What's probably the most underrated/finest worth course within the Pinehurst space?

GOLF’s Prime 100 course panelists are among the many most revered and well-traveled course evaluators within the sport. They’re additionally eager to share their opinions. On this GOLF.com sequence, we’ll unlock their unvarnished views on all questions course-related. Take a look at GOLF’s newest Top 100 Courses in the U.S., Top 100 Courses in the World, Top 100 Courses You Can Play, Best Municipal Courses in the U.S., and 100 Best Short Courses.

What’s probably the most underrated/finest worth course within the Pinehurst, N.C., space?

Will Davenport, panelist since 2020: My high space programs are Mid Pines and Pine Needles. They’re very totally different (Mid Pines is shorter and has extra quirk, whereas Pine Needles has a bit extra chew), however they’re each a pleasure to play.

Paul Rudovsky, panelist since 2015: Agreed. And to that I’d add one other nice Ross design, Southern Pines, the least costly of the three. I’d additionally cite Tobacco Street (about half-hour away), an excellent Mike Strantz design that calls for clear pondering and terrific danger/reward choices and execution.

Pete Phipps, panelist since 2021: The standard reply has been Pine Needles and Mid Pines, however, seconding Paul, Southern Pines is now a must-play in Moore County as effectively. The property nonetheless wants a while to actually understand its potential after a first-rate 2021 renovation by Kyle Franz. However it is vitally a lot value enjoying as is. Donald Ross designed Pinehurst No. 2 in 1905 and Southern Pines in 1906, so that you’re getting a equally fantastic Ross expertise for a fraction of the price! And whereas it’s now not open to the general public however as an alternative a part of a nationwide membership, Dormie Membership nonetheless must be acknowledged as one of many higher programs within the space. While you give Coore and Crenshaw a clean slate simply 5 miles from the place that they had lately restored Pinehurst No. 2, from a design perspective you’re enjoying with home cash. Opened for play in 2010, the course has numerous motion all through, together with three pure lakes coming into play, providing a barely totally different really feel from No. 2 (which has no water). Many people miss the times of paying our greens charges in a trailer and heading out onto this hidden gem, however that every one appeared too good to be true, which was confirmed to be the case when Dormie Membership was bought and turned absolutely personal in 2020.

Thomas Brown, Panelist since 2015: Woodlake Nation Membership, a 20-minute drive east of Pinehurst, has an Ellis Maples design that was lately restored by architect Kris Spence. Although it’s a personal membership, it has made particular availability to the general public through the U.S. Open.

What’s the (different) finest course at Pinehurst Resort, and why?

Rudovsky: I performed No. 10 about three weeks in the past. It’s an excellent design on an ideal piece of land. In my view, it’s the second-best by far. Nothing else comes shut.

Davenport: Nos. 10 and 4 are the heavy hitters, however a fast nod to No. 5. It’s a lot shorter and friendlier than its siblings, nevertheless it greater than holds its personal in character and attraction. It’s a must-play when you’ve got greater than a few days and is the proper afternoon bonus spherical.

Brown: Straightforward. Let’s spend the remainder of the afternoon on The Cradle, the resort’s extremely entertaining brief course. Wait, cancel that. The Cradle is getting used because the driving vary this week.