Few places in the world carry the weight of golfing history quite like Pinehurst. Nestled among the sandy pine forests of North Carolina, the village has long been regarded as the cradle of American golf.
When Donald Ross left Dornoch in the Scottish Highlands to pursue a new life in America, he could not have imagined that the resort he would help shape would redefine golf architecture for generations. His masterpiece, Pinehurst No. 2, not only revolutionised design principles but also created templates and designs which continue to influence architects today.
The pedigree of Ross's work is upheld by the fact the resort has gone on to host more USGA championships than any other venue in the United States. In addition, Pinehurst has now been confirmed as the first U.S. Open Anchor Site through 2047. Therefore, a visit to Pinehurst is not just another golf holiday, but rather, a true pilgrimage through the history of the American game.
The Best Way to Experience Pinehurst
(Pinehurst No. 2)
The best way to experience Pinehurst is by staying on site. Resort stay-and-play packages provide guaranteed access to No. 2, something day visitors simply cannot rely upon. Most golfers begin with one of Ross's gentler layouts such as No. 1 or No. 3 before progressing to No. 8 and then eventually to No. 2 itself. Saving Ross's masterpiece until later in the trip builds anticipation and also allows visitors to appreciate the subtle strategy and crowned greens that define his philosophy.
The Gil Hanse-renovated No. 4 provides a wonderful modern companion which contrasts the design patterns Ross courses are known for. In addition to the championship courses, the resort also offers a unique short course and putting green which has become a fan favourite. Gil Hanse's nine-hole par-three course, called The Cradle, and the sprawling Thistle Dhu putting course offer some of the most enjoyable and sociable golf anywhere on the property.
Pinehurst Has Much to Offer Beyond Golf
Life at Pinehurst extends well beyond the fairways, and the village itself is unlike any other golf resort in America. Pinehurst is a genuinely picturesque little town, all tree lined streets, historic cottages, and manicured greens, with a charm that few golf destinations even attempt to match. The Deuce overlooks the famous 18th green of No. 2 and is the traditional place for a post-round drink. Pinehurst Brewing Company serves craft beer alongside barbecue and pizzas in the resort's restored steam plant, while the elegant Carolina Dining Room inside The Carolina Hotel remains the flagship restaurant. A short stroll into the village reveals favourites such as Drum & Quill and Dugan's Pub, where golfers inevitably relive the day's rounds long into the evening. Boutique golf shops, cafés, galleries, and the Spa at Pinehurst ensure there is plenty to enjoy for non-golfers or anyone wanting a quieter afternoon off the course.
Best Courses to Play Outside The Pinehurst Resort
(Pine Needles)
Not every trip needs to stay inside the resort gates. Choosing accommodation at Mid Pines, Talamore, or nearby properties offers a more affordable alternative while placing visitors within a short drive of the Sandhills' best courses. The trade-off is sacrificing the unique atmosphere of Pinehurst Village and making access to No. 2 considerably more difficult, but for returning visitors or those prioritising value, these options provide an excellent base.
In addition, staying off site allows for easier access to the other worthwhile courses in the area. More specifically, several outstanding courses deserve a place on the itinerary alongside Pinehurst. Pine Needles, Mid Pines, and Southern Pines all showcase Donald Ross at his finest, each offering a slightly different interpretation of Sandhills golf.
Alternatively, Tobacco Road, designed by Mike Strantz, provides the perfect contrast to the traditional Ross courses which cover the region. Carved through a former sand quarry, its blind shots, dramatic elevation changes, and enormous waste areas make Tobacco vastly different from Ross's understated strategy. Tobacco Road has also recently opened a new 12 hole par three course called The Matchbox, featuring synthetic turf tee boxes and green complexes.
Owner Mark Stewart hopes this new concept will revolutionise golf by not only allowing clubs to use previously unused space more efficiently but also offering a more sustainable option for maintenance. Nevertheless, whether you love it or hate it, Tobacco Road has become one of America's most unforgettable rounds and is an essential addition to any Pinehurst trip.
North Carolina is a Special Destination For Golf
The Sandhills may be the heart of North Carolina golf, but they are far from the state's only destination. In addition to the other world-class courses around Pinehurst, golfers with extra time can easily build a second itinerary around the Brunswick Islands. The islands are home to numerous acclaimed layouts, such as Rivers Edge, Thistle, and the nearby Tidewater Park, which all combine championship golf, coastal scenery, luxury resorts, and renowned Calabash seafood. Together they demonstrate that Pinehurst is only one chapter in a much larger adventure that is golf in the Carolinas.
What is The Best Time of Year to Visit Pinehurst?
(Pinehurst No. 2)
It is important to note that spring and autumn bring the best conditions. Although summer brings pure greens and sunny weather, it can also bring dangerously high temperatures, dry conditions, and busy tee sheets. Therefore, spring and autumn provide the best combination of value, conditions, temperature, and availability. However, for those who embrace a bit of weather and conditions, the winter months actually offer excellent value while still remaining highly playable.
How Do You Get to Pinehurst?
Getting to Pinehurst and the Sandhills region is quite straightforward. Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Charlotte Douglas International Airport are each roughly ninety minutes away by car, making either a convenient gateway. A hired car is highly recommended, although once in the Sandhills most courses lie within twenty to thirty minutes of one another.
Pinehurst is a True Golf Pilgrimage
Few golfing destinations blend history, architecture and atmosphere quite like Pinehurst. Walking Ross's timeless fairways, spending evenings in the village, and discovering the remarkable courses that surround the resort creates an experience that extends far beyond simply playing golf. Whether it is your first visit or your fifth, Pinehurst has a way of drawing golfers back, not only because of the quality of its courses but because it captures the spirit and tradition upon which American golf was built.
If you want to embark on a dream journey to Pinehurst and North Carolina, you should check out our travel partners Golfbreaks by clicking here, while golfers based inside North America will be excited to see the packages and destinations that are available by visiting here.
