If knocking off a few Top 100 courses in a single weekend sounds like a bucket-list buddies trip, this article is for you!
As we get deeper into the fall season, buddy weekend destinations start to diminish, so it’s fun to hit up the cooler-weather areas while you still can. Not only is fall foliage spectacular, you can also save a bit of money by visiting during an off-peak time.
So, with that in mind, this week’s destination is none other than the great state of North Carolina, home to more than a handful of Top 100 Courses You Can Play, including four that are within super-easy driving distance of each other, which will enable you to play 36 a day.
Here’s how you can tee it up at the venerable Pinehurst No. 2, Pine Needles, Mid Pines, and the Dormie Club in a single weekend for less than $1,500.
AIRFARE: $225
Getting to the Pinehurst area is kind of difficult when it comes to airport access, but Raleigh (RDU), about an hour and 20 minutes away, is likely your best bet for getting a direct flight. Charlotte will likely have more flight options but is a farther drive.
For a random weekend I selected in November, flights from east coast airports like JFK and BOS ranged from $145-$175, while a flight from LAX will set you back about $280 (prices via Kayak).
TOTAL AIRFARE: $225
GROUND TRANSPORTATION: $40
Assuming you’re traveling with a group of buddies, Advantage Rent a Car has a smokin’ weekend deal for a … minivan! Yes, I know, not very glamorous, but it has all the room you need and everyone will be comfy.
Now, here’s the real incentive: it’s only $160! (Price via Kayak). That means only $40 per person, if split four ways. Giddy up!
TOTAL SPEND: $225 + $40 = $265
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LODGING: $136.61
There are several ultra-luxe lodging options in the Pinehurt area (the Carolina Hotel, Holly Inn, Pine Needles Lodge, Mid-Pines Inn, etc.), but if you’re looking to spend the bulk of your budget on green fees, there are an abundance of cheaper chain hotels, too.
I’m partial to the Homewood Suites by Hilton Olmsted Village, because not only can you get a free hot breakfast in the morning, you also have a full kitchen in your room (and that fridge sure comes in handy). And at $124/night ($273.22 for two night after taxes, via Expedia) it’s yet another great good deal, at only $136.61 per person.
TOTAL SPEND: $265 + $136.61 = $401.61
GREENS FEES: $970
Now the fun really begins. Let’s talk greens fees. You have four courses to play in two days, and they’re all top tracks, which means it won’t be cheap. Luckily, you have plenty of room in your budget to do some spending. Pine Needles and Mid Pines are literally across the street from each other, so it makes sense to play those back-to-back, while the Dormie Club and Pinehurst No. 2 are under 6.5 miles away from each other. Here’s what you’re looking at spending for each course:
Dormie Club (No. 57 on Top 100 You Can Play): $175
Pinehurst No. 2 (No. 3 on Top 100): $375
Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club (No. 53 on Top 100): $215 ($95 after November 17)
Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club (No. 61 on Top 100): $205 ($95 after November 17)
Total greens fees: $970
TOTAL SPEND: $401.61 + $970 = $1,371.61
DINING: $125
Given all the spending we’ve done on greens fees, we’ll be hard-pressed to hit our $1,500 budget. But thanks to our complimentary breakfasts at the Homewood, I think it can be done! Check it out:
Arrival night budget dinner: $20
Day 1 golf course lunch: $20
Day 1 semi-splurge dinner: $45
Day 2 golf course lunch: $20
Day 2 budget dinner (likely at airport): $20
Total dining spend: $125
TOTAL WEEKEND SPEND: $1,371.61 + $125 = $1,496.61
And there you have it! Not one, not two, not three, but four Top 100 courses and two nights in Pinehurst for less than $1,500! Who’s ready to book? Happy travels!
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