In July and August over 1800 of the world’s most talented young golfers, hailing from over 36 countries on 6 continents will return to
Pinehurst and the surrounding area for the U.S. Kids Golf World Championships. The Teen World Championship, which is in its 5
th year and the Kids World Championship, which will celebrate its 11
th year is a true celebration of junior golf at its best. Kids and teens ages 5-18 will compete in these Championships between July 28 – August 8
th on many different courses including
Pinehurst No. 2, No. 3, No. 4, No. 6, No. 8, Pine Needles, Mid Pines, Little River,
Talamore, Hyland GC, and Midland Country Club.
Where should you stay? This is huge decision. Let me try to help quantify your choices.
On Site?
If your budget will tolerate, I strongly recommend staying at your child's venue. Where is your child competing? Staying on-site is a great option to consider. Not needing to travel for meals, recreation (pool), competition or golf practice is a great advantage.
All of the venues have quality on site accommodations. I suspect the venue's rooms will sell out quickly. Call the venues directly for availability; I understand that the resorts have blocked rooms for US Kids participants. Do not rely on web based hotel searches to determine availability, call them directly!
When you book, be cautious with the meal plans. Not because the plans aren't a great value, but because no one wants to eat at the same place every day. Take a few meals at the venue, after a couple of days you will likely be looking to enjoy a change of menu and scenery. The area offers a variety of quality eating options.
The Venues
The
Pinehurst Resort(910) 235-8507
http://www.pinehurst.com/
The Inn at Hyland Hills (910) 692 7615
hyhimotel@pinehurst.net
Little River (910) 949-5013
http://www.littleriver.com/
Midland CC(910) 295-3241
http://www.golflink.com/
Pine Needles (910) 692-7111
http://www.pineneedles-midpines.com/
Mid Pines (910) 692-2114
http://www.pineneedles-midpines.com/
Talamore (910)692-5884
http://www.talamoregolfresort.com/
If you cannot stay at the venue due to availability, you have a number of options to consider. The decision is fairly simple, if your budget can handle the Carolina at the
Pinehurst Resort, do it. This facility has been voted the Best Golf Resort in the US for three years running. It is a wonderful place which make your stay memorable. My comments are specific to the Carolina but the entire resort complex is world class. The food, the facilities, the locale and logistics/transportation cannot be beat. It is a large hotel; family friendly.
The Pine Needles Lodge which will host the US Teens Girls competition is also a lovely alternative for US Kids participants; call them directly. Great golf practice facilities and convenient to all venues. Large rooms, the facility is a bit rustic, but a good value. They usually sell out quickly.
The Magnolia Inn of Pinehurst (
http://www.themagnoliainn.com/ ) is a very lovely 110 year old Inn in the center of the Village of Pinehurst. Perfectly located for shopping and exploring the Village. While The Magnolia does not offer a pool or golf facility the 10 guest rooms are very well appointed and offer an elegant alternative to the mega hotels. The location in the Village of Pinehurst is very charming. Walking distance to Pinehurst No. 2,3 and 4, Main Pinehurst Pro Shop and the Carolina. The Magnolia has an excellent resturant featuring classic "pub" fare and offers a private dining room for small groups.
The Pine Crest Inn (
http://www.pinecrestinnpinehurst.com/ ) is a unique Inn located in the heart of the Village of Pinehurst which was originally owned by the reknown golf achitect Donald Ross. By design not much has changed over the years at this charming establishment. Rooms normally include both breakfast and dinner; both are fabulous. The evening menu includes their famous 22 oz. pork chop, fine steaks, lamb and seafood options. The guest rooms are "rustic" but comfortable. It is a great value for the price. The bar is a Pinehurst destination for everyone: locals and tourists alike. Grab a rocking chair on the front porch and relax. Voted as one of the finest "19th Holes" by Golf Digest.
Beyond these three, there are a number of good limited service hotels to consider. Hilton Homestead Suites, Spring Hill Suites, Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn and Suites, Residence Inn by
Marriot and Comfort Inn all offer similar accommodations at similar prices. Consider the location most convenient to your venue, but none are actually out of the way for any of the venues. Shop wisely and determine which best meets your group's needs. Several have
restaurants within walking distance. When selecting a room, ask for a room on the east side of the facility. Avoiding the setting sun in August is a good thing. Take the shady side of the hotel.
Get started! Rooms are going to fill quickly. The area is expecting over 9,000 visitors during this event. This is roughly equal to the population of
Pinehurst. A bad hotel choice will haunt you through the entire event.
Bob Barmore
Weichert, Realtors-Larose and Co
910 528 9536
bob@laroseandcompany.com
http://www.bob.barmore.com/
http://www.laroseandcompany.com/
Part of the charm of Pinehurst is its remoteness, we are not near any major metropolitan area. Pinehurst is located 1.2 hours south of the Raleigh (RDU) and Greensboro (GSO) airports. Though closer (40 minutes) Fayetteville’s airport offers only limited flights. Charlotte's airport (CHO) is approximately 2 1/2 hour drive on a fairly difficult road. I have found RDU to be a fairly competitive airport due to the number of discount airlines. The drive south on US 1 from RDU to Pinehurst is a pleasant drive. Another airport to consider if you are shopping the airlines is Richmond, Va. While the drive is circa 5 hours, this is another airport with very competitive fares. 
