Mid Pines Inn and Golf Club: Donald Ross Tradition in Southern Pines
Mid Pines is a quiet classic of the North Carolina Sandhills: a Donald Ross design from 1921, restored by Kyle Franz in 2013 and shaped by rolling ground and longleaf pines.
Mid Pines was designed by Donald Ross in 1921 and remains one of the most atmospheric courses in the Southern Pines area. The routing moves through longleaf pines and sandy ground, with greens and fairways that preserve the feel of classic Sandhills golf. A restoration completed by Kyle Franz in 2013 helped renew the course while respecting its architectural roots.
A Donald Ross course with an intimate scale
01 / COURSE
Mid Pines feels different from the largest championship resorts. Its scale is more intimate, and the holes are shaped by natural ground movement rather than an oversized tournament presentation. Ross’s design asks players to use angles and understand the contours around the greens, creating a round that rewards thought and touch.
The surrounding pines and sandy terrain give the course a strong sense of place. The setting is not dramatic in a coastal way; instead, its appeal lies in the quieter rhythm of the Sandhills and the way the holes sit within the landscape.
Restoration that respects the original design
02 / COURSE
The 2013 restoration led by Kyle Franz is a key part of the modern Mid Pines story. The work sought to bring the course’s playing character closer to the original Ross intent, improving the relationship between greens, bunkers and the surrounding sandy ground. That approach is important for a historic course: it refreshes the playing experience without erasing the features that make it distinctive.
Golfers should expect a course that asks for placement more than power. The best line into a green may depend on the side of the fairway, and the contours can reward a shot that lands short and uses the ground.
Part of the Ross Resorts golf experience
03 / COURSE
Mid Pines sits within the Ross Resorts group alongside Pine Needles and Southern Pines Golf Club. This makes it a natural part of a multi-day Sandhills itinerary, especially for golfers interested in classic architecture and the legacy of Donald Ross in North Carolina.
Check the current visitor booking process, room packages and sister-course availability through Mid Pines and Ross Resorts. A stay that includes more than one course gives visitors a broader view of the region’s golf heritage.
The restoration keeps the Ross character in play.
Mid Pines is a living example of how a historic course can be renewed without losing its identity. The 2013 work respected the original architecture while keeping the course relevant to today’s golfer.
Plan a stay with Ross Resorts
Mid Pines provides visitor golf and lodging information through its official channels and its Ross Resorts partners. Check current tee times, stay packages, course conditions and maintenance schedules before confirming travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
Who designed Mid Pines?
Donald Ross designed Mid Pines in 1921.
Who restored the course in 2013?
Architect Kyle Franz led the 2013 restoration.
What is the course known for?
Its classic Sandhills setting, longleaf pines, natural sandy ground and Ross-style strategic greens.
Can visitors book a round?
Visitor golf and stay information is available through Mid Pines and Ross Resorts; confirm current terms directly.
