Golf Course Review by: Bill Satterfield
Rankings:
The Takeaway: Located in the cradle of American golf, Mid Pines is an alternative to the Pinehurst Resort courses and pairs well with Southern Pines for a 36 hole day. A bit underwhelmed on my initial visit, the subsequent extensive renovation brought Mid Pines back to its original glory and is excellent for every level of golfer. Grade B
Quick Facts
Designer: Donald Ross 1921 (Kyle Franz restoration 2013)
Cost: $95 - $235 Click for current rates
Phone Number: 910-692-9362
Course Website: Official Website - Visit Mid Pines Golf Club's official website by clicking on the link provided.
Directions: Get here! - 1010 Midland Road, Southern Pines, North Carolina 28387 – UNITED STATES
Photos: See additional photos of Mid Pines Golf Club
What to Expect: Prior to its renovation, Mid Pines was an average course for the Pinehurst area but difficult to fit into a golf trip in place of other headliner courses. Post renovation, Mid Pines looks and plays much better than before. The course is one of the most women friendly tracks in the area with very few, if any, forced carries to contend with which makes it a favorite among kids as well. But don’t take that to mean Mid Pines is a pushover, this Donald Ross gem still challenges players but does so through a series of risk/reward opportunities that make Mid Pines the kind of course you can enjoy over and over again. The rolling terrain delivers intrigue to the layout while still making the course a popular one to walk. Length isn’t the test at Mid Pines, it is the five inch area between your ears, as your course management will determine your success. A 36 hole day spent at Mid Pines and Pine Needles across the street is an offering that is easy to enjoy and logistically easy to pull off.
By the Numbers
| Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue | 72 | 6732 | 71.7 | 130 |
| White | 72 | 6166 | 69.8 | 128 |
| Green | 72 | 5662 | 66.3 | 120 |
| Red (Women) | 72 | 4903 | 68.4 | 120 |
Individual Hole Analysis
Signature Hole: 18th Hole – 411 Yard Par 4 – The closing hole is an inspiring two-shotter that plays downhill towards the expansive clubhouse and inn. The fairway tilts from left-to-right towards the large bunker that impedes the fairway and moves out into the waste area, so staying short and left of it off the tee is paramount. The edges of the green slope away from the putting surface so taking enough club to get to the center of the green is a prudent play, but the swale in the putting surface can create some challenging putts.
Best Par 3: 2nd Hole – 190 Yards – The 2nd hole is an attractive one-shotter that is fronted by a pair of large bunkers and plays a bit uphill, so if you are between clubs you should take the longer of the two. The undulated putting surface is one of the more interesting greens on the property and three-putts are common. Getting close to any flag placed near the side edges is a dicey proposition.
Best Par 4: 4th Hole – 330 Yards – The 4th is the first of two holes that present great birdie opportunities and a chance to build some insurance early in the round. This driveable par four begs players to take their tee shot up the left side where the slope on the backside of the high point will help kick balls towards the green. There is strategic bunkering to consider off the tee and around the green to consider, but if you can avoid it then this hole is very gettable.
Best Par 5: 15th Hole – 542 Yards – A downhill par five that angles slightly from right-to-left the entire length of the hole with a fairway that tilts the same way, the inspiring view from this tee box gives players a clear view of the two fairway bunkers they must avoid if they plan on reaching the green in two. Bunkers pinch the front of the green but there is plenty of space between them to thread an approach onto the putting surface. The miss is to the left side where players will be left with a relatively easy uphill pitch to a green without much undulation to deal with. This hole offers one of the most exciting tee shots on the course and a great chance to score a birdie.
Birdie Time: 5th Hole – 484 Yard Par 5 – Coming off the short par four 4th, the 5th delivers another great birdie opportunity. With less than 500 yards to cover and no fairway bunkers to contend with, players can cut loose on their driver and set themselves up for reaching the green in two on this downhill par five. Bunkering flanks each side of the green but many players will be able to take an iron to reach the putting surface on their second shot and have an eagle putt, or get up and down from the sand to card a birdie. If you are laying up, be aware of the pond on the left side of the fairway 125 yards from the green.
Bogey Beware: 3rd Hole – 437 Yard Par 4 – The most intimidating and awkward driving hole on the course is easily the 3rd hole at Mid Pines. In front of the tee is a large raised pond that blocks the view of much of the fairway which can quickly diminish confidence in players. The hole then doglegs right with trees and waste areas framing each side of the fairway before ascending ten feet uphill to the green site featuring bunkers on each side. There is literally nowhere to get away with a subpar shot on this hole, so you either bring your 'A' game or you card a score over par.
