There’s a new player climbing to the top of the leaderboard in the Pinehurst – Southern Pines – Aberdeen, North Carolina, golf business.

Avestra Golf Management, established in 2004, owns and/or manages 4 premier properties in the Sandhills, with 6 classic golf courses, a 41-room lodging facility, full-service golf packaging operation, and a variety of dining and catering venues. Now the second largest golf operator in the area and well-respected for garnering positive results in a timely fashion, Avestra’s mission is to maximize a golf property’s true potential, provide the best product value possible, and create a positive and friendly atmosphere where guests are treated to a superior experience and with the utmost courtesy. Avestra golf properties truly reflect the energy, character and quality associated with “The Home of American Golf”.

At Avestra’s home base, The Country Club of Whispering Pines, golf enthusiasts enjoy two of Ellis Maples’ finest works, listed in the North Carolina Golf Panel‘s “Top 100” list and on PGA Professionals’ Guide to Travel‘s “Must Play” list. Opened in 1959, the West is a northeastern-style course with elevation changes uncommon to the Sandhills and fairways bordered by towering oaks and water. The East Course displays classic Donald Ross influence in how it follows the land’s natural contours, by the position of the sand traps and shaping of greens.

Foxfire Resort & Golf Club has been a Gene Hamm Sandhills favorite for nearly 40 years. The East is most challenging with hilly terrain and doglegs through towering pines. Shot-making is at a premium on this well-bunkered layout with elevated greens. The West offers wide fairways and large, elevated greens, water on 6 holes, fairway bunkers that are strategically placed, and no lack of sand guarding the greens. The G-6 hybrid bent grass greens hold shots well, but may confound even the best putters with their subtle breaks. Rated “4 Stars” by Golf Digest Place to Play, Hyland Hills Golf Club boasts one of the most exceptional locations in the Sandhills. Perched atop the area’s highest elevation, tall pines, sparkling blue water and sweeping panoramic views form a perfect backdrop for 18 of the finest holes ever designed by Tom Jackson. This “no frills, no gimmicks” golf course is always in great condition and has been enjoyed by golfers of all abilities since 1973. Southern Pines Golf Club is the only daily-fee Donald Ross original in the area. Journey back to golf from its beginnings on this classic 1906 layout with few forced carries and many greens open in front to allow for bump-and-run shots. Especially lovely in spring, it is also ideal in winter when the sandy soil drains well and winter stretches the course, making it play more like Donald Ross intended. The PGA Professionals’ Guide to Travel designates this course as a “Must Play”, and it is among the North Carolina Golf Panel’s “Top 100 Courses”.

Avestra also owns and operates Golf Packages of the Carolinas, a full-service packaging company, specializing in the North Carolina Sandhills. Guests choose from a variety of local overnight accommodation options including comfortable lodging in villas and 1- and 2-bedroom suites located on-site at The Country Club of Whispering Pines, all with lake or pool views. Affordable custom 2-night packages from $199 pp/do include 3 rounds with cart on your choice of 6 Avestra courses plus 30+ award-winning area courses, unlimited use of the pool, tennis courts and 24-hour fitness center. Deluxe continental breakfast, daily maid service and wireless Internet access are also included. For meetings, weddings and catered events, each Avestra property features a clubhouse with contemporary meeting/banquet rooms, a full-service restaurant and bar, on-site IT services and an experienced staff dedicated to providing the best in “Southern Hospitality”.