Since 1895, the golf courses at Pinehurst Resort have been challenging amateur and veteran players from around the world, and they have hosted major events, such as the PGA Championship, the Ryder Cup Matches, and the U.S. Senior Open. This mesmerizing destination is undeniably the cradle of American golf, as the game is thrillingly inescapable there.

While Pinehurst No. 2 is the most famous golf course at the resort to the point it became legendary, there is a lot more to discover if you're passionate about this wondrous sport. Originally designed by Donald Ross in 1919, Pinehurst No. 4 evokes the timeless tradition of North Carolina Sandhills golf. It features vast expanses of sand, native wiregrass, and dramatic vistas.

If you're planning to book a Pinehurst golf package and play this breathtaking course, here is a short guide about what you need to keep in mind when playing a round.

How to Enjoy Pinehurst No. 4, a Stunning Golf Course with Rolling Topography

In 2000, the golf course was remodeled by Tom Fazio, whereas in 2018, it was redesigned by Gil Hanse. This redesign demonstrates that a great course doesn't need gimmicks to be engaging, as it's fun and exciting and features a lot of strategic interest as it is. During the renovation, the rough was stripped out, and the sand was exposed to offer a more natural look across the routing.

Great variety and plenty of movement in the terrain can be found throughout Pinehurst No. 4, which enhances its unique and intriguing character. Unlike Pinehurst No. 2, where walking is required, it allows golfers to take a cart, which is perfect if they want to play more than one round in a day.

Gil Hanse used a modern approach with the fairways at Pinehurst No. 4, making them very generous. There is no rough at the golf course, so even wayward drives aren't punished. Nonetheless, when you hit the ball into the sandy waste areas, you're taking a risk – you can draw a firm lie, or you can find your ball against a clump of grass. The following are the most outstanding holes of Pinehurst No. 4:

• Hole 3: The bunkers on the left side of the driving zone have to be avoided to set up a decent look on the approach shot. The waste areas on either side of the fairway provide additional consideration to deal with, but the elevation of this hole is the main factor to consider.
• Hole 13: This is the signature hole of Pinehurst No. 4 and is a classic risk/reward hole. It's a reachable par 5 that demands a tee shot in the fairway if you're going to go for it in two. A bunker can be found on the right side of the driving zone, whereas the left side is flanked by water. The greensite is bunkerless, encouraging golfers to play aggressively.
• Hole 14: As the best par 3, this hole has water running along the left side with a steep slope on that side of the green. While two bunkers are found on the right side, a sideboard is found between the green and the sand, which can help kick the ball on the green while staying away from the water.

The trees on Pinehurst No. 4 are sparse enough that you'll be able to find many recovery opportunities, but you risk a bad lie or poor angle. Considering the elevation, the golf course plays way longer than its official yardage. Plenty of the elevation on Pinehurst No. 4 comes on the approach shots. Because the elevation appears natural, it's easy to overlook, but you'll realize it's there when your shot comes up short of the target.

The Takeaway

Pinehurst No. 4 is one of ten golf courses at the resort, and while it doesn't get the attention or notoriety its big brother, Pinehurst No. 2, draws, it's a strong golf course that deserves to be played. When testing your game, try to enjoy the experience as a whole rather than just the golf holes. From the history of the Clubhouse and the veranda overlooking the 18th to the Putter Boy statue and the Carolina Hotel, there are endless aspects that make this golf course special.

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