Any time spent golfing in the land of the pines is time well spent, if you ask me. That being said, I should probably disclose that I grew up an hour away from the home of American golfSo I admit that my perspective may be a little biased – particularly when it comes to barbecue matters.
However, one could also argue that growing up in golf country makes me something of an expert when it comes to planning the perfect golf getaway in the Pinehurst area.
This summer, we put this knowledge to the test when I organized a three-day golf trip for the girls next door GOLF’s Jessica Marksburyone of our senior editors, who knows a thing or two about great golf trips and Pinehurst itself. After all, he covered the men’s and women’s US Opens back-to-back in 2014 and has taken his fair share of golf trips down south, so we feel confident in our local knowledge.
Not to brag, but I think we put together a pretty cool itinerary. Here’s a quick rundown: We kicked things off to take on one of the most iconic — and challenging — courses in the area, Pinehurst No. 2. While it was a demanding test that asks a lot of your game, it is also an experience that every golfer should have at least once.
On day two, we traded the challenge of championship golf for a little more fun at Talamore, where we enjoyed 18 holes and hand-fed some of the retired llama caddies who reside near the 13th green. I can confidently say that it was the most unique thing I have ever done on a golf course.
We saved one of the best experiences for last, closing out our trip to Pine Needles. Of course, the demanding layout and pristine course conditions are reason enough to love it, but, like many courses in this part of North Carolina, it’s the history that makes a round here truly memorable.
Once the home of golf icon Peggy Kirk Bell, Pine Needles carries a legacy that may be a little less celebrated than that of its illustrious neighbor, but it’s just as impactful.
As if a trip to Pine Needles wasn’t enough fun, we started our day with a quick lesson from another LPGA legend: major champion, six-time LPGA winner, and two-time Solheim Cup competitor Donna Andrews.
For me, this was the most meaningful part of the whole trip. I took lessons from Andrews at the beginning of my golf journey, so to have the opportunity to work with her again, some 14 years later, was a pretty special moment all around.
As we have been on the lesson tee, working on ours low stroke chip – a must-have shot at any Southern Pines course worth its salt – I had a bit of a light bulb moment. I realized I made a mistake while planning our trip.
I hadn’t thought enough about the timing of our lesson.
When I booked it, I thought of the instructions as a fun addition to an already great itinerary. What I hadn’t considered was how valuable a little tune-up would be before taking on some of the toughest conditions in the country.
In retrospect, a lesson before our first time would have been the only change I would have made to our plans.
If you plan to plan your own trip with friends to Pinehurst, consider this part of my advice: Do not underestimate the value of a little instruction, and, if you can, work on the itinerary before the week.
A few points before your first round can go a long way in making golf – and the entire trip – that much better. Courses like Pinehurst and Pine Needles also offer golf academies and group lessons, making it easy to get all the equipment. Think of it as a small investment in your game – and one that could pay dividends later in the week.
