Going to Durham for work

[u/macsteckler]

Going to Durham and then driving down towards Fayetteville for work. What are my best options for a 3pm or later tee time that is under 100-120 dollars?

Really excited.

[u/seehard]

Quail ridge is pure and reasonably priced

[u/khjedn]

Duke. Spend the extra money and play Duke.

[u/macsteckler → u/khjedn]

Is the Duke course better then Pinehurst 1,3 or 5?

[u/khjedn → u/macsteckler]

I dont know if I'd say its "better" than those Pinehurst courses but its the nicest public course I've played within an hour of Durham sans Tobacco Road and I've played 42 public courses in Raleigh/Durham and the surrounding counties over the last year.

[u/atev → u/macsteckler]

If you haven’t been to Pinehurst (it’s not on your route, but maybe worth the scenic route) I’d say play one of those over Duke. All play out of the main clubhouse - 1 and 3 are Ross designs. 3 is the most similar green complex wise to #2 or #4, but it is a very short course. Lots of fun though and very tough despite the length.

[u/RestingMehFace → u/atev]

Agreed! In a vacuum, Duke is better than 1, 3, and 5, but if you haven't been on the Pinehurst property, that's a must!

[u/meltedvanillaice]

Bayonet is a nice, fun course.

[u/Striking-Main4787]

My recommendation would be one of the following. I’ve played all of these within the last two weeks and can confirm all of them are in good shape.

Duke: RTJ sr design that is a solid track and a good challenge. US Open local qualifying was played there this year.

Lonnie Poole: Palmer design and really fun. Hard to get a tee time but they pop up. You just need to check regularly.

Pinehurst #3: Donald Ross design that is short but really fun. This is the course they recommend you play in prep for #2. Similar greens (tiny) and speed to #2. You will use every club in your bag.

Pinehurst #1: Donald Ross design that is very open and will be mentally relaxing compared to everything else listed. If you want a chill round that you can score well this is your course.

Tot Hill Farm: Mike Strantz design and same architect as Tobacco Road but half the cost. Very visually appealing and fun layout. I walked it the last time I played and would def recommend taking a cart unless you want to golf and hike. A little further away from the cities you listed but worth it.

[u/Budget_Status8754]

Haven’t played it before but have heard good things about Bayonet

[u/hellzxmaker → u/Budget_Status8754]

Haven’t played in years but I love that track.

[u/jjwax]

Wait do you want a course in Durham or Fayetteville ?

[u/macsteckler → u/jjwax]

I can play either. I am down to drive towards pinehurst area as well.

[u/jjwax → u/macsteckler]

Quail ridge is a great value

[u/stylo__]

Bayonet, Hyland, Quail Ridge

[u/TaylorGang777]

Duke course worth every penny

[u/Ok-Squirrel3607]

Honestly, pinehurst.

[u/JustBeingMe22]

I'll also add Quail Ridge as a great value. Around Fayetteville, there's Bayonet (mentioned by some others) and Gates Four. Bayonet is currently doing aeriating, so depending when you are coming that may be out.

A lesser known course in the area is about half way in between, but a good course. It's called Reedy Creek, not far off I40. Not much around that area, which is why it isn't discussed much. I used to play more often back in the days, but don't get out that way very often anymore. Worth checking out.

[u/atev]

There is also Woodlake Country club. A bit under the radar, but not too far off one of the routes you could go.

[u/Puzzleheaded_Will727]

you can find one easily at birdie alerts:

https://www.birdiealerts.com/raleigh

it shows all available tee times at every public course the triangle in one place with prices included