We were supposed to play Whispering Woods yesterday, but when we arrived they had iced the greens and the course was closed because the ice hadn’t melted. Let me explain…if they are going to get a frost here in Pinehurst, rather than cover the greens, it is easier to put water on them and let it freeze over. Believe it or not, the ice will protect the green from the harmful frost! So, our playing plan changed and we headed over to Longleaf for the day. Longleaf is an easier course when you look at the slope rating of 109 from the gold with a rating of 65.1 and 5,208 yards. The white numbers are 68.4/122/6002 and the blue 71.1/127/6600. The course is pretty wide open as it was built on an old thoroughbred horse racing training track. Some of the old track structure is still evident as you play the course. This average golfer struggled somewhat from the easier gold tees with a 51/45 for a 96. Although I hit 12 fairways, I struggled with my approach shots. Putting was ok with 17/15 for a total of 32. On the scorecard it highlights “GolfDigest Selection-Best Places to Play”.

11th Fairway at Longleaf

18 Flag at Longleaf