Southern Pines golf packages

Golf in Southern Pines stands out for its mix of classic design, natural Sandhills terrain and easy access to outstanding courses. Sandy soil, rolling fairways and towering longleaf pines create strategic, memorable golf, while its close proximity to Pinehurst adds even more depth to any trip.

Below are some of our Golf Travel Experts’ favorite Southern Pines courses, from historic Donald Ross classics to bold modern layouts, making the area ideal for a memorable North Carolina golf vacation.

• Tobacco Road Golf Club

Par: 71 | Yards: 6,554 | Course type: Sandhills | Designed by: Mike Strantz

One of the most talked-about courses in American golf, Tobacco Road is a bold, unforgettable design carved from a former sand quarry just outside the Southern Pines and Pinehurst area. Designed by the visionary Mike Strantz, it ranked 5th in North Carolina in Top 100 Courses 2026 rankings. The course is renowned for its dramatic visuals, blind shots, towering sandy features, risk-reward angles and wildly imaginative green complexes. A true must-play for golfers looking to experience something truly different on a North Carolina golf trip.

• Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club

Par: 72 | Yards: 6,732 | Course type: Sandhills | Designed by: Donald Ross, restored by Kyle Franz

A classic Donald Ross layout full of charm and subtle strategy, Mid Pines is one of the great historic courses of the Southern Pines area. Routed across rolling Sandhills terrain and framed by tall longleaf pines, the course rewards thoughtful positioning, precise approach play and a strong short game around its beautifully contoured greens. Restored by Kyle Franz to recapture much of its original character, Mid Pines blends old-school design with relaxed Southern hospitality, making it a standout addition to any Pinehurst-area golf itinerary.

• Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club

Par: 71 | Yards: 6,800 | Course type: Sandhills | Designed by: Donald Ross

One of the most respected Donald Ross courses in the country, Pine Needles is a historic North Carolina golf landmark with outstanding championship heritage. Set among rolling fairways, sandy native areas and towering pines, the course offers a classic Sandhills test where angles, green complexes and approach play matter just as much as length off the tee. Having hosted multiple major championships in women’s golf, Pine Needles delivers pedigree, playability and timeless design in equal measure.

• Talamore Golf Course

Par: 71 | Yards: 6,840 | Course type: Sandhills | Designed by: Rees Jones

A highly enjoyable Rees Jones design, Talamore Golf Course brings modern resort golf to the heart of the Pinehurst area. Built across rolling, sandy terrain with elevation change, wetlands, lakes and longleaf pines, the course offers a strong mix of visual appeal and strategic shot-making. Known for its fun routing, well-shaped bunkering and inviting resort atmosphere, Talamore is an excellent choice for golfers looking to add variety and quality to a Southern Pines golf vacation.

• Foxfire Golf Club – Red Fox Course

Par: 72 | Yards: 6,742 | Course type: Sandhills | Designed by: Gene Hamm

The Red Fox Course at Foxfire Golf Club offers a traditional Carolina Sandhills layout with plenty of character and playability. Designed by Gene Hamm, the course features tree-lined fairways, gentle elevation changes, well-positioned hazards and a classic resort-style feel. Located just a short drive from Southern Pines and Pinehurst, Foxfire provides an enjoyable and accessible round that fits perfectly into a multi-course golf trip through one of America’s most famous golf regions.

Travel tips for a golf trip to Southern Pines:

Southern Pines is an outstanding choice for a North Carolina golf vacation, with easy access to historic Donald Ross courses, modern resort layouts and some of the most distinctive designs in the U.S. Here are a few tips to help make the most of your trip:

• Stay in Southern Pines or nearby Pinehurst: For convenient access to Mid Pines, Pine Needles, Talamore, Foxfire and other leading courses in the Sandhills.
• Book tee times early: Especially for the most celebrated courses such as Tobacco Road, Pine Needles and Mid Pines during peak spring and fall travel periods. Compared to many US sates though the Carolina's offer more playable summer conditions.
• Travel in spring or fall: These seasons typically offer comfortable temperatures, strong course conditions and ideal weather for multiple-round golf vacations.
• Rent a car: The region is easy to navigate by road, and having a car gives you flexibility to play courses across Southern Pines, Pinehurst, Sanford and Foxfire Village.
• Pack for warm days and cool mornings: Lightweight golf apparel, a wind layer and comfortable walking shoes are all useful, particularly if you are playing more than one round per day.
• Allow time between rounds: Southern Pines and Pinehurst offer excellent restaurants, relaxed Southern hospitality and a rich golf culture that adds plenty of character to any itinerary.