Foxfire Golf & Resort Red Fox Review

Foxfire Golf & Resort just outside Pinehurst, NC exemplifies what Sandhills golf is all about. Tree-lined fairways, large elevation changes and lots of sand is what you'll find on either of the Gene Hamm designed 18-hole championship courses. Golf Digest has awarded Foxfire Golf and Resort 3.5 stars in their Places to Play Guide.

The fairways on both the Grey Fox and the Red Fox courses follow the natural contours of the land and play through natural rolling hills, sandy soil and multiple lakes. Players must avoid numerous strategically placed bunkers and natural hazards as they make their way up - or many times down - to large, elevated greens.

While the Grey Fox Course may be the tougher, the Red Fox Course is clearly the member's favorite. From the back tees, Red plays 6,735 yards with a course rating of 72.9 and a slope of 134. A good time can be had by most from the White Tees (6,339/70.7/128). Ladies will find the Red Tees (5,201/70.2/124) to be quite a challenge. In all, the Red Fox course offers five sets of tees with a distance to suit any player.

Wide open, well-manicured fairways and large, elevated greens that roll fast and true await golfers of all ages and abilities. Fairway bunkers abound throughout the course and lie in wait in many landing area as well as around the greens. You'll find water on about 6 holes, but only one forced carry off the tee of any significant length is required.

Although it doesn't require you to carry a pond or creek off the tee, water plays an important part in Number 2 being handicapped the toughest hole on the course. You'll really need to favor the right side of the fairway to avoid the water that comes into the middle of the fairway from the lake on the left. From there, you're looking at a long, uphill approach shot to a large green with a false front that is well guarded by bunkers. It plays much longer than the stated yardage on the card - (390 yards/White Tees).

The par 5, number 9 is a 490-yard par 5 that can be reached in two if you can keep it on the right side of the fairway, past the dogleg. A small pond guards the layup landing area on the left side and you'll need to fly your approach shot onto the green as it is surrounded by sand on all four sides. The green is relatively flat and good scores can be made here.

Number 17 is a fairly long par 4 at 175 yards from the White Tees and the triangular green is totally surrounded by sand. It's probably the most challenging of the par 3s as it requires you to fly it onto the putting surface from a pretty good distance away.

Last Word
In designing Red Fox, Hamm put in plenty of "bail out" areas so you're not constantly facing severe drop offs or deep bunkers if you don't hit the green. Once upon a time, the Hamm courses at Foxfire were considered two of the best in the area. Now, Brown Golf Management is working to restore these courses to their former glory. Both courses offer a challenging but fair opportunity for you to experience Sandhills golf at an affordable price.

Brown Golf Management is offering some incredible membership opportunities that give members access to both of their 36-hole Pinehurst facilities - Foxfire and The Country Club of Whispering Pines. As a member, you'll receive unlimited golf, full access to the practice facilities including unlimited range balls and full access to other Brown Golf-managed facilities in NC, SC, FL and PA. All for one low, monthly rate.

Foxfire and Whispering Pines also offer stay and play packages that include accommodations, golf and meals. For more information, visit their website at www.foxfireresortandgolf.com