Unlimited Play At Pinehurst?

I'm in Pinehurst, scheduled to wrestle with a saber-toothed tiger today (which is to say I'm playing No. 2). A great test of golf, a better test of temperament, I'm up early doing breathing exercises and trying to call upon my inner-Zen. Those Donald Ross greens give me fits!

I'll give you more about what's turning out to be one of the greatest trips I've taken so far as the Digest Travel Editor a little later. Until then, the buzz down here is about deals to play golf, and a release about a sweepstakes to win unlimited golf for a year.

Good luck!

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From now through May 31, golfers from around the globe can enter the resort's spring sweepstakes to win unlimited golf at Pinehurst for a year. Golfers can register now at Pinehurst.com, for the prize that includes unlimited golf for the winner and a friend on any of Pinehurst's eight golf courses--including the famed No. 2, site of the 2014 U.S. Open. Valid from June 1, 2009 to May 30, 2010, the prize also includes exclusive benefits when staying at Pinehurst, visiting the spa and enjoying its many amenities.

The sweepstakes celebrates the launch of Pinehurst's spring Unlimited Golf Package, in which golfers are automatically upgraded to unlimited golf at normal one-round-per-day rates from March 8 through May 30. The $515 per person, per night starting rate includes unlimited greens fees (No. 2 at an additional charge), cart and practice facility usage, plus accommodations, the best breakfast in golf and a la carte dinner. The upgrade's best value is in eliminating hundreds of dollars in replay fees.

With the recent renovation of the majority of its guest rooms, a new executive chef, and longer spring days ahead to enjoy the resort's championship courses, Pinehurst continues to deliver the best overall golf experience to all golfers in 2009.

Full details on the grand prize, eligibility and full terms and conditions can be found on the sweepstakes page. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.pinehurst.com or call 800-487-4653.

I always get asked, "Where should we go for our next buddies trip?"

Before I answer, I try to take in consideration the group dynamics. I look at handicaps, physical handicaps and general appreciation for the finer things in golf (course architects, caddies, history, etc.). Will you be bringing females or will you be trying to meet them? What's the level of jailbreak mentality? (In other words, might the authorities be involved?) But in general, the top two spots on my list for a buddies trip in the U.S. are Pinehurst and Bandon Dunes.

--Matty G.