For Medium to Highly Skilled Golfers

There are obviously so many choices it could be difficult to decide how to make the most of your time in the area. You would probably get a different set of recommendations from each player that knows the area. The following is one perspective - from a highly experienced golfer who has been playing these courses for decades. If you know the area and would like to make recommendations, send SI Golf an email and they will be posted here.
Pinehurst #2 and Pine Needles would be my first recommendations for reasons any golfer already understands. By the way, I think the key to #2 is to hit you approach shot in the middle of the green. If you hit it anywhere near the sides of the green you will often find yourself with a very difficult pitch.

Dormie Club - a new Coore/Crenshaw masterpiece. It is ultra private. It features the naturalistic style C/C are known for. If you get the chance to play it - then by all means play it.

Mid-Pines - in my estimation the most beautiful and charming of the local courses. It is only medium/shorter length but it is a real Donald Ross gem. Most of the fairways don't have houses on them even though the owners (Bell Family) could make a fortune developing it. They won't which is a testament to their character.

After these the choices are not quite as obvious - it comes down to personal preferences. The next recommendations are:

Forest Creek (South) is one of Fazio's better courses.. Limited play allows for exceptional conditions - especially the greens which are usually very pure. The only caveat to the visitior is that you have to play with a member. If you get the chance to play it do not hesitate.

Pinehurst #7 - A well laid out and maintained Rees Jones (aka. the U.S. Open doctor) course. Virtually always in first class shape with fast greens. The houses that are on the course are attractive and well back from the fairways. Interestingly, there are traps behind the fourth tee. They are from the original employee course.

Southern Pines Golf Club - A classic Donald Ross course. Golf design aficionados consider this century old course a paragon of architectural virtue. The Avestra Management people have done a very good job restoring SPGC to the condition it deserves.

Pinehurst #4 - It is largely different from the original Ross design since Fazio reworked the course a few years ago. These greens require especially precise approach shots. If you don't hit it in the right place you will find yourself with a very intimidating 20 yard pitch. It is virtually always in fantastic shape.

Tobacco Road - A truly singular design that turns tradition on its head with puzzling appeal. To get a full explanation try this link. Not a few golfers would put this high on their list because of its uniqueness and artistry. Some others find it too unusual for their taste.

CCNC (Country Club of North Carolina) Dogwood Course hosted the 1980 U.S. Amateur (won by Hal Sutton). I can't imagine any golfer with skill not enjoying this first rate layout. The greens are in superb condition and extremely fast. As with Forest Creek, you need to know a member at this private club. The Cardinal Course is shorter but has the same condition and appeal.

Mid-South: A very good Arnold Palmer layout. It is one of the more challenging courses. It seem natural instead of being contrived. It is actually the favorite in the area for some good, knowledgeable golfers.

Pinehurst #5 - About a third of the holes on this course were designed by Donald Ross as part of what is now #3 course. As with #3 the 1970's brought condos and houses very close to the fairways. However, it is still a very good course otherwise designed by the very talented Ellis Maples.

Talamore - Another Rees Jones track. I think the layout is quite nice and challenging. Would you believe you can get a llama to caddy for you here? Most people don't take that option but you can see them on the back nine.

Pinehurst #6 - A very good Fazio layout and in great shape. Challenging and plenty long. The houses are too close on some fairways.

Woodlake Resort & Golf Club - The Palmer course is a good course with a lot of water. Most definitely worth playing. Ellis Maples designed the other 18. Any Ellis Maples track is worth playing.

The above courses are just the ones I would first play if I was visiting. There are many other courses. A lot of them are worth playing. For instance:

Pinehurst #3 - A short course but quite underrated in my opinion. The green complexes are first rate. That means that even if you are flipping wedges on your approach you will be challenged. Most of the holes have compelling design and character. Although the decade of the 70's brought houses and condos too close to the fairways it is still most definitely worth playing.
Consider golf design super-expert (and two time Masters Champion) Ben Crenshaw's take on #3:
"I just don't think people understand how good those holes are. They're filled with interest. They're shorter, but there's plenty of character to them."

Whispering Pines (East) - A quite good layout by Ellis Maples which is worth playing.

Legacy - Designed by Jack Nicklaus II (with not a little help from his father). An enjoyable layout that many knowledgable players are quite fond of.

Beacon Ridge - An enjoyable course that has a very good superintendent. The fairways are in great shape and the greens are in very good shape as well. Designed by Gene Hamm, who designed Pinewild (among others) and is considered to be underrated.

Whispering Woods - Another good layout by Ellis Maples which has a new owner. $25 for 18 and $15 for 9. A very good bargain.