Pinehurst area - Course recomdations for novice/beginners

[Peter-T]

Hi Everyone,

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).

Looking for three courses that will challenge but not overwhelm us.  We don't want to go broke or travel far from our home base.

I have searched the discussions for similar requests but didn't find anything recent that was helpful.   

Suggestions about courses or anything Pinehurst related would be appreciated.

Thanks

Edited November 24, 2021 by Peter-T

[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. 

Edited November 25, 2021 by NC Golfer

[GnomeOfZurich]

I agree with NC golfer, Hylands and twilight on #3.

[GaDawg]

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

[vandyland]

Agree with @NC GolferWe 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.  I think Longleaf might fit the bill also, Talamore is a good test but overall not too tough.  To me the Ross courses, Pine Needles, Mid Pines, and Southern Pines, are really demanding around the greens, so might be really tough for a beginner.

[MGoBlue100]

@GolfSpy Barbajois there as we speak.  I'm guessing we'll all see some sort of a write up in the next couple weeks.  His social media posts are fantastic!

[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. We played Pinehurst #9 today and it's very interesting and fun - the greens are a different kind of diabolical, though. Not nearly as slick as 2 and 4, but you gotta be able to read them.  It's fun but a different kind of tough. 

My hosts suggest #'s 1, 5, 6 and 9 might fit your bill at Pinehurst. Haven't played anywhere else down here, but as others have mentioned, there's no shortage of options.