COURSE REVIEW

Pinehurst golf resorts:
Foxfire seems to be
back on track

By Tim McDonald,
National Golf Editor

PINEHURST, N.C. (Oct. 11, 2006) - Foxfire is one of those golf resorts that's been through so many changes you're not sure what to expect.

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The original 18-hole layout by Gene Hamm was a highly regarded golf course when it opened in the late 1960s. The resort went through a number of ownership changes and added another 18 (in two nine-hole increments) in the '70s, but it didn't maintain the kind of reputation that seduced you to play there. It was known mainly for being - what's the word we're looking for? - "cheap."

Now, after yet another management shift, Foxfire is seemingly starting to regain its stature.

"The money's starting to get into the golf courses and it's starting to show," Head Professional Bill Baker said.

Rounds are up at Foxfire's East and West courses, from 35,000 in 2002 to about 45,000 now, a sign that word of the changes is starting to get around. Baker is particularly pleased that curious low-handicappers are checking the club out - and coming back.

The East course seems to be a slight favorite.

"I think the East is more of a shot-maker's course, where the West has greens and fairways a little more generous," Baker said. "I like the greens on the West, but I think the layout if more attractive on the East."

The East course measures 6,834 yards from the blue tees, but that's a little deceptive because of the rolling terrain.

"You'll find this course plays longer than what the numbers say because it's uphill," member Mark Young said. "Plus you won't find too many flat lies."

Foxfire Golf and Travel 1600 Hoffman Road Foxfire Village, NC Tee times: 910-295-6444 Web: www.goamegolf.com

That's because in addition to the elevation, most of the fairways are tilted, right from No. 1, a downhill par 5 with water on the right that comes into play on the second shot. If you aren't going for it in two, you'll be laying up to a fairway that tilts sharply down to water. Heck of a way to start.

Compounding the elevation and tilted fairways are the pin placements, some of which can mean a three-club difference depending on their location.

Then there's the rough. It's thick and nasty, even in late August when it had been cut relatively low.

"That's the No. 1 rule around here," member Kurt Pahner asserted. "Stay out of the rough."

The verdict

Foxfire East is a mid-tier Pinehurst-area course that's scenic and playable. In most other places this might be considered one of the best clubs around; because it's here, it's a ways from the top, but it's definitely worth the price, with green fees in the $28-$35 range (higher in peak season).

"We're still working on the amenities and outside the cart paths," Baker said.

Officials took down about 5,000 trees, and the greens and fairways are in much better shape for it.

Stay and play

Whispering Pines is Foxfire's sister course.

AME Golf offers Pinehurst packages for groups from four to 400, set up staffers who have been around Pinehurst golf all of their lives. They have accommodations to suit any group, including condos, town homes and private homes, as well as the Pinehurst Resort itself.

Legacy also has one-, two- and three-bedroom golf and lakefront condos in the Village of Pinehurst.

Dining out

Pinehurst has a good variety of restaurants, especially for such a small place. Top choices include Anthony's, which serves Italian; seafood eatery Aqua; Buiscuitville, which specializes, obviously, in biscuits; and, for serious carnivores, Beefeaters. Hennings has a daily buffet, which locals most like to hit Friday nights and Saturday mornings.

Basil's is well-known for its seafood, especially the Maryland-style crab cakes, with black angus steaks and veal and chicken dishes also on offer. The Magnolia Inn dates to 1895 and is a landmark of Pinehurst Village. Pinehurst Resort has 11 dining spots, including 1895, the Carolina Dining Room and the Hackers Bar and Grill.

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.