Pinehurst North Carolina recommendations?

[planet]

I'll be flying into Charlotte NC and am thinking about driving a couple of hours to the Pinehurst area for some golf. Does anybody have any recommendations for good value alternatives to the Pinehurst resort courses? Or even recommendations for the Charlotte area?

I'll be there in mid July during the week and am open to playing twilight.

Thanks in advance!

[Big Shooter]

I've always liked The Pit :)

[Leftygolfer30]

1. Tot Hill Farm (bit of a drive north of Pinehurst, but WELL worth it)
2. Tobacco Road (about 30 min. from Pinehurst, again well worth the drive)

You can probably get some pretty good twilight rates in the middle of July. I'd try for a Pinehurst course or even Pine Needles (site of this week's US Women's Open) just to see what's available. Talamore is rumoured to be very nice too.

[dks_34]

Not sure how far away it is but I played the Neuse in N carolina. Its also on Lastminutegolfer.com and I recall getting a great rate.

[Big Shooter]

Not sure how far away it is but I played the Neuse in N carolina. Its also on Lastminutegolfer.com and I recall getting a great rate.

Raleigh-area, very nice track, good rates...played there last year too! :cool:

[planet]

Thanks for the tips guys.

Anyone know of anything in the Charlotte area?

[Leftygolfer30]

In Charlotte, there is a municipal course called Renaissance Park that you should avoid at all costs as it's a glorified cow pasture.

Sorry, but it's the only course I've ever played in Charlotte.

[planet]

Thanks guys. Played the following:

Talamore - nice Rees Jones track. Tough 600 yard par 5 to start.

Tobacco Road - The highlight of the trip and one of the most memorable tracks I've ever played. Highly recommended, follow the yardage guide and it is not as difficult as it visually appears. Generous fairways and very creative green designs.

National - Nicklaus track that is very well groomed. Too many left to right dogleg holes, but that is what Nicklaus is known for in his designs. Overall very nice though.

Southern Pines CC - this is a gem if you can look past the lack of modern grooming. Original Donald Ross design that I'm told has not been modified. Nice green designs that putt well. Surprised by how much elevation it had. Owned and operated by the Elks as a reasonably priced track. Recommended for those who can appreciate its historic value and character. $28 including cart after 3pm, which is a phenomenal deal.

[Big Shooter]

Talamore - nice Rees Jones track. Tough 600 yard par 5 to start..

...believe it or not, when I played there about 15 years ago, they had Llama's that carried your bag!!!! Really!! I believe they still do... ;)

here's a pic...

[planet]

...believe it or not, when I played there about 15 years ago, they had Llama's that carried your bag!!!! Really!! I believe they still do... ;)

here's a pic...

You're right, I almost forgot about that. I believe they are still used in spring/fall. I saw them in a barnyard next to one of the tees on the back nine. Pretty cool to see.

[Golfgeek]

There's a very good course in Rock Hill just outside of Charlotte which is designed by Hale Irwin. It may be called Rock Hill (not sure) but IMHO, just as good (and similar to) many of the Toronto "upscale" Carrick courses such as Angus South, Copper Creek or King Valley at a lower price.