Located a few minutes northeast of Pinehurst, North Carolina, the village of Whispering Pine is home to several picturesque lakes, and two championship-caliber golf courses. Whispering Pine also holds one of the world’s finest layouts – the Country Club of Whispering Pines golf course. This lovely golf vacation destination was designed by Ellis Maple, who called Whispering Pines his home, and was opened to the public in 1961. The golf club features two layouts, The East and The West course. Here’s a look at some of the best features of the East course.

The Country Club of Whispering Pines East is a par 72, 18-hole, tree-lined parkland course. The length of the East course, combined with understated terrain changes, makes this golf vacation destination a very unique one. The East course also follows an out-and-back design, which is quite longer than the West course, and that it makes use of lesser lake features than the West course. And since the holes are laid out in rolling terrain amidst scenic wooded environments, only few holes have the water hazards. What makes the course extra superb is that tall pine trees perfectly frame the holes, while magnolias and dogwoods add extra vibrancy and color to the scenery, especially during spring. According to regular visitors, the back nine opening stretch is perhaps the most excellent section of the golf course.

Since 1961, the Country Club of Whispering Pines East has captivated lots of golfers. Its designer, Ellis Maples, has definitely perfected the art of designing golf courses, under the gazing eyes of his mentor, the legendary Donald Ross. Donald Ross’ influence is seen in the way Ellis followed the natural contours of the land when designing the course, shaping the greens and positioning the sand traps. The Country Club of Whispering Pines East is one of Ellis Maples creations that have successfully conquered the test of time, and also represents one of his best works. The next time you plan your weekend or holiday golf vacation package, make sure you include the Country Club of Whispering Pines East in your shortlist of options.

A recipient of Golf Digest’s 5 stars, the TPC at Myrtle Beach is among the 17 U.S. courses that were afforded with such recognition. This Tom Fazio golf masterpiece is also an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary certified where it serves as a refuge for some of the world’s endangered species. But what makes this golf vacation destination more exciting is that it makes its guests feel at home inside the premises of a top tour caliber course.

TPC at Myrtle Beach is a stunning 18-hole golf layout set in the vast lands where the Carolina Pines, natural flora and fauna, as well as the unspoiled wetlands abound. This 6,600-yard layout is also covered with the Mini-Verde Ultra-Dwarf Bermuda Grass which is exactly the same kind of grass found on the greens of TPC at Sawgrass. And at the near end of each golf game, golfers will come face to face with the Par-5 eighteenth hole where a large lake and the “Wadkin’s Creek” come into play. That is why; this challenging golf vacation destination has become an all-time favorite for golfers of any skill level.

Aside from the challenging golf holes, the TPC at Myrtle Beach is also being highlighted by a magnificent Club House where you and your family can sit and relax with the picturesque views surrounding the layout. Just recently during the summer, the course greens were refurbished alongside with the new course drainage and sand to make sure that the layout is in tough condition. This is not just a place where you can test your golfing skills but also a golf haven where some of the world’s greatest players have marked their victory. Book for an affordable golf vacation package for Myrtle Beach now and experience a top-rated golfing escapade.

Designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, the Birkdale Golf Club is a well-maintained public course that offers a charming private club feel. It is located in Huntersville, North Carolina, just outside Charlotte. The golf course has been chosen as one of the five best public courses in the state. In 1997 it was hailed as the Best New Golf Course, and in 1998 this golf vacation destination was also voted as Charlotte’s Best Public Course.

The Birkdale Golf Club is perfectly set in 200 acres of rolling terrain, and is carefully laid-out between natural streams, creeks, pine trees and natural vegetation. The course offers a tricky but exciting 7,013 yard, par 72 play where golfers have to go through the bent grass greens and Bermuda fairways. It also features four sets of tees which enable golfers of all skill levels to fully enjoy the course. Other notable features include well-positioned water hazards, and a series of elevation changes, which make playing a round of golf more thrilling and visually-appealing. This golf vacation destination has a course rating of 74.1 and a slope rating of 138.

Located north of Charlotte, the Birkdale Golf Club also offers superb practice and dining facilities. A pro golf shop and Arnie’s Tavern are located in the clubhouse. Arnie’s Tavern is open daily for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. The golf course’s practice facilities include a driving range and two putting greens. With a challenging layout, lots of water and sand, the Arnold Palmer designed Birkdale Golf Course definitely makes an exciting golf vacation package. Birkdale is a daily-fee public course that has an Open-To-Public policy, and is currently managed by the IRI Golf Group.