SOUTHERN PINES, North Carolina — Affectionately coined the “Ross Resorts” not too long ago, the ownership team at Pine Needles and Mid Pines in the North Carolina Sandhills now have expanded to 126 holes, which happens to coincide quite nicely with the recent boom in the golf industry — and may require some additional branding.
After purchasing and restoring Southern Pines Golf Club in 2021 to add a third marquee Donald Ross-designed layout to its portfolio, area courses The County Club of Whispering Pines (36 holes) and Foxfire Resort & Golf (36 holes) were purchased in July by the Mid Pines Development Group, more than doubling the resort’s portfolio.
And while its total hole count still pales in comparison to nearby golfing giant Pinehurst Resort (which is now building its 11th course), the variety and quality of golf for travelers to this area is about to increase dramatically.
That’s because talented architect Kyle Franz will be spearheading the restoration designs at both the Whispering Pines courses, and eventually the 36 holes at Foxfire.
Franz gained acclaim over the last decade for his work at the three Ross courses here in the Sandhills, starting with Mid Pines in 2013. He will include a unique restoration on the low-lying Whispering Pines’ River Course this time around to include 18 holes with zero bunkers, an idea he fostered after a recent architectural sabbatical to Scotland.
“Kyle is an uber talented guy,” says Kelly Miller, managing partner of Mid Pines Development Group. “I think he’s going to become the guy, or certainly one of them if he’s not already. Not as many people in the industry are fully aware of Kyle — they think of Gil Hanse or Tom Doak or [Bill] Coore and [Ben] Crenshaw — but Kyle will at the head of the next generation of architects, amongst that top tier.”
Pine Needles Resort is closing in on its centennial celebration in 1927 and is the only course to host four U.S. Women’s Opens. It has a rich history, but has for decades remained somewhat in the shadow of Pinehurst Resort, which is located 10 minutes away and is a favorite son of the USGA.
The two resort properties are cordial neighbors, and some believe feed off each other in one of the more unique golfing areas in the country.
“They are the pioneers, soon to have 11 golf courses,” the 66-year-old Miller says of Pinehurst Resort. “We’re just a different experience. There are some people that like our more boutique experience and some people that like the action. There are plenty of golfers for us both.”
Matt Chriscoe is as qualified as anyone to speak on the merits of both resorts since he worked for Pinehurst Resort for 24 years before recently being named the general manager of Pine Needles and Mid Pines resorts.
“Coming from Pinehurst Resort I have a perspective of its grandeur and status in the game of golf,” Chriscoe says. “But with Pine Needles and Mid Pines growing, it’s pretty special. And I feel like I can contribute to their growth in various ways and we’re obviously excited for the potential. I think that’s one word I’ve used a lot is — potential — there’s just so much here that we can enhance and get better.”
In addition to the golf course work unfolding under Franz, Mid Pines Inn has closed to begin a full restoration. Miller says the inn’s historic charm will be preserved — all while becoming a part of the prestigious Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts collection. The original Georgian-style Mid Pines Inn opened in 1921 and is considered an historic landmark.
When completed sometime in late 2026, the new Mid Pines Inn is expected to rival Pinehurst Resort’s Carolina Hotel. In addition, the cozy ambiance of the Pines Needles Lodge rooms was in need of updating, which Miller says is part of the grand plan.
“With the golf courses being such classics what we want to do is elevate the hospitality experience to match up with the golf,” Miller says. “Marine & Lawn has a great appreciation and are experts at delivering on history and showcasing history.”
Chriscoe notes that the Mid Pines Inn is the only property that has dozens of rooms that overlooks a golf course in Moore County, which boasts more than three dozen golf courses for the game’s enthusiasts to enjoy. “That’s pretty special, and you rarely see rustic lodging anymore like Pine Needles has.
“Marine & Lawn is a really big personality right now in the European market, so to have its influence here to shape the property is going to be fun to watch. The intriguing part for golf travelers is to see the potential we have and where we can land, not only in the game of golf, but as a recreational and a social type of experience. I envision the Mid Pines Inn as not just a golfing-only hotel but a connection to the history of Southern Pines and Moore County. All of that will be in play for golf travelers.”
While all the pending improvements are exciting, Miller says he’s surprised by the younger generation of golfers he’s seeing in the pro shops of his vintage Ross layouts.
“I was worried about the young kids who travel now, if they would understand and appreciate our history here,” Miller says. “And I almost find the younger people are more fascinated at our history. You see them looking at the old photos around here, which is encouraging to me. I wondered if they cared if it was Donald Ross or Betsy Ross. But they have a passion for golf history.”
The next 12-18 months should be some heady times as the “Ross Resorts” add some Franz fairways to the mix.
“I think it’s still to be determined on what the overall impact is going to be, our portfolio as far as new golfers coming to play,” Chriscoe says. “We hope to reach new audiences on both the hospitality side and golf side. That’s the question mark that we’re all excited to answer. But just adding the Marine & Lawn brand to the area should be something that we all celebrate.”