“Dude, we should do a trip to Pinehurst.”
I suppose I should blame myself. After each trip to Pinehurst I come back boasting about how incredible it is – the village, the Brewery, the Cradle, the Pine Crest, the porch at the Deuce and, of course, all of the golf.
Every trip needs a captain, and having been to the resort about half a dozen times, it was inevitable for me to grab the wheel. Every group has an endless number of “strategists,” but without someone to take action, grand ideas like these usually gather like broken peanut shells on a barroom floor.
So let me take you through the journey required to execute a trip like this, from concept through packing effectively and efficiently and perhaps you might feel inspired and ambitious enough to lead an excursion of your very own.
Pinehurst’s Thistle Dunes
Tip #1: Dates
This was easier than expected. About 10 months in advance, we decided the optimal time to escape would be May 2022 for our group. Early enough in the year that the trip would shine like a navigational beacon guiding us through the dense clouds of a long, cold Northeastern winter.
But with enough space from when the last filthy snow piles melt to shake off the winter rust, take a few lessons, find our swing for the season and potentially even a repeatable rhythm.
The key in picking a date is to avoid any known land mines. For example:
- Mother’s Day
- Anniversaries
- Notable birthdays (spouse or kin)
- Family trips, rehearsals, cheerleading comps, concerts, etc
- Kentucky Derby
- Work obligations
So, that narrowed the possible dates quite easily. And, ultimately, mid-May 2022 with a Thursday-Sunday stay is what we landed on.
Tip #2: Itinerary
How much golf you play can vary wildly from group to group and really sets the tone for the entire trip as well as influencing who is extended an invitation. Some want to play as much golf as possible – 36 per day, or even more. Some want no more than one round per day, and some maybe even less than that.
Ultimately, the captain needs to decide, although a decision by committee is best so you ensure there’s at least support for the plan.
Every trip to Pinehurst needs to be structured around Course #2. And the demand to play it has never been higher. The resort recommends planning 12-28 months out at this point to ensure you can challenge your game, and your patience, at one the U.S. Open’s first anchor sites.
Following the restoration of Course #2, Course #4 was reimagined by Gil Hanse and has become another “must” on any Pinehurst bucket list.
Some prefer to play #2 and #4 early in the trip while their game is predictable, muscles are loose and golf demons are minimal, while others will prefer to “warm up” with rounds on other courses to get a feel for what it takes to play well at Pinehurst. (The answer to that is short game. You need a reliable short game. And patience.)
From there, fill your itinerary with rounds at the other 7 resort courses, at least one walk around The Cradle and an early or late test on the Thistle Du putting course (which is free by the way).
Also, don’t disregard the other incredible courses not far away. Donald Ross designs, Mid Pines and the recently restored Southern Pines are nearby as is Pine Needles which is preparing to host the 2022 U.S. Women’s Open.
And on the way to and from the Raleigh Airport is Tobacco Road, which is a unique experience all golfers will remember forever. From the blind first tee shot between two massive mounds to the climb back to the understated, cozy clubhouse for a much-deserved Transfusion, it’s target golf at its finest. Be sure to grab a yardage book for your first go around or you’ll be undoubtedly guessing direction and yardage incorrectly more times than not.
Other area favorites are Talamore Golf Resort and Mid South Club, two fun and friendly designs that are great additions for any trip to the area that tend to come in at a more affordable rate as well.
With so many world-class courses in close proximity, any combination of those mentioned above will result in a very memorable trip.
Talamore
Tip #3: Packing prep
Like with every golf trip, it’s better to over prepare than to be caught by surprise when it rains one day, blisters develop on your heels or you are reminded how quickly sunburns can develop after hibernating indoors all winter.
While the weather at Pinehurst is certainly much more predictable than how you’re going to play, you can still encounter an afternoon thunderstorm, cool mornings or high heat and humidity.
Clothes
A good rule of thumb for any golf trip is two outfits per day – one for golf and a change for post-round activities/dinner.
Golf shirt and shorts (or pants) are an easy choice for every round, plus a fresh change for dinner each night. Most resorts, including Pinehurst don’t require attire any more formal than what you wore to play golf. They know their audience!
Be prepared to layer depending on the forecast. One or two ¾ zip sweaters, a light vest and a lightweight rain jacket are worth having in the travel bag. Neutral colors are best so you can wear them with several of your outfits.
Shoes
Golf shoes are critical, especially if you plan to walk any of the rounds, but even if you’re going to ride. You’ll likely have some days where you’re in your shoes for 8-12 hours, so it’s imperative to bring shoes that fit properly and that you can trust. A good rule of thumb is to bring one pair of shoes for every two rounds so you can rotate between them.
No matter where you play, buying shoes that clearly offer waterproof protection is always a good idea. Even if you never encounter rain, morning dew can find the seams or – gulp – holes in your shoes just the same, and nothing destroys a round faster than wet feet and socks. Shoes with 1- or 2-year waterproof warranty won’t cost you much more and will ensure you’re protected from anything you face on the course.
Staying down near the ground for a moment, invest in some new and/or reliable socks. Just as important as shoes, good socks that fit properly, won’t slide into your shoes and wick moisture will be as important as your ability to chip off tight lies.
Other items
• Rangefinder/GPS device
Remove some of the uncertainty from playing a new course by using a device that can help you determine distances to pins and hazards quickly.
• 3-4 hats that can be rotated
You are likely to sweat through, or lose, at least one. So good to have backups. Besides, if you don’t flaunt at least one logo from a top 100 golf course at all times, are you even really a golfer? This being said, plan to come home with 1-2 from this awesome resort.
• At least one new glove for every two rounds.
Like shoes, you want to be able to rotate a few gloves in the event your hands sweat a lot, you develop a hole in one, or you leave one on the table at the Deuce.
*Pro tip: if you are prone to sweaty hands, try FootJoy RainGrip gloves which actually become more tacky as they get wet. You can play comfortably and securely without needing to hang gloves from your cart like a 1950’s clothesline.
• Sunscreen
The sun is strong. Be prepared. Nothing ruins a golf trip faster than a nasty sunburn on day one.
• Sunglasses
Strong sun and lots and lots of sand to reflect it back into your eyes. Good sunnies are key.
• Other items: Band-Aids, snack bars, hydration packets (Liquid I.V., Nuun, etc)
When planning a golf trip, it’s important to be prepared for anything. Even then, you should expect the unexpected.
Fortunately, the world-class staff at Pinehurst is ready and willing to help with anything you might need. Hosting thousands of groups every year, you can rest assured they’ve seen just about anything your group can toss their way.
A warm travel bag from FootJoy