Talamore Golf Resort
A visit to historic Pinehurst shouldn’t just include the old courses.
Pinehurst and the Carolina Sandhills area is easily the most historic golf destination in America, dating back to 1895. And yet, a big reason why it’s remained one of the most popular trips for groups all these years later is the new menu of modern additions from top architects all in the neighborhood of the original Ross designs.
What makes Pinehurst such a great trip even 100+ years after James Tufts founded the original Pinehurst Resort in 1895 is that the spirit and passion of the game have continued for generations. Old facilities are reborn and new ones complement them with their own style.
The area has been particularly on fire in the 21st century, with Pinehurst adding additions like No. 10 and The Cradle, the USGA opening a new HQ here, plus new and reborn courses like The Dormie Club. But it was in the 1990s when the modern golf era began around these parts. That’s when Talamore and Mid South opened their doors, delivering semi-private/resort golf to the neighborhood just around the corner from old dames Mid Pines and Pine Needles.
For a golf group, there’s a lot to like about Talamore and Mid South, both as courses on the itinerary as well as resorts to call home base. And only in a place as deep as Pinehurst would a combo like this fly under the radar and deliver strong relative value.
The New Course at Talamore
Originally opened in 1991 and designed by Rees Jones (who also built Pinehurst No. 6), Talamore has already been through several iterations in its first quarter-century of life, completing such updates as course renovation/softenings (including 60 bunkers taken out) to even employing llamas as caddies for a period of time.
The most recent updates are their best yet. Not only is the course a lot more playable for all levels, with relatively wide corridors and lots of grass to land a tee shot, Talamore chose to bring an old-world look to its layout; British Isles-style sod walled bunkers. It’s a stark contrast if you’ve also got the wispy Ross bunkering on your itinerary at course like Southern Pines or Pinehurst No. 2. Keep a lob wedge in the bag and hope you don’t find your ball up against the face of one.
Facilities at Talamore have improved in recent years. The driving range is now equipped with 10 Toptracer bays for advanced analytics of your range session or lesson. There is a large putting course beside the clubhouse. In the clubhouse, a new back patio overlooks the course and is a festive place on balmy summer days, especially on evenings during a pig pickin’ held for members and resort guests for authentic Carolina BBQ.
In such a deep destination like Pinehurst, it can be tough to stand out from the shadow of Donald Ross. But Talamore has managed, first with its llama program and cheeky club logo inspired by that famous golf tournament in Georgia. The llama caddies aren’t available anymore but you can still say hello to them when you pass them on the back nine.
Talamore
Mid South
Across the street from Talamore is Mid South, bordered by Pinehurst No. 9 and a chip shot west of Mid Pines. It was originally designed by Arnold Palmer and opened as “Pinehurst National.” Since being acquired and renamed by the Talamore group, the facility has received many updates, and while the championship yardage stretches past 7,000 yards, it’s among the most flexible layouts in the area with six tees (plus a combo tee) playing as short as 4,136 yards.
It is held in high regard in the area not only as a quiet haven for members amongst the always bustling golf mecca, but also as a past qualifying site for elite area tournaments including multiple U.S Open qualifiers.
Mid South is an even bigger ballpark than Talamore, winding over 500 acres from start to finish, 11 of which are sand. Along the loop you’ll experience fast Champions Bermuda greens, recently renovated and enlarged. The par-3 6th hole, all carry over water, gets every players’ attention. So does the 16th, bordering a lake from tee to green and requiring another aerial approach. 18 is a watery finish to boot, culminating with a double-green next to the 9th and beneath the stately southern-style clubhouse where VIP hospitality for your group awaits.
Mid South
Stay and play at Talamore and Mid South
One thing is for sure on a buddies trip: it’s nice to have comfortable, spacious and convenient accommodations, and Talamore-Mid South’s units, which can house up to 400 guests at any given time, will fit the bill for golf groups of all sizes. In addition to being spacious multi-bedroom accommodations they are very conveniently located. The Talamore villas are steps from the clubhouse so you can enjoy all the amenities during the day into the evening. These multi-bedroom units come with two baths, housekeeping service, large covered porches, and are steps from the resort area’s nature trails.
At Mid South, the luxurious lodge units also feature full kitchens, spacious balconies with views of the 500-plus acre property, and access to Mid South’s tennis and pool facilities.
Talamore and Mid South area are also located right in the heart of the Pinehurst action. You’re within 5-10 minutes of all the great courses as well as the Village of Pinehurst and Southern Pines for dining, shopping and nightlife.
Pinehurst golf packages
Talamore has one of the most robust and flexible offerings of golf packages in the Pinehurst area. For long weekends or even full week itineraries, you can easily add other off-property courses like Mid Pines, Pine Needles & Southern Pines, Tobacco Road. Or you can add area value courses to extend your trip like Longleaf, Hyland and 7 Lakes for an extended trip that will offer plenty of bang-for-buck.
Pinehurst is one of the golf destinations in America that gets so many repeat visitors due to the variety and quality of courses, lodging and restaurants. But a fitting home base every time is Talamore-Mid South.