Insider Golf Tips
From the latest golf tip videos from some of the area’s best pros, to some insider scoop on what’s happening at the area’s courses, check out the latest below as you plan your getaway to The Home of American Golf.
Have an aspiring golf pro at your house? Then you need to check out these cool drills and tips just for kids from the instructors at the U.S. Kids Golf Academy at Longleaf Golf & Family Club.
Lead golf instructor at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club, Donna Andrews, loves sharing her knowledge of the game. Check out some of her latest tips to step up your game the next time you play in the area.
Recently, Mike Bailey, Senior travel writer to the Golf Channel and GolfAdvisor, visited The King’s Course at Mid South. Here’s what he had to say, not that it was news to us:
I expected Mid South to be pretty good, but quite honestly, this exceeded my expectations. First off, it’s in perfect shape following the reopening in September (2017) after new Champion Bermuda greens were installed. The new greens recovered lost greens surface, but more than that, they rolled and looked perfect. As for the rest of the course, it was flawless as well, but even more importantly, this is a really fun course to play. Each hole has its own identity, there’s plenty of water and bunkers that come into play, and the course has more than its share of signature holes.
Locals know where to find the best beer, thick steaks cooked just right, great conversation, and a good haunt to watch the game. Start with these two, then branch out on your own!
Yea, it’s where some golfers hang their hat (it’s a 60 room inn with bar and restaurant included), but the place gets cranking most nights when the locals show up. Many will try their hand at the chipping game – off the floor into a cup size hole in an old piece of plywood in the empty fireplace – that will sure test your nerves.
Start with the “Walk of Fame”. You won’t believe the number of golf trophies and nostalgia packed into glass display cases in this hallway just steps away from the expansive retail shop. Jack, Tiger, Payne, and Michelle are all prominently featured based on accomplishments there. After all that inspiration, it’s time to step outside with your putter and try your luck at the iconic Thistle Du. Getting thirsty? Visit the newest eating establishment at the resort, The Deuce, which features a bar area that opens onto the veranda overlooking the 18th green of No. 2.
Every great golf destination has its hidden gems that most visitors just don’t know about. According to the North Carolina Golf Panel’s annual rating of the state’s golf courses, here are a few to choose from when formulating your game plan:
Designer: Donald Ross Built in 1923, pre-GPS, this one was a bear to find, tucked away in a quiet neighborhood. “Old School” is very cool here. Nestled amon the longleaf pines, this comfortable and relatively short track (but plays longer with elevated greens) will test you, but leave you feeling good about your game.
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Designer: Peter Tufts The architect, who was the grandson of the founding family of Pinehurst, crafted a thoughtful layout in 1976 tucked away in a quaint golf community with a nice mixture of rolling terrain, picturesque water holes and plenty to ponder on its smallish greens.
Designer: Arnold Palmer Upon Entering this gated community, you’re in for a real treat. A striking, but casual clubhouse greets you along with an ample practice facility. Palmer’s design team (many rate this as one of their top creations) went “big” at Mid South, as in fairways, lakes and greens. That means lots of room and for most, not a big number on your scorecard. Available via many area package plans, to boot.