"The 252" makes discount golf vacations possible on Pinehurst's No. 2.
In a recent tip, we gave some specific examples of how the weak economy is making it easier to access top golf resorts and how discount golf vacations are becoming more plentiful. We also said we’d notify you of the best golf vacation packages we came across. Well, consider yourself notified.
Pinehurst Golf Resort had decided to bring back “the 252,” a one-night, bed-and-breakfast package that includes a round on the famous No. 2 course, starting at $252 per golfer, based on double occupancy at the Manor or Holly inns. Add in 10 percent tax and the 9.75 percent service charge, and the per person total comes to about $300.
The Pinehurst folks say this offer is “our best rate of the year,” and we believe them. The non-guest green fee for Pinehurst No. 2 is $410. Even resort guests not on golf packages pay $319 to play it, making the non-package price (including taxes and service) about $468 for the Manor Inn and $516 for the Holly Inn, the latter being our lodging of choice at the Pinehurst Golf Resort.
As we’ve said before, a good golf package should beat the a la carte rate hands down, and “the 252″ golf package does just that.
Another perk of discount golf vacations on this package is that you can play a second, same-day or next-day round at additional savings. Pinehurst Golf Resort courses Nos. 1, 3, and 5 cost $30, while Nos. 4, 6, 7, and 8 cost $75. We recommend Tom Fazio’s No. 4, which plays out of the main clubhouse, as well as No. 7, by Rees Jones, and No. 8, by Tom Fazio. The latter two are located off campus.
Discount golf vacations on Pinehurst Golf Resort’s 252 golf package are available for stays between November 30, 2008 to February 26, 2009 (on most, but not all, nights). Yes, cold weather can be a concern, but Pinehurst Golf Resort was actually started as a winter golf retreat due the area’s mild temperatures. And since crowds are expected to be thinner than normal this year, those who have the flexibility of last-minute plans should be able to secure this golf package when the weather is promising.
One other important item to keep in mind when contemplating this discount golf vacation package: Pinehurst No. 2’s greens and fairways are scheduled to be aerified November 22 to 25th and February 23-24th.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m planning a trip to australia and new zealand in the middle of february 2009. I see you have info about NZ but couldn’t find any on australia and tasmania. Any recommendations for courses in melbourne, sydney, and tasmania? thanks, Lee Slavin
Hi Lee, We published a tip on Tasmania’s Barbougle Dunes back in June. Just search our site for “tasmania” and it’ll come up. As for Australia, we haven’t been back there in a while, but you certainly can’t go wrong at New South Wales, The Australian, Terrey Hills, and The Lakes (in Sydney) and Royal Melbourne, Kingston Heath, Metropolitan, Yarra Yarra, The National, and Victoria (in and around Melbourne). Visitor play policies vary by course. Best to check with them directly.
Any tips on golf packages for husband/wife. Most deals are based on per person, and I sometimes find there are packages with golf for both room patrons?
Not sure I’m following you, Irv. We find that most “double occupancy” golf packages assume that both persons are playing golf. We don’t often find better rates just because the persons are married. There are, sometimes, discounts if one person is NOT playing golf, but that doesn’t sound like your situation.
The replay special rates sounded phenomenal – especially for a next-day round. I checked availability to book this at pinehurst.com, and the $252 showed for the dates I wanted, but with no mention of this bonus. Do you know if there’s a minimum stay or some other condition? And whether this applies to other golf packages at the resort? Thanks, Craig!
For all the particulars, it’s best to inquire directly with Pinehurst. Unlike some resorts, Pinehurst’s reservation agents know the offers and deals inside and out, and can answer any questions in most, if not all, cases.