The legendary Pinehurst Resort, with its iconic courses like No. 2 and No. 4, is a golfer’s dream destination. But what if a luxurious stay at the resort isn’t in the cards?
Don’t worry, you can still play there!
In this post, I’ll shed some light on which courses you can play at Pinehurst without staying.
Table of Contents
Can You Play Pinehurst Without Staying There?
Yes. You can play golf at Pinehurst without staying at the resort, but there are some limitations.
You can only book tee times for courses 1, 3, 5, and The Cradle if you’re not a guest or member.
Courses 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are for people staying at the resort.
Also Read: Do you tip golf cart attendants?
There used to be a policy that allowed golfers to call 24 hours ahead of time to check for available tee times for these courses, but this is no longer an option.
The resort has updated its rules.
These courses are now reserved ONLY for resort guests and members.
Playing Other Pinehurst Courses
Like I said, Pinehurst has a few other fantastic golf courses that are accessible to those not staying at the resort.
Courses like No. 1, No. 3, and No. 5 can often be booked by calling a day or two in advance.
While they may not possess the same legendary status as No. 2 and No. 4, they still offer exceptional golfing experiences and a taste of the Pinehurst tradition.
The chances of securing tee times on these courses are relatively good, especially during off-peak seasons or mid-week.
The Cradle
The other great course you can try is The Cradle.
The Cradle is a highly-rated short course designed by architect Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner. It’s often called “The Most Fun 10 Acres In All Of Golf”!
The course is a short and sweet 9 holes, totaling only 789 yards.
This makes it perfect for beginners, families, or a relaxing round for experienced golfers in between longer courses.
And don’t be fooled by the short yardage – The Cradle offers a fun and challenging round with its twisting fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens.
Plus, the green fees for The Cradle are lower than the resort’s championship courses.
Tee times for The Cradle can only be booked on the day of play, but the availability is quite good.
Other Courses In The Pinehurst Area
Beyond the Pinehurst Resort courses, the surrounding Sandhills region of North Carolina is home to numerous other exceptional golf venues:
- Mid Pines
- Southern Pines
- Tobacco Road
- Legacy Golf Links
- Longleaf Golf & Family Club
- Talamore Resort
Also Read: Golf license plate ideas
All these offer similar sandhills-style layouts and challenging yet enjoyable rounds of golf.
These courses can serve as excellent alternatives for those unable to secure tee times at Pinehurst, while still providing a taste of the area’s unique golfing experience.
Bottom Line
Playing the revered No. 2 and No. 4 courses at Pinehurst without being a resort guest is no longer possible. But there are still numerous options for golfers to enjoy the Sandhills golfing experience!
FAQs
Cheapest Way To Play Pinehurst 2
The absolute cheapest way to play No. 2 would be to be a guest of a Pinehurst Resort member.
Members can sponsor guests for a significantly reduced green fee compared to the public rate.
This might require some connections or reaching out to forums where members frequent.
Or you can play during off season. Green fees at Pinehurst No. 2 fluctuate depending on the time of year. Generally, rates are highest during the spring and fall and lower during the winter.
How Much Does It Cost To Play Pinehurst Number 3
Green fees for Pinehurst No. 3 typically range from $100 to $130 per player. Generally, rates are highest during peak season (spring and fall) and lower during the off-season.