Winter golf specials in the Carolinas: Save money at Kiawah Island, Harbour Town and Pinehurst

So you'd like to play golf at Kiawah Island, Harbour Town or maybe even Pinehurst, but don't want to pay those high green fees?

Well, here's some good news: There are times when you can play these courses and even stay at these wonderful resorts for much less than you might think. And with the warm winter days we've had lately, this might be an excellent time to play.

Here are a few North and South Carolina golf packages that are offering great discounts this winter worth considering:

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

The home of the 1991 Ryder Cup (War by the Shore) and 2012 and 2021 PGA Championship, Kiawah Island is offering a golf getaway to Kiawah for Golf of Gourmet until March 2. Of course, given that most of our readers are interested in the golf, we'll go right to the Golf part and skip the Gourmet part.

In short, you get two rounds at the famed Pete Dye-designed Ocean Course or any of the other four championship courses with accommodations at the Sanctuary or the Villas for $400 or $300 per night. That might sound like a lot of money, but considering green fees in offseason on the Ocean Course start at $274 per round and go up to $374 per round, this is really a great deal. You can save $100 by choosing the same package without the Ocean, but what's the point of going to Kiawah without playing what some consider to be the most difficult course in America?

Harbour Town Golf Links and Sea Pines Resort

If you've ever wanted to play Harbour Town, the home of the PGA Tour's RBC Heritage (April 13-16), here's your chance. Until the end of February, a three-night, four day package at a Villa for four is $218 per person and includes rounds of golf at Harbour Town, Heron Point by Pete Dye and the recently completed Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III. Considering green fees at Harbour Town can inch up to $300 in peak season, it's a tremendous deal.

The entire golf product at Sea Pines Resort has undergone an overhaul in recent years, which includes two brand new, fabulous clubhouses. It was capped with the brand new Atlantic Dunes course that opened last fall. Sea Pines now has as good a three-course lineup and amenities as any in the region. The package comes with forecaddies (tip not included), range balls, access to the fitness center and free replay rounds when available.

Pinehurst, North Carolina

Pinehurst Resort recently announced a makeover that will shore up its own weakness -- building a new short course for casual play.

Part of what makes Pinehurst great is the historic Carolina Hotel.


When's the best time to book a golf package to Pinehurst Resort? Right now, if you can find a good weather window, because winter is when you'll find the cheapest rates.

There are nine golf courses at Pinehurst, including the famed Pinehurst No. 2, which has played host to the men's U.S. Open three times in the past 18 years (the U.S. Open and U.S. Women's Open were conducted there in 2014) and again will stage the U.S. championship in 2024. I can't imagine you'd go to Pinehurst without playing No. 2, but the Bed and Breakfast package starts out at $219 per person double occupancy per night and does not include No. 2.

For another $150, however, you can get the Donald Ross No. 2 and stay at the world-famous Carolina Hotel, where you not only get the best golf vibe in America but get to sample what many refer to as America's best golf breakfast buffet. Simply put, if you've never been to Pinehurst, here's a chance to knock off a true bucket-list item.

Pine Needles and Mid Pines, North Carolina

This might be one of the best deals going anywhere. Right next to Pinehurst, for as little as $109 per night, you can get accommodations at Mid Pines Resort and golf at Mid-Pines or Pine Needles ($20 surcharge) with the Golf Lovers Package at Mid Pines. There's a minimum two-night stay, but that's about as inexpensive as it gets, even in winter.

If you're okay with spending more, Pine Needles and Mid Pines are offering better accommodations (the rustic Chalet at Pine Needles), unlimited golf and all meals in the Ultimate Golf Package for $310 per night, double occupancy. Both courses are Donald Ross designs and have played host to their share of championship events, including three U.S. Women's Opens at Pine Needles. Mid Pines is also the recent recipient of a renovation that has turned back the clock on the Ross design in a style that is unlike Pinehurst No. 2.

Mike Bailey is a former Golf Advisor senior staff writer based in Houston. Focusing primarily on golf in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America with an occasional trip to Europe and beyond, he contributes course reviews, travel stories and features as well as the occasional equipment review. An award-winning writer and past president of Texas Golf Writers Association, he has more than 25 years in the golf industry. He has also been on staff at PGA Magazine, The Golfweek Group and AvidGolfer Magazine. Follow Mike on Twitter at @MikeBaileyGA and Instagram at @MikeStefanBailey.
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The Mid South Club Arnold Palmer signature golf course offers it’s members a challenging yet enjoyable championship layout on which to test their skills - http://talamoregolfresort.com/resort-golf/mid-south/

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I've always wanted to play in Pinehurst Resort. The golf package that you mentioned sounds so tempting!

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Winter golf specials in the Carolinas: Save money at Kiawah Island, Harbour Town and Pinehurst