Pinehurst Golf Trip – Vacation Planner

When it comes to golf vacations in the United States, a visit to Pinehurst is arguably the golf vacation of all golf vacations. 

Yes, there are many fantastic places to go and play golf in this great country. And although Pinehurst may not top all of them for choice, size, or glamor, what it surely does top them all for is tradition. 

There is a reason Pinehurst is often referred to as the ‘Saint Andrews of America’.

Page Contents

• Why go on a golf vacation to Pinehurst, North Carolina?
• Where to stay on a golf trip to Pinehurst?
  • Pinehurst Golf Resorts
• Pinehurst golf vacation packages
• Where to play golf in Pinehurst
• Places to eat and drink in Pinehurst
• What to do on your day off

Why go on a golf vacation to Pinehurst, North Carolina?

There are very few golf destinations in America which evoke a similar old-worldly sensation as Pinehurst in North Carolina. Maybe because the game of golf evolved here at the turn of the century?

Maybe also because this is a destination which has unequivocally been attached to the growth of the game in America. This is as much the emergence of new golf courses as well as major championships, which have been consistently hosted in Pinehurst. 

Whatever the reason, golfers have been flocking here since the late nineteenth century. And what made it popular then, is largely what makes it popular now. 

Its main attraction for many visiting golfers is the vast Pinehurst Resort, which is home to nine golf courses. One of these is the celebrated Pinehurst No.2, designed by the great Donald Ross.

Amongst the other courses at Pinehurst Resort, it’s a roll call of famous designers. Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Ellis Maples, Gil Hanse, Rees Jones…and the list goes on.

Yet the appeal of Pinehurst as a destination is that outside of Pinehurst Resort itself, there is so much more. A handful of other time-honored golf resorts, some outstanding golf courses and of course, the quaint and charming town center. 

The other great appeal is the relatively long golf season, which gets neither too hot, nor too cold.

The Carolina sandhills region is well protected from the worst of the weather, so despite the early frosts in the colder months, they remain popular for value-hunting golfers.

Where to stay on a golf trip to Pinehurst?

It’s worth knowing, Pinehurst is not even a city. It’s a mere village in North Carolina. Therefore don’t expect a huge downtown with multiple hotels to choose from. 

Remember, this isn’t Vegas or Scottsdale! But that’s also partly the appeal. 

Most golfers who visit Pinehurst do one of two things. Either they stay in one of the handful of outstanding golf resorts, or they’ll find a Pinehurst golf vacation rental. 

Regardless of which option you choose, nothing is ever too far away from the center of Pinehurst Village. So location shouldn’t be a concern.

But what you may want to consider, is that certain accommodation options will allow you to pre-book your tee times at the Pinehurst golf courses. I detail more in the next section.

Pinehurst Golf Resorts

There is one golf resort in Pinehurst whose reputation precedes all others. And that is the Pinehurst Resort. It is this resort which has embodied the growth of golf in Pinehurst. 

Pinehurst Resort comprises three historic hotels, a variety of condos and villas, ten golf courses as well as a nine-hole short course and a number of restaurants. This is without doubt the foremost resort of the destination, the creme-de-la-creme if you like. 

Your accommodation options here include The Carolina Hotel, nicknamed the ‘Queen of the South’ for its luxury surroundings and Four-Diamond rooms and suites. 

The incredibly popular Manor Inn has only recently reopened having been completely renovated, combining old-school charm and contemporary class. 

You’ll find quaint and intimate lodgings at The Magnolia Inn. Whilst in the heart of the Village, is Pinehurst’s oldest hotel, The Holly Inn. If you are a group, The Carolina Villas offer a range of guestrooms for foursomes and larger groups. 

Each of these is quite simply outstanding, and would more than suffice for a golf vacation to Pinehurst. Another consideration is that any booking at Pinehurst Resort, allows you to pre-book tee times at any Pinehurst golf course.

But it doesn’t stop here. Not everyone has the depth of wallet, or books early enough to get availability at Pinehurst Resort. 

Fortunately for you, there are some other fantastic resorts to choose from, any of which I’d happily stay at (again).

Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club, and Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club are two sensational resorts which encapsulate Southern hospitality and offer a variety of guestroom options. 

They’re sister resorts and also happen to be located just over the road from one another. So regardless of which you lodge in, you can easily access the other’s amenities.

Finally Talamore Golf Resort, which offers guests a selection of 2 and 3 bedroom villas. This is perfect for groups, offering a more cost effective solution and central Pinehurst location.

Pinehurst golf vacation packages

When looking to book your golf trip to Pinehurst, naturally you want to ensure you are getting the best possible deals.

Amongst all the companies selling packages, I personally recommend Golfbreaks.com. Every year they send hundreds of thousands of golfers on golf trips all over the world. Because of this, they get some of the best deals available. 

You tell them where you want to go, the courses you’re looking to play and what your budget is and they’ll do all the organizing, calling around and bookings for you. And to top things off, their service is second to none. 

Don’t know which course you want to play? Give them your budget, how far you want to drive, the average handicap in the group, and they recommend courses. It really is that easy. 

Below are a selection of some of the best golf vacation packages at Pinehurst;

Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club 3*

2 nights room only, 2 rounds

from $359 per person

Find out more

Talamore Golf Resort 3*

2 nights self-catering, 2 rounds

from $295 per person

Find out more

Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club 4*

2 nights room-only, 2 rounds

from $369 per person

Find out more

Where to play golf in Pinehurst?

In and around the village of Pinehurst, you’ll find some forty golf courses to choose from. And the best bit? Most of them can be booked by the general public. 

A quarter of all these courses are located onsite at the superb Pinehurst Resort, and that includes the iconic Pinehurst No. 2, a Donald Ross masterpiece.

At the time of writing, the most recent course unveiling was Pinehurst No. 10, designed by the emblematic Tom Doak. 

Do note though, that unless you are lodging at one of Pinehurst Resort’s accommodation options, you can’t pre-book tee times for any of the Pinehurst golf courses.

Fortunately, there are many other great options. 

Closer to the town center, you have another two iconic Donald Ross gems, Mid Pines Golf Club and Pine Needles Golf Club, both expertly renovated by the talented Kyle Franz.

Southern Pines is another top layout. Whilst just a half hour drive north of Pinehurst, is Mike Strantz’s mind-blowing Tobacco Road.

To find out more about which golf courses you might want to play, read this post on the best public golf courses in Pinehurst.

Places to eat and drink in Pinehurst

You’re probably thinking if Pinehurst is such a small village, there’s probably very few drinking and dining establishments. Wrong!

In fact, there is a plentiful supply of places to choose from. 

It’s worth knowing there are actually two small villages positioned one next to the other. And those are Pinehurst and Southern Pines. 

Southern Pines has some great shopping options as well as a great choice of drinking and eating establishments. It is also just a ten minute drive into central Pinehurst. So easily accessible. 

In Southern Pines is the popular sports bar KickBack Jacks, whilst just off Broad Street is the laid back Bell Tree Tavern, which serves great pub fare and offers a wide choice of beers.

If you’re looking for something with a bit more character, The Pinehurst Brewing Company is well worth a visit. Located in a historic steam plant building, this craft brewery is the place to be in Pinehurst!

When it comes to dining, you really can’t go wrong eating at any of the restaurants located in the golf resorts. 

The Carolina Dining Room is outstanding, offering haute-cuisine with a Southern touch. The 12-ounce ribeye steak is to die for! And it’s worth visiting just to experience the vast dining room. 

In The Holly Inn you have The Tavern, which serves a hearty menu, as does the award-winning 1895 Grille. 

Other recommendations around town include Chef Warren’s in Southern Pines, serving a high-class menu of time-honored classics. Whilst Elliott’s on Linden is one of the most highly regarded restaurants in the area. 

What to do on your day off

It’s unlikely you’ll have a day off, as any golf trip to Pinehurst will likely look to cram as much golf in as possible.

But assuming you did have an afternoon off, what should you do? 

Well that’s a good question. Remember this is a much smaller golf destination compared to some of the other behemoths out there. 

As such, some of the limited activities include a touch of light retail therapy in Southern Pines, which has a popular shopping district. 

Alternatively, just taking a stroll around Pinehurst Village is a relaxing way to pass a few hours. 

But honestly, if it was me, I’d be quite happy visiting one of the sports bars or relaxing at one of the many clubhouses 😉

*Occasionally I will recommend services which I think add value to you the user, and offer you a way to find out more about a particular golf resort or course. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, I may earn an affiliate fee. However, please rest assured yourgolfcourses.com is 100% independent and these commissions in no way influence the content OR rankings 🙂