At the heart of North Carolina’s Sandhills is Pinehurst Resort, a resort that has been an icon of timelessness in leisure and golfing. Long have we marveled at this crossing between history and modernity, setting up an experience unforgettable to guests from around the world.
Ten world-class golf courses, luxurious accommodations, and a giant dose of Southern hospitality make Pinehurst one of the few truly worthy of being called the “Home of American Golf.” It invites all to take a stroll through this golf paradise—the proud resort history and ongoing development in retaining its status as one of the great places to play for all levels of golfers.
Pinehurst: The History and the Lore
Pinehurst Resort’s story began in 1895 when James Walker Tufts, a Boston entrepreneur, purchased 5,800 acres of sandy, barren land in the Sandhills of North Carolina. His vision? To create a health retreat where people could escape the harsh northern winters and enjoy the mild climate of the South.
There are not many golf courses that stick out, but Pinehurst is one very peculiarly awesome story of evolution. The first course there opened in 1900, laid out by Dr. Leroy Culver and John Dunn Tucker. But the real thing in Pinehurst made its name in the year 1907. That’s when the great course designer Donald Ross showed up and started what would eventually be called No. 2.
It became the American golf cathedral. It hosts more championships than any course in the country, including three U.S. Opens, one Ryder Cup, and now one PGA Championship. And I know my share of courses, but the challenge and beauty of No. 2 are second to none.
Since then, Pinehurst had grown with the years. Today there are nine 18-hole courses covering the resort’s fields, each with its character and challenge—from the classical touch of Ross to modern touches like that of Tom Fazio and Gil Hanse, Pinehurst offers a well-rounded golf experience that’s hard to rival.
But there is still more to the history of Pinehurst besides golf. It was a resort that has seen the great moments of American history. It became a resting and recuperation area during the Second World War to wounded soldiers. In the 1950s and 60s, it became one of the favorite retreats of celebrities and politicians alike to include President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Today, Pinehurst Resort speaks to that storied past while continuing to evolve to provide for the modern golfer and traveler. It’s a place of living history— from the iconic statue of Putter Boy to the timeless elegance of the Carolina Hotel. For me, like so many others, walking the fairways of Pinehurst sets our minds running back through the annals of golf history.
The Pinehurst Resort Experience
From the Pinehurst Resort, one is conveyed into a golf haven that perhaps hardly finds its equal anywhere. The moment one steps onto the property, it becomes certain that something special awaits one. Nine champion courses that were on the resort premises offered difficulties in variations, each uniquely crafted.
The crown jewel is Pinehurst No. 2-something else again: a true test of skill. Crowned greens and strategic bunkering command precision and a degree of inventiveness. We have played a lot of courses, but few match the thrill of navigating No. 2’s fairways where legends have walked before us.
The other courses aren’t chumps, either. No. 4 is newly redesigned by the talented Gil Hanse, offering a more rugged, natural experience. A refreshing respite from the perfectly manicured No. 2. No. 8, an original Tom Fazio design, affords great views and has now become a favorite amongst regulars due to the very memorable round.
And off the course, Pinehurst doesn’t disappoint either. First-class practice facilities with ranges and short game areas through to a Golf Academy where expert tuition meets advanced technology.
Accommodations at Pinehurst range from each and every one of your wildest preferences. The Carolina Hotel offers great exterior facades, with rooms that really transport us back in time to the golden era of golf. Meanwhile, for a cozier stay, the Holly Inn does cozy comfort with a touch of history.
From casual, pub-style dining at the Ryder Cup Lounge to fine dining at the 1895 Grille, there is something for any taste. Nothing can be more enjoyable than finishing a long day on the links with a meal and reliving your best shots of the day.
The spa at this resort perfectly caters to the ultimate unwinding and rejuvenation. From golf-specific massages to indulgent facials, there’s something for certain to get us ready for another day on the links.
For the nonskier, or those desiring variety, this resort offers tennis courts, a beach club on the shores of the nearby Lake Pinehurst, and picturesque walking trails. The quaint village of Pinehurst with its many shops and restaurants is within walking distance of this resort.
Each return to the Pinehurst Resort is a return home to greet hallowed grounds of the game where history and tradition blend in sweet harmony with the best of modern amenities. It keeps us coming back year after year.
How Pinehurst Has Shaped Golf’s History, Present, and Future
For over a century, Pinehurst Resort was the heart of the history of golf. We have watched firsthand as this destination formed the game we came to love. From hosting major championships to breeding new talent, Pinehurst continues to put its indelible stamp on the sport.
Pinehurst used to be the playground for legends of the game. Famed No. 2 has taken the greats like Ben Hogan, Sam Snead, and Jack Nicklaus to task. This course has hosted three U.S. Opens, one U.S. Women’s Open, and the 1951 Ryder Cup. It’s nearly impossible to walk these fairways today and not feel the echoes of great moments in the history of golf.
Today, Pinehurst is one of the bullseyes that exists in the world of golf. An inherent commitment to excellence has it continuously developing and innovating. We know how Gil Hanse’s recent renovations to No. 4 breathed new life into this classical course. The Cradle is a 9-hole short course that is fun and open to all levels of skill.
And it’s going to play an even greater role in the future of the game. It was named the first anchor site for future U.S. Opens, bringing the championship to Pinehurst Resort in 2024, 2029, 2035, 2041, and 2047. This unprecedented move by the USGA cements Pinehurst as one of the long-term great American golf destinations for generations to come.
From being a preserver of the traditions of golf, it became one actively shaping its future: grooming the next bunch of players through the resort’s Golf Academy; setting new standards in course management at Pinehurst with its sustainable practices. We have also seen how it respects the history of the game yet is actionably considering the ideas that keep it alive in this fast-changing world of golf.
Pinehurst’s Unique Offerings
We find that Golfer’s Eden at Pinehurst offers a great deal more than your garden-variety resort course. Few destinations or resort developments combine all of these elements into a single place where golfers and leisure travelers alike can truly enjoy the experience.
Best-Class Golf Courses
This resort town has nine 18-hole courses right at its center, each with its special character and challenges. We have played numerous courses, but hardly any has more than one-Pinehurst No. 2-which stands out-and-out for real brilliance. Brilliantly redesigned in 2011 by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore, precision, great strategy, and proper technique are an absolute necessity. Most other courses, including the totally renovated No. 4 also by Gil Hanse, may provide equally exciting experiences for all classes of golfers.
The Cradle is short course magic.
Just revolutionary for on-the-go rounds or practice sessions, The Cradle is a straight-out revolution. A 9-hole par 3 course: the perfect recipe for honing short game skills or having a casual round with your buddies. This has become part of the must-play lineup at Pinehurst, providing fun and accessible golf.
World-class training facilities
Pinehurst’s practice areas are second to none. The Maniac Hill driving range, one of the oldest in North America, provides ample space to work on your swing. The short game area and putting greens are meticulously maintained, allowing golfers to fine-tune every aspect of their game.
Expert Golf Tuition
The Pinehurst Golf Academy provides the best teaching for all aspiring players to do better in their game. This academy is a unique opportunity, with expert instructors and high-level facilities to further improve one’s playing skills.
Comfort Accommodation
After playing the links for the day, accommodations at Pinehurst make a perfect retreat. There’s everything from the historic Carolina Hotel to the cozy Holly Inn, and for everything else, there’s MasterCard. We’ve always found the rooms to be comfortable and well-appointed, providing a relaxing atmosphere in which to unwind from the activities of the day.
Final Thoughts
Dining opportunities in Pinehurst are plentiful. Based around fine dining but with a little Southern flair, there is 1895 Grille. Ryder Cup Lounge can be perfect for drinks or a nice round of post-round dining. For something a little more relaxed, stop by the Deuce located with views of the 18th green of No. 2. The Spa at Pinehurst The Spa at Pinehurst is that tranquil oasis away from the fairways. It is a real sanctuary of relaxation offering various treatment options and services excellent for rejuvenation after one of life’s battles: a challenging round of golf. Activities Beyond Golf While golf may be the star of the show, Pinehurst has a variety of other things to keep one occupied. Tennis courts, lawn sports, and nearby hiking trails will suffice for the nongolfer or anybody mixing their vacation itinerary. A Pinehurst Resort caps an unbeatable experience that keeps avid golfers and leisure travelers returning year after year. This isn’t a niche golf destination; it’s a resort that covers all facets of a great vacation. Final Thoughts and Review Pinehurst Resort is a real eldorado for any golfer, full of history and steeped in tradition. World-class courses and first-class facilities with luxurious amenities make staying at the said resort unforgettable both for an active golfer and a leisure traveler. Whether one is tee-ing off from the legendary No. 2 course or going for a quickie round at The Cradle, Pinehurst has something to suit all tastes. Here you will be treated with all the history associated with golf but in equal measure receive modern comforts and impeccable service.
