What if your Pinehurst getaway could help pay for itself during the biggest golf weeks of the year? If you love the idea of early tee times, evenings in The Village, and premium rental income during tournament peaks, you are in the right place. This guide shows you where to buy, what guests expect, how to navigate rules and taxes, and how to balance owner time with strong rental demand. Let’s dive in.
Why Pinehurst works for STRs
Pinehurst is a nationally known golf destination anchored by Pinehurst Resort and multiple top courses. That reputation drives repeat travel, group trips, and major tournament traffic. As an owner, you can capture short windows of very high demand during championship weeks along with steady spring and fall shoulder seasons.
Peak championship weeks
During high-profile events, nightly rates and minimum stays often increase, and bookings lock in well ahead of time. Multi-bedroom homes close to courses or The Village tend to fill first because groups want space, parking, and easy access.
Spring and fall shoulder seasons
Outside marquee events, spring and fall are highly rentable. Weather is favorable, golf groups plan midweek stays, and couples book weekend getaways that mix golf with village dining.
Planning for off-peak
Winter and the hottest summer weeks can slow down. Many owners attract extended-stay visitors during these periods. Expect variable occupancy overall, with a few very valuable weeks carrying a significant share of annual revenue.
Best locations and property types
Your location and home type shape who books your place and at what price. Match the property to the guest you want to serve.
Resort-adjacent access
Homes and condos inside or next to Pinehurst Resort offer the easiest path to tee times and amenities. These can command premium rates but may come with tighter HOA rules or higher purchase prices.
Walkable Village cottages
Small-lot cottages and townhomes near shops and restaurants appeal to couples and small groups who want dining and ambiance within a short walk. These are popular with non-golfing companions.
Private club and gated communities
Private club neighborhoods deliver prestige and on-site amenities. Some HOAs limit short-term rentals or require registration and minimum lease lengths. Always verify rules before you buy.
Nearby towns for value
Southern Pines, Aberdeen, and Whispering Pines expand inventory and can offer larger homes at lower entry prices. A short drive to Pinehurst courses works well for teams that value space, parking, and flexible sleeping setups.
Match property to guest type
- Large groups: 3 to 5 bedroom homes with multiple baths and flexible sleeping arrangements.
- Couples or small groups: Cottages or townhomes with quick access to The Village.
- Premium travelers: Luxury homes with outdoor living, garage storage, and high-end finishes.
- Convenience seekers: Condos with gated access, covered parking, and onsite amenities.
What guests expect
Tournament groups and repeat visitors tend to be organized and discerning. Small operational touches can turn a good stay into a yearly tradition.
- Adequate beds and baths for the advertised occupancy, with flexible sleeping options.
- Secure, dry storage for golf bags and clubs.
- Off-street parking and driveway space for multiple vehicles or small trailers.
- High-speed Wi‑Fi for coordinating tee times and work.
- Well-equipped kitchen for group meals, plus an outdoor grill and dining area.
- Washer and dryer with extra linens and towels ready for quick turnarounds.
- Smart lock or lockbox entry with clear arrival instructions and a local contact.
- A simple local guidebook that lists tee-time contacts, dining, grocery, shuttle services, and emergency numbers.
- Reliable professional cleaning between stays, especially for multi-day event weeks.
Logistics that win 5-star reviews
- Set minimum stays of 3 to 7 nights during big events and 2 to 3 nights in shoulder seasons.
- Plan check-in and check-out around tournament days. Many guests arrive the day before play and leave the day after.
- Offer optional add-ons such as local transport contacts, concierge tee-time assistance, or catering recommendations.
- Keep instructions simple and clear. Parking maps and clubhouse directions reduce questions and stress.
Rules, taxes, and insurance to verify
Short-term rental rules can vary by municipality, county, and HOA. Do this homework before you list or make purchase promises.
- Confirm Village of Pinehurst zoning and any business license requirements if you are inside village limits.
- Review Moore County ordinances for short-term lodging, noise, and parking rules.
- Read HOA covenants closely. Some neighborhoods require registration, set minimum lease lengths, or prohibit short-term rentals.
- Register to collect and remit required taxes. Hosts are typically responsible for local occupancy taxes and state sales and use taxes. Verify current rates and filing steps with Moore County and the North Carolina Department of Revenue.
Insurance and liability
Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity. Secure an STR endorsement or a dedicated short-term rental policy that covers liability, property damage, and loss of income. Consider higher liability limits or an umbrella policy for large groups and event periods. If you recommend third-party vendors for transport or catering, verify that they carry their own insurance and use written service agreements.
Neighbor relations and house rules
During tournament weeks, noise, parking, and trash draw attention. Post clear house rules on quiet hours, guest limits, and parking. Provide a local contact for quick resolution. Friendly communication and good operations protect your reputation and reduce complaints.
Revenue, management, and owner use
Focus on a few very valuable weeks plus steady shoulder-season rentals rather than even occupancy all year. The right calendar strategy and operations can turn event demand into repeatable revenue.
- Revenue drivers: nights booked, average nightly rate, and fees such as cleaning or pet fees.
- Common costs: management fees, cleaning and linens, utilities and supplies, HOA dues, taxes, insurance, maintenance, and extra wear during event weeks.
- Breakeven mindset: model a handful of premium golf weeks plus conservative spring and fall bookings. Keep winter and hot summer weeks flexible for extended stays or owner use.
Self-manage, full service, or hybrid
- Self-manage: Higher net revenue if you can handle listings, guest messages, and turnovers, especially during peak weeks. Requires responsiveness and strong vendor support.
- Full-service manager: Handles marketing, bookings, guest services, cleaning, and compliance for a fee. Often brings broader reach for championship weeks.
- Hybrid: Use a manager during event weeks and self-manage shoulder seasons. This balances service intensity with cost control.
Blocking your calendar
Tournament schedules are published early and guests book far in advance. If you want owner time during peak windows, block those dates well ahead. Many owners negotiate priority weeks in their management agreement with clear notice periods and blackout windows.
Minimum stays and operations
Increase minimum nights during peak events to reduce turnover and maximize per-booking revenue. Stock extra linens, towels, and consumables before championship weeks. Confirm cleaning capacity and backup coverage. Clear arrival instructions and a simple plan for bag storage and parking make large groups feel taken care of.
Sample golf-week strategy
Picture a four-bedroom home near the resort with ample parking and a covered area for club storage. The owner lists the property months before a major event and sets a five-night minimum for that week. They provide a kitchen stocked for group meals, a grill on the patio, and a concise guidebook with clubhouse directions and dining reservations. House rules outline quiet hours and on-site parking, and the manager schedules a mid-stay towel refresh for longer bookings. The result is a smooth experience that earns five-star reviews and repeat requests for next year.
Quick-start checklist
- Verify zoning, business license, HOA rules, and tax registration steps.
- Choose a property type that matches your target guest profile.
- Set event-week minimum stays and owner blackout dates early.
- Line up a reliable cleaner and linen program with backup options.
- Create a simple guest guide with contacts, parking details, and check-in steps.
- Photograph the home professionally, highlighting proximity to courses and The Village.
- Decide on self-manage, full-service, or hybrid support before you list.
Next steps in Pinehurst
If you want a second home that doubles as a tournament-ready rental, start with due diligence and a property that fits your guest profile. From location tradeoffs to HOA covenants and calendar strategy, a clear plan helps you capture peak-week demand without sacrificing your own time on the course. If you would like help sourcing, underwriting, and setting up a Pinehurst rental for golf weeks and shoulder seasons, connect with Levi Bennett to schedule a call.
FAQs
Are all Pinehurst homes rentable during championship weeks?
- No. Viability depends on location, HOA rules, and the property’s size and amenities. Resort-adjacent and Village homes often convert best, but some HOAs restrict short-term rentals.
How far ahead should I market a Pinehurst rental for big events?
- Tournament travelers often book many months or even a year in advance. List early and set clear minimum stays and house rules.
What minimum stay works best for golf weeks in Pinehurst?
- Many owners set 3 to 7 night minimums for major events, then shift to 2 to 3 nights in spring and fall shoulder seasons.
Do I need a license or registration to operate a Pinehurst STR?
- Possibly. Requirements vary by Village of Pinehurst, Moore County, and your HOA. Confirm zoning, business license needs, and any HOA registration steps before listing.
What insurance should I carry for a Pinehurst short-term rental?
- Consider an STR-specific policy or endorsement that includes liability, property damage, and loss of income. Higher liability limits or an umbrella policy are common during large events.
Will peak-week rentals disrupt my personal use of the home?
- They can if you do not plan ahead. Block owner weeks early, set higher minimum stays during events, and consider a property manager if you cannot handle rapid turnovers.
