Hi everyone! I want to plan a fun golf day for my boyfriend’s Christmas present this year. We are from Raleigh, so I was thinking of going down to Pinehurst since there are so many good courses in the area. I’m trying to decide on which one to do.

He has already played Mid Pines and Pine Needles and loved them. From what I’ve seen, a lot of people recommended Tobacco Road, Mid Pines or Pine Needles, or Pinehurst No. 3. My idea was to do a course in the morning, then have lunch, and maybe end the day with playing the Cradle at Pinehurst?

So I was wondering which course should we book and does it matter if he’s played it already if you all end up strongly recommending Mid Pines or Pine Needles. Also is that too much golf for one day to do a regular course and the Cradle? Any thoughts, opinions, or ideas are appreciated!!

I am contemplating doing a full bag fitting with Kevin O’Connell at True Spec in Pine Needles, but does anyone know whether you can split it up into separate days? Like irons and hybrids one day and driver and fairway woods another day or something like that. I think I would be exhausted doing everything in one day. Thanks.

Just an update on course conditions. Played today and its in real good shape. Greens were rolling fast and true..fairways/tees looked good AND there’s nice white sand in the bunkers.

$37 with cart

I am looking to play tomorrow if someone needs a fill in or partner. 5.6 index. No alcohol

I’m interested in learning how to play golf & I would like to practice at a driving range. I’ve only been to a driving range once at Drive Shack & it was a great experience, which is why I want to get better. What are some budget friendly options for learning the sport? I’m located in Clayton but have no trouble driving anywhere in the Triangle.

For my money, it’s 13 and 14 at Neuse. On paper, it doesn’t seem like it should be, but those holes eat my lunch most days.

So today I tried out lake winds after playing it one other time in the summer. In the summer it was a terrible course, but it was like $30 for 18 holes with a cart and totally empty so I still had a good time. Greens were awful, fairways awful, but hey, $30.

I heard they closed for renovations and went back today because it was kind of my only option for short notice morning golf. I booked online and first of all, their website is intentionally misleading. They have photos of a completely different golf course on their home page. I checked the box for walking 9 holes, and the price was $17.

I get to the course, and it seems they spent all their renovation budget on extending the porch of the pro shop. I don’t know what idiot thought that was a priority, there’s not even seating out there. They also replaced all the golf carts (gas carts).

Now here is why I’m pissed. I go to pay and the guy charges me 32 dollars. I tell him I don’t need a cart and it’s supposed to be $17, and he says carts are mandatory and it’s a $15 cart fee for 9 holes. So basically they didn’t mention on the website that my round would actually be TWICE as expensive. I can’t fathom why carts need to be mandatory. The course isn’t hard to walk, and pace is not a concern since there’s no one out there. Clearly they just added this hidden fee to screw people over, which I think is very underhanded and shitty.

Oh and as far as course conditions, exactly the same as before they closed for renovation. Terrible greens, terrible tee boxes, terrible fairways (if you can call them fairways). Course design in general sucks as well. Basically no redeeming aspect. And now that 9 holes there costs more than Hillandale, I definitely won’t ever be going back.

If someone smart owned that course, they’d do what twin lakes in chapel hill has done. Put your money into the greens, use old carts, don’t renovate the pro shop because no one cares about that. If you don’t have money for cart paths, just don’t have cart paths. And biggest of all: if you can’t afford to maintain an 18 hole course, sell half the land and have a 9 hole course. But anyway, fuck the owners of that course for screwing people out of 15 bucks and being misleading.

I was thinking of getting my partner a gift certificate for some golf clinic or lessons. He's a social person, so I thought a group situation might be most fun... and used to play golf regularly on the west coast but has fallen off since he moved here about 5 years ago.

Doing a google search, I've found a few beginner things at Hillandale, but I think he'd call himself 'intermediate.' We're in Durham, but would be happy for any nearby recommendations.

I will be playing Reedy Creek for the first time Sunday. I booked the 11:08 as a single, so if it is still available someone can join. Anything I should watch out for? I typically shoot around 90, just trying to focus on keeping balls in play and not losing them.

Always buy them as they are good deals but this year!!!! Wow what a rip! 3 days to make a reservation, meanwhile anyone on GolfNow can almost get the same deal, $9 difference, and book 7 days or more in advance. No tee times available for the CGA coupon crowd unless you can play Monday or Tuesday.

I'm a taller golfer and looking to get my clubs extended. Does anybody have any recommendations in the area of where to go and an idea of approximately how much it would cost?

My Jpx 923 forged 8 iron seemed to have grown legs and walked off the range at TriGolf earlier this week. I know it’s a long shot posting here, but if anybody has it I’d be grateful to put my set back together. Mizuno isn’t selling that model in individual irons anymore so it’s difficult for me to replace.

Hello RDU Golfers!

If you haven't heard of us or stopped in for a visit, we are Mike and Lauren from Sully's Golf and Gather in Garner. Some of you may remember us from 401 Par Golf days. Our new facility which opened early April, features 14 simulators (the largest dedicated indoor golf facility in North Carolina), a chipping/putting green, full bar and kitchen, private teaching suite, and more. We also carry the NFL Sunday Ticket which will give you access to ALL your favorite teams on Sundays.

We have worked out a deal with RDUGolf and are excited to offer everyone in the RDU Golf Group 50% off your first hourly simulator rental or group golf class drop in. You can choose from either the smaller personal simulators or the larger premium bays. Our group classes are offered 5 days a week and this discoutn can be used on adult or junior golf classes (drop in rate only) through the Mike Sullivan Golf School. We are open at 8 am every day and close at 120 pm Sunday through Thursday and 11 pm Friday and Saturday.

You can book your rental or class at sullysgolf.com or download our Sully's Golf and Gather mobile app to complete your booking. Use code: RDUGOLF for 50% off at checkout. If you have any questions or any trouble booking, give us a call at 984-220-6282.

Check us out on IG @ sullysgolfclub

We are excited to have you out here for a visit and a big thank you to u/whataboutbobwiley for helping coordinate this awesome deal for the group.

Sincerely,

Mike and Lauren Sullivan
Sully's Golf and Gather

https://preview.redd.it/tj7c81zq6z1e1.jpg?width=1286&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=109556bd804363d966282646a9097f7835e3a917

I am looking to get some lessons this offseason to help with tee shots and approach shots and was wondering about who the most reputable instructors in the area are? I am currently around a 19 index and tee shots are far and away my weakest skill.

I have heard good things about Mike Sullivan and he seems reasonably priced. Does anyone have any feedback on the Sullivan school or other good instructors in the area? I have a very traditional weight shifty swing but I get a little lost in the backswing and it forces me to over correct in the downswing to super inconsistent ends.

Thoughts?

A great deal on a fun track

https://golfmoose.com/product/longleaf-golf-family-club/

I am in town for about 2 weeks for the holidays. I've played Lonnie, Lochmere, RGA, Eagle Ridge. I usually book on Golfnow to save some $ and was wondering between these which is the most worth it for price/quality.

Finley ~ 65$

Hedingham ~35$

River Ridge ~45$

Riverwood ~35$

Also bonus question does Eagle Ridge still have grass range this time of year? If not does Duke and or Lonnie? Would love to get some swings in on grass. Thanks!

For folks that live here full time looking for something a little different and are okay with $100 green / cart fees plus the drive

No. 1 was one of the most enjoyable rounds I’ve played in a while

Pure NC golf to its finest. Very short (6000 from the tips). Ross style greens kept in great condition. Tough to read but true

Greens rolling into the next tee box

Pine-straw lining fairways

A golf course built on the pure beauty of the natural landscape that is the Sandhills

Go check it out!

I know that Dogwood has some.

Any others in the Triangle area?

What are your thoughts on Hedingham? Is there anyone here who finds themselves using Hedingham more than any other course? And if Hedingham or any of the other courses were no longer included in the membership, would that impact your decision to stay a member?

Hello,

I know this isn't the best sub reddit for this but figure you golf junkies will have the inside scoop. I'm looking to move to the general Raleigh area around February, but little bit of information overload. I've seen a ton of apartment complexes in my budget and close to decent courses, but don't know what is actually good.

Any recommendations for a mid twenties guy to live and which courses I should join? I've played Wildwood and they seem to have a solid/affordable membership but looking for any suggestions!

I always thought there were some interesting holes on that course. Curious to see what the new ownership has done.

Walkable? New to the area and want to play THF next week. Will be a single and want to soak it all in. I love walking (and saving $) as long as the gap between holes is not excessive.

Found a club lying in the street on S. Roxboro in Durham and pulled it out of the road before it was damaged.

Let's get it back to its home.

Hello! I am a female golfer in her late 30's who fell in love with the game about 8 years ago. Up to this point, I have just played casually in some leagues and scramble tournaments but am looking to push myself to improve by playing more competitively either individually or with a team. Thanks to this sub, I now know where to find amateur tournaments in the area but was hoping to find other women who play at a semi-competitive level to learn from/play with. Thanks! 

Hey guys - this is more for the Garner, Clayton, Smithfield crowd.

I live in Clayton, and although we are spoiled with a ton of great public courses it sucks that it lacks any private club options.

I’m 28, and plan on staying out here long term, but would love to eventually become a member somewhere. Anyone out this way belong to any clubs and have any input why they would/wouldn’t do it?

Thanks in advance!

Midsouth and Talamore down in Pinehurst is doing a deal for winter golf @$260 for 4 rounds + $25 credit. We have 3 people wanting to go down late Nov the week before or of thxgiving, looking for one more, PM if interested and we can sort the logistics out!

Hello. Is Finley now charging if you just want to practice putting? I see they have a "practice amenities" package listed on the website.

For those who have been displeased with the area mats before at Hedingham (they had gotten rock-hard and never would take a tee to hit drivers) they now have new mats, ball trays, and bag stands for the range!

Glad to see the upgrade!

Thanks to everyone who responded here - https://www.reddit.com/r/RDUGOLF/s/VBeGr0Nbns

We went last weekend. And had a fantastic trip.

1. Played Pinehurst number three Friday afternoon. Probably the emotional and golf highlight of the trip. Pinehurst was extremely welcoming. Very walkable course. Very fun. Met a nice older gentleman who is playing as a single, and we formed a threesome and had a blast.

2. Saturday we played longleaf in the morning and got paired up with two really nice members/military guys. Great course. Very kid friendly. Great value. Very walkable.

3. Played Legacy Saturday afternoon. Thankfully, we got the advice to not walk at legacy. exhausted at this point I actually don’t remember a whole lot about this course!

4. We did Southern Pines as a grand finale Sunday noonish. Visually this was the most amazing course I’ve ever been on. Golf wise this course was an order of magnitude harder than any other course we’ve played. We were both driving well. But the approaches and greens killed us!!

Overall, everyone we met was super friendly. All the golfers we met were great. I was worried that everyone would be a little hoity-toity, but that wasn’t the case at all.

In any case - thanks for all the feedback!