The Pinehurst area holds prominent status in golf history as the cradle of American golf. It fascinates visitors with its unique spirit and rich golf history. Home to some of the most prestigious U.S. championships, Pinehurst Resort is one of the world's top golf destinations, boasting ten exceptional golf courses. Therefore, when planning a golf trip to Pinehurst, the biggest challenge is to choose which courses to play. To help you decide, we have put together some of our favorites.

Pinehurst No. 1

Pinehurst No. 1 is a classic due to its importance in golf history. It is where U.S. golf began, the oldest Pinehurst courses, shaped by hand, not by bulldozers. If you haven't played the Pinehurst golf courses, it should be the first thing on your bucket list. Initially, there were two loops of nine holes, designed by Leroy Culver and John Dunn Tucker in 1897 and 1898, redesigned and unified into an 18-hole course by Donald Ross in 1900.

Pinehurst No. 4

Designed by Donald Ross in 1919, the course has undergone multiple redesigns and restorations. The most notable update was made by Gil Hanse in 2018. Pinehurst No. 4 boasts sweeping landscapes, sloping greens, wide fairways, and dramatic elevation changes. Ranked as No. 2 among public-access courses in North Carolina, Pinehurst No. 4 will seriously test your skills, but it will be equally rewarding. For some of our clients, it is their top pick of all the Pinehurst golf courses.

Pinehurst No. 7

Ranked the 11th best public-access course in North Carolina, this course is similar to No. 8, with its own clubhouse and a wide setting on rolling terrain. It was designed by renowned golf architect Rees Jones and opened in 1986.

Deemed to be both testing and enjoyable, the course boasts greens sitting uphill from the fairways, with putting surfaces frequently obscured by mounds and bunker lips. The conditioning is excellent, and the course has the atmosphere of a private club. Unlike No. 2, where walking is preferred, golf carts are required on No. 7 as it winds through upscale housing areas.

Pinehurst No. 8

Considered one of the most enjoyable courses in Pinehurst, No. 8 should be on your bucket list when visiting the area. It was designed by renowned architect Tom Fazio and opened in 1996 to commemorate the resort's 100th anniversary. No 8 boasts fantastic scenery, large greens, wide fairways, and elevated tees. It's easy to walk and definitely rewarding to play.

Ranked as the 7th best public-access course in North Carolina, Pinehurst No. 8 has the atmosphere of a private golf club situated in a secluded forest. Due to its location, the course provides a more relaxed experience, different from the bustling energy of the main resort.

Pinehurst No. 10

No. 10 was designed by Tom Doak, a prominent golf architect who combined a modern approach with traditional elements to the rugged dunes carved out by miners in the late 1800s. The layout boasts native vegetation, rolling hills, undulating terrain, significant elevation changes, and awe-inspiring landscapes.

Located around 4 miles from Pinehurst Resort, it is a more remote course that provides a fun and relaxing golfing experience. Officially opened on April 3, 2024, Pinehurst No. 10 is recognized for its environmental sustainability.

The Iconic Pinehurst No. 2

The Pinehurst area boasts a fabulous selection of golf courses, each with distinct perks and challenges. Still, Pinehurst No. 2 undoubtedly stands out as a masterpiece, an all-time American classic, and one of the world's iconic golf courses. The course, home to more golf championships than any other course in the country, provides an unparalleled experience for golfers and the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of golf legends.

It is ranked as the No. 1 public-access course in North Carolina, the No. 3 public-access course in the U.S., and the No. 3 resort course in the U.S. The layout, updated by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, is an absolute delight for any golfer. It starts and ends in Pinehurst, right in front of the main clubhouse. Unlike Pinehurst No. 1, 3, and 5, this course is available to play only for those staying at Pinehurst Resort or Pinehurst members (and their guests).

The Takeaway

When planning a golf trip to Pinehurst Resort, you definitely want to make the most out of it, and that's where our knowledgeable team comes into play. We've created perfectly customized golf vacation packages to help you with stress-free planning and a memorable golfing adventure. Feel free to check out our Pinehurst Golf Packages and call us to tailor the experience to your preferences.

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