Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club
Southern Pines, North Carolina
100 years after opening, golfers have the unique opportunity of playing a Donald Ross-designed course precisely as the architect built it.
Directly across the street from Pine Needles is Mid Pines. The two courses share the same owners and are considered sister courses. Blending naturally to its surrounding landscape, Mid Pines is a more leisurely, less hilly walk than Pine Needles. Holes weave and loop in a way that allows you to relive previous shots and catch glimpses of holes to come. The course is compact, making for an enjoyable walk. You will realize quickly that Mid Pines has been designed to play as an everyday course.
Like many of the Ross-designed courses we’ve played, Mid-Pines has relatively few water hazards instead of testing golfers with dry hazards. The teeth of this course come out as you approach its greens. These greens should be approached with care; many are crowned, and almost all tease a false front. Mounds and Valleys will have you second-guessing putts and white-knuckling chips.
Overlooking the 18th green is the 100-year-old Georgian-style Inn, oozing with history. Roaming the halls, you’ll feel like you’re in a golf museum, its walls telling the story of early American golf in the region.
A throwback to the past, this creaky clubhouse is undoubtedly worth hanging around in post-round - A drink on the back patio followed by one in Cosgrove’s Lounge nestled up to the fireplace. Taking it to the Man Cave-like game room is a must for your group.
This classic gem belongs on the itinerary when planning a golf trip to the Sandhills.
Local Tip: Holes 15-18 - Fade, Draw, Fade, Draw.
Public: Course Website | Opened: 1921 | Designer: Donald Ross
