as long as you call ahead you can get on. I highly reccomend #4 and #8 in my opinion they are better then #2 but of course #2 has the notariaty. If it where not for the greens #2 would be and easy straight forward course. I think #4 and #8 have better layouts. Mid Pines and Pine Needles are alos top on the list right across the street from each other and only 5 minutes down the road from the Pinehurst Resort. Tobacco Road is a great course. Everyone that plays it though does not like it, I personally like it and it helps that I have the course record of 63 there, but it is a course that you either love it or hate it no in between. I think it is a must play for the scenic value myself IMO. Foxfire is also a great place to play has 36 holes out in the middle of nowhere and is generally kept in great shape.

A must play I think is where I played the US OPEN qualifier and that is Pinewild. Everyone thinks it is a private course but it is actually semi-private and open to open play. There is 36 holes there as well and is a great layout and is always in great condition.

If you go to www.trianglegolf.com they have a great map of the whole surrounding area and all the courses within a 50 mile radius. The above mentioned are great and must play courses but be prepared to pay top dollar for these courses with the exception of Pinewild in my opinion for around $70 is the best deal in Pinehurst.

Pinehurst Courses #1-#8 (excluding #2) $269 green fees
Mid Pines around a $100
Pine Needles around a $100
Tobacco Road $89
Foxfire $89

Of course depending on when you go the rates may be cheaper or more cause everything is seasonal down here. Let me know when and how many you have coming and I might be able to hook you up at a couple of the courses especially if you have room for an extra player.

Another way to get onto Pinehurst is to rent one of it's condos and the owner has a membership and is willing to let you use one of his allotted guest passes or plays with you. Check vrbo.com. You get somewhat of a discount, but not substantial.

Also, the inns (I think Pinecrest and Magnolia) offer packages as well. Actually, I think Pinecrest has a price list if you want to get an idea of how much the courses charge relative to one another.

If you like Tobacco Road, Tot Hill Farm, with it's elevation changes, is another doozy as well. Same architect (same weed? ha ha!)

I agree with the posters on the best courses though - different is not bad, but the traditional layouts to me are the best.

#4 is a must. Awesome, awesome course!

IMOP, Pine Needles is the best course in the area not in the Pinehurst Resort. A great traditional test of golf.