Whispering Pines Country Club GolfWhispering Pines Country Club Golf boasts two championship Ellis Maples courses rated among the best in the Carolinas. Just a short ride north of Pinehurst Village, Carthage, and Southern Pines, the Village of Whispering Pines is exactly what its name indicates - a quiet retreat from life's hustle and hum. The pines really do whisper in the breezes of the Sandhills. The Whispering Pines Country Club golf courses can be a delight for those seeking a peaceful vacation.
Whispering Pines Country Club Golf is unique in that it offers true diversity in In 1959, Ellis Maples was contracted by a group of private individuals to build them two golf courses. What he created through the whispering pines of the Carolina Sandhills has stood the test of time and represents some of his best work. The layouts, known as The East Course (formerly the Pines Course) and The West Course (formerly the River Course), were designed by the world-famous Ellis Maples, who called Whispering Pines his home. Both courses have Bermuda fairways and Pencross bent grass greens. There are five tee locations so that every level of player can hope for that elusive par. The East Course is par 72 and The West Course is par 71. The East plays from the tips about 524 yards longer at 7094 yards versus the West at 6570 yards. But don't let the yardage difference fool you - the West Course's former designation as the River Course means that you must keep the ball dry. This is not always an easy proposition where half the holes have water hazards near landing areas. The East course and its length combined with the subtle terrain changes, gives “Golf Courses of The Sandhills” another gem in their arsenal of great designs. The East course will make you hit every club in your bag, and if you wish to try it from the back tees, its impressive length has not been affected even by the new equipment changes.
On the other hand, the West Course will remind you of a “northeastern country club”
with the elevation changes, towering oak tress that line the fairways and
overhanging greens. Tranquil lakes and The West Course, opened in 1972, offers the tranquil beauty of ancient hardwoods as Ellis Maples again utilizes the natural contours to test the metal of even the steadiest player. The inward nine is known for its tranquil beauty, natural setting and for the protection provided by Little River and Thagard Lake on 6 of the final 9 holes. Length is not as important on the West Course, however a premium is placed on strategic accuracy and shot placement. Well placed shots are rewarded with generous greens and birdie opportunities. Often referred to as “the thinking man’s golf course” you are constantly playing two shots ahead in order navigate this Ellis Maples masterpiece. Ellis Maples mastered his craft under the watchful eye of the legendary Donald Ross and soon branched out to create some of the top golf courses in North Carolina. You can see the Donald Ross influence in the way Maples followed the natural contours of the land, the position of the sand traps and shaping of the greens.
You will need length, accuracy, a solid short game and artful putting strokes to master this test, and the scenery at Whispering Pines Country Club golf courses couldn’t get any better. Set Up Your Golf Getaway or Vacation Package Today, and Come Play With Us at Whispering Pines Country Club Golf Courses. It's A Great Way to Network with Business Associates or Just get away with friends or family.
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one fantastic location in the Pinehurst area. The Country Club of Whispering
Pines theme involves using the open, hardpan rough, sparsely covered with the
native pine straw and “love grass”, to create the elements that appealed to the
late, great Donald Ross. Therefore, they claim to be the “most natural 36 holes
of golf in The Sandhills”.
streams meander through frame most of the
back nine. The West is not as demanding as the East, but requires some
“shotmaking” in order for a golfer to brag upon completion. Smaller greens and
less playable rough make tee shots at Whispering Pines Country Club Golf courses
a premium. The legendary Ellis Maples, a
Donald Ross prodigy, designed both courses with the ability and talent to create
multiple themes on one property.
It was best stated in the Pinehurst Magazine when Lee Pace wrote, “History
will certainly determine Ellis Maples' place, and he will certainly be standing
shoulder to shoulder with Donald Ross, Allistar Mackenzie, A.W. Tillinghast and
the Legends of Golf Course Design”. And the Whispering Pines Country Club is
truly one of his best.
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