Dormie Club – Played 2012
- Rankings: Golf Digest Public #30, Golf Magazine Public #96
- Location: 6033 Beulah Hill Church Road, West End, North Carolina
- Year: 2010
- Architects: Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw
- Course Access: Public
- Walking Rules: Carts Available
Score Card Information:
- Black: 6,883 yards, Par 71, 73.7 Rating/138 Slope
- Blue: 6,576 yards, Par 71, 72.3 Rating/130 Slope
- White: 5,910 yards, Par 71, 68.8 Rating/124 Slope
- Red: 5,180 yards, Par 71, 70.5 Rating/126 Slope
Dormie Club has had an interesting history. It was originally designed to be a private club, but opening in 2010 to tough economic times made it necessary to go public.
That opening has been the public’s gain since as they are treated to a wonderful Coore & Crenshaw course in the Sand Hills of North Carolina. Be aware though, they are trying to go back to private as soon as possible.
Dormie Club, as you’ll see, has wide fairways that have plenty of contour. It is very playable for all. Better golfers need to think about angles to play their best, while higher handicappers can comfortably play to big landing areas.
The setting is also great. Pinehurst is not a bustling metropolis, but Dormie seems secluded compared to the town. It is peaceful and serene making for a great walk among the holes.
Thanks again to Brian for the photos. Check him out on Instagram @virginiagolfguy and at his website vagolfguy.com.
Hole 1 – 402 yards – Par 4
The first is on the longer side, but features a wide landing area. The left bend of the hole favors a draw off the tee. The approach is uphill to the green guarded by three bunkers.
Here is the view from behind the green.
Hole 2 – 378 yards – Par 4
This dogleg left features a large bunker on the left that must be avoided.
Here is a look back down the hole.
Hole 3 – 298 yards – Par 4
Coore and Crenshaw love a driveable par 4. I can’t get to this one, but it really makes the longer hitters think. The green undulates quite a bit. I can see the large front bunker being a landing spot for wayward drives.
Hole 4 – 415 yards – Par 4
The dogleg lefts are becoming a theme here. While this hole is long the fairway is downhill and should provide for extra roll off the tee.
The fairway slopes hard left to right towards a green that is open in front. Running shots are possible, but the slope can take them quite a ways if they get going in the wrong direction.
Hole 5 – 414 yards – Par 4
The fifth has the biggest hazard on the property influencing the tee shot. It looks harder than it really is as the carry isn’t too far. C&C don’t like penal tee shots. Drives up the right have a longer distance to carry. On the approach balls feed left to right to a green guarded by a bunker on the right.
Hole 6 – 511 yards – Par 5
The landing area is blind here as you play uphill to the fairway. Other than that the hole is straightforward. Two solid shots could have you on the green or in prime position to attack the flag.
Hole 7 – 206 yards – Par 3
This is a beast of a par three from the tips at almost 250 yards. There is a large swath of grass starting on the left to give you a bailout. Err on that side to stay away from the waste area and bunkers.
Hole 8 – 472 yards – Par 4
You guessed it, this one bends to the left. It is long, but again you are aided by a downhill sloping fairway. Rip a draw out there and maximize the roll.
Below is the view around the corner and down to the green.
Hole 9 – 147 yards – Par 3
The front finisher is much easier than #7, but don’t let that lull you to sleep. There is plenty of sand to catch poor shots.
Hole 10 – 632 yards – Par 5
This one is a behemoth. DJ and Rory may get home it two, but you’re not. Focus on a solid drive as you’ll need one.
The waste area on the left will catch your eye. Be very confident in your yardages if you want to clear this. Otherwise play safe to the right and attack on the third shot.
Hole 11 – 395 yards – Par 4
This one is fairly nondescript from the tee. There is a fairway bunker that will catch shots going too far.
The approach is uphill to an obscured green.
Hole 12 – 108 yards – Par 3
Another C&C staple is the short par three. Here you have the iteration at Dormie Club. Yet again there is plenty of sand. You may be hitting a choke down shot so be careful with distance.
Hole 13 – 465 yards – Par 4
This one is a straightaway brute. Hit two good shots to get home in two. Four is a great score here.
Hole 14 – 296 yards – Par 4
Another short par four here gives you a birdie opportunity. Avoid the bunker on the left and you should get a kick towards the green.
Hole 15 – 360 yards – Par 4
We have a change of pace here with a right bender. The waste area goes a long way and will certainly influence the tee shot. Pick a line and commit to a solid drive.
The fairway mounding plays with your eyes on the approach. The hill will affect shots that miss left of the green.
Hole 16 – 178 yards – Par 3
This has the rough, wiry look that C&C employed at Pinehurst #2’s renovation. The green is a pretty big target though so you should be putting for birdie.
Hole 17 – 489 yards – Par 5
The course gives you a birdie opportunity here with a shorter par five. Avoid the bunkers on the left with a solid drive and you may be able to get home with an iron, but beware.
The second shot is no joke regardless of club choice. This large waste bunker fronts the green so any approach is all carry. It is a tough up and down out of here.
Hole 18 – 410 yards – Par 4
The last hole will make you work to close out your round. Keep the drive out of the left trees and you will be in good shape.
This look back down the hole gives you an idea of the approach shot and landing area.
Dormie Club is a great place to play and another wonderful Coore & Crenshaw creation. I suggest you enjoy it now while you still can!