Playing the Legendary Talamore Golf Courses
January 09th, 2025Golf Travel Tips, Golf Travel Ideas, Golf Course Reviews, North Carolina, Sandhills, NC, Bucket List Golf Packages, Talamore Golf Resort
Every golfer dreams of discovering that one course—a place that feels special even before you take your first swing. And Talamore Golf Resort in Southern Pines, North Carolina, delivers exactly that. It’s not just another stop on the Sandhills golf trail. Talamore is where tradition, quirk, and challenge collide in the best possible way.
Where Golf Meets Artistry
Talamore isn’t about gimmicks or flash. Its appeal is subtle and sneaks up on you as you walk the Rees Jones-designed New Course. What would strike you right away is how naturally the course fits into the land. The rolling hills and towering pines don’t just frame the fairways—they define the entire experience.
The New Course feels alive, as if it’s been sculpted by time rather than a bulldozer. Its recent updates, such as the return to larger greens and the addition of sod wall bunkers, give the course a classic atmosphere while maintaining its sharp edge. It’s certainly the kind of field where every shot feels meaningful. Hit it right to be rewarded. And missing it will mean paying the consequences—but never in a way that feels unfair.
The Llamas Nobody Forgets
And then there are llamas. If you’ve ever known Talamore, you’ve probably heard about its famous caddies as well. Golfers here had llamas carrying their bags back in the 90s. Imagine yourself standing over your putt while a llama looks on and chews grass like it’s no big deal.
The llamas don’t carry bags anymore today. But they remain part of the resort’s DNA. It’s a reminder that Talamore doesn’t take itself too seriously—although golf here is an important business. It’s all fun, quirky, and memorable.
The Little Things Make the Big Difference
Playing Talamore isn’t just about hitting the greens—it’s about everything that happens around you. Before your round, there’s the Toptracer Range that allows you to track every swing and see exactly how far you’re hitting (or not hitting).
Afterward, there’s nothing better than relaxing back at the clubhouse or one of the resort’s villas. And you’re in for a treat if you’re lucky enough to visit during one of their famous Carolina Pig Pickin’ events. Barbecue and golf—it doesn’t get more Southern than that.
A Golfer’s Playground
What makes Talamore special, though, isn’t just the llamas, the food, or even the top-tier design. It’s the way the course challenges you without beating you down. Each hole has its own character—from the sweeping par-5s to the par-3s that demand absolute precision. It’s a field that rewards smart play but also gives you a chance to recover if things go sideways.
That balance is what golf here is all about. You want a course that tests your skill but also presents you with those memories of pure joy. It’s the kind where you stripe a drive straight down the fairway or sink a long birdie putt you had no business making. Talamore delivers those moments in spades.