Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club

Stroll through the pines, enjoy a cigar on the porch, or take a glass of red out to the balcony as the light drops across the course. Pine Needles has that relaxed, traditional Sandhills feel, and the accommodation is set up for golf groups who want things easy.

There are 74 guest rooms, plus chalet-style lodges if you'd like a bit more space or you're travelling with mates and want somewhere to spread out. Rooms are comfortable rather than flashy, with proper beds, calm views and lounge areas that make it easy to regroup after 18 holes. The chalet-style lodges offer a bit more privacy and work well for groups who prefer a quieter setting away from the main lodge building.

One of the big wins here is convenience. You're on-site, so it's a short walk to the first tee and the clubhouse. That means you can play early, pop back to freshen up and be ready for dinner without any faff. The proximity to the course makes it simple to squeeze in an extra nine if the mood takes you, or to head out for a second loop in the afternoon without worrying about driving anywhere.

When you're not playing, there's an in-ground swimming pool for warmer months, grass tennis courts if you fancy a knock-about and a fitness centre for those who like to keep moving. Dining is on-site too, with a more upmarket feel than you might expect from a golf lodge, but still relaxed enough that you can head in straight from the course. The restaurant focuses on local ingredients and the atmosphere is easy-going, the kind of spot where you can settle in for a long dinner, swap stories about the day's round and plan tomorrow's tee times over a bottle of wine.

If you're building a multi-course Sandhills trip, Pine Needles works because the golf is right outside your door, Mid Pines is across the road and Pinehurst is close by. It's an easy base that keeps the focus on what you've come for: great golf and good company. You're not staying in a five-star resort with every bell and whistle, but you've got everything you need for a proper golf trip, comfortable rooms, solid food, easy access to the course and enough facilities to keep everyone happy when they're not playing.