Golfing in the Sandhills: Your Ultimate Guide to Pinehurst & Southern Pines
If you’re planning a golf trip to North Carolina, the Sandhills region—anchored by Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and Aberdeen—should be at the very top of your list. With over 30 courses within a short drive, including some of the top-ranked tracks in the country, it’s a true paradise for golf lovers. Here’s your comprehensive guide to playing, staying, and soaking in the scene.
🏆 Sandhills Bucket List: Must-Play Golf Courses
These seven courses aren’t just highly ranked in North Carolina—they’re the backbone of the Sandhills golf experience.
Pinehurst No. 2 (Ranked #1 in NC)
Designed by Donald Ross and restored by Coore & Crenshaw, No. 2 is as iconic as it gets. Home to multiple U.S. Opens and future majors, it’s known for crowned greens and strategic brilliance.
Note: You must be a resort guest or member to play. If you can’t get on, grab a drink at The Deuce and watch players finish on 18.
Pinehurst No. 10 (Ranked #4 in NC)
Opened in 2024, Tom Doak’s No. 10 is a dramatic, modern design filled with elevation changes, natural beauty, and bold architecture. It’s already a fan favorite.
Pinehurst No. 4 (Ranked #5 in NC)
After a stellar 2018 redesign by Coore & Crenshaw, No. 4 is fun, scenic, and more forgiving than No. 2. It’s a top-tier resort experience with fewer bruises.
Tobacco Road (Ranked #6 in NC)
Just 30-40 minutes from Pinehurst, Mike Strantz’s Tobacco Road is wild, unforgettable, and polarizing. Towering dunes, blind shots, and dramatic greens make every hole an adventure.
Mid Pines (Ranked #7 in NC)
A Donald Ross classic with a welcoming vibe, Mid Pines is pure golf with a vintage feel. It’s walkable, fun, and perfect for easing into your trip.
Heads up: The inn is very dated; stay elsewhere if you’re particular about accommodations.
Southern Pines GC (Ranked #8 in NC)
Recently renovated by Kyle Franz, Southern Pines is visually stunning and sneakily difficult. The greens are wild, the terrain is bold, and the vibe is laid back.
Pine Needles (Ranked #9 in NC)
Another Ross-Franz collaboration, Pine Needles is polished, playable, and full of championship pedigree. It’s hosted several U.S. Women’s Opens and always delivers.
Bonus: The Loop—a free four-hole practice course on site—is a hidden gem.
Other Courses Worth Checking Out
- Mid South Club – Underrated with excellent conditions and a cool shared green between 9 & 18. Check out the bonus 19th hole.
- Talamore Golf Club – Known for creative bunkering and fun routing.
- Legacy Golf Links – A great value, but skip walking—seriously.
- Longleaf Golf & Family Club – Very walkable, family-friendly, and home to a six-hole short course.
- Forest Creek (Private) – If you can get access, both the North and South courses are phenomenal. South gets the edge for aesthetics.
🏨 Where to Stay
- Pine Crest Inn – Historic, centrally located, and once owned by Donald Ross himself.
- The Carolina Hotel (Resort) – Worth it for the breakfast buffet alone.
- Airbnbs – Abundant and often more affordable if you’re traveling with a group.
🍽️ Where to Eat and Drink
- Pinehurst Brewing Co. – Great BBQ, beers, and a lively post-round scene.
- The Deuce – Sit on the veranda and watch golfers finish on 18 at No. 2.
- Beefeaters – Top-tier steaks in a relaxed setting.
- Pik N Pig (Carthage) – Worth the drive for the food and atmosphere.
- Vito’s (Southern Pines) – Best Italian food in the state, with an amazing hidden wine list.
- Wedgies – Sandwiches on pizza dough—yes, really.
- Reds Corner – Food trucks, craft beer, and good vibes.
🎡 Local Tips
- Caddies – Only really needed for Pinehurst No. 2, No. 4, and maybe No. 10. Forecaddies are a nice compromise.
- Tee Times – Book early. April is peak season, and the resort prioritizes guests.
- Practice Facilities – Don’t miss The Cradle (short course), Thistle Dhu (putting), or The Loop (Pine Needles).
- Non-Golf Fun – USGA Experience, local breweries, mini golf at Wee Pines, and even an ostrich farm if you’re feeling wild.
Whether you’re chasing bucket-list rounds or just vibing with golf buddies in a beautiful place, the Sandhills delivers. It’s a rare blend of history, challenge, and charm. Just make sure you pack extra balls and a good attitude—you’ll need both.