Pinehurst is where the American golf story originated and where it continues to flourish. With eleven spectacular golf courses, this destination should be on the bucket list of every golf enthusiast. Of the more than 400 courses the renowned architect designed, Pinehurst No. 2 was where he made his home, continuing to tweak and perfect the golf course throughout his life. The second is one of the most difficult holes on one of the most challenging golf courses you'll find.

During the open, it could stretch to over 500 yards as a par 4. It's very easy to find yourself in the trees or the waste bunker on the left off the tee, and if you are, you'll have a tough time making par. If you're interested in knowing the nitty-gritty of Pinehurst No. 2, here is a brief description of every hole on this famous golf course so you'll know what to expect if you're thinking of going on a golf vacation in North Carolina and playing there:

• Hole 1, Par 4: there's a lot of room to drive the ball, and the hole is not too long, but the greens offer a glimpse of the challenges to come
• Hole 2, Par 4: this was the most difficult hole in the 2005 U.S. Open, averaging 4.5 strokes, and a drive favoring the left will offer the best look at the green, which is heavily bunkered
• Hole 3, Par 4: it offers you a good birdie opportunity, and you should be conservative on the approach shot, as over the green is trouble
• Hole 4, Par 4: this classic Donald Ross is reachable for the long hitters, but for the average golfer, it will play as a three-shot hole
• Hole 5, Par 5: favor the right side with your tee shot, as this fairway slopes severely from right to left, and aim your shot for the right side of the green
• Hole 6, Par 3: as the sixth most difficult hole in the U.S. Open, it's a long-iron or fairway wood, shaped a little from right-to-left
• Hole 7, Par 4: this hole offers a bit of a breather, and it's the sharpest dogleg on the course, and several bunkers on the right corner can grab tee shots pushed to the right
• Hole 8, Par 5: approach shots missed left will make for a difficult up-and-down, and the green is dramatically sloped from back-to-front
• Hole 9, Par 3: this is the shortest hole on the golf course, and club selection is essential, as most of the trouble lies to the left and behind the putting surface
• Hole 10, Par 5: as the longest hole on the golf course, it may be reachable for some players, but they might throw caution to the wind in doing so
• Hole 11, Par 4: the fairway looks wide but is bordered down the right and left with a traditional Pinehurst trademark, namely hardpan sand, wire grass, and pinecones
• Hole 12, Par 4: it's a subtle dogleg to the right that requires a precise tee shot, with more hardpan sand and wire grass framing the right and the left side of the fairway
• Hole 13, Par 4: this is far from being a pushover, as your tee shot must avoid the fairway bunkers on the right, and club selection is crucial
• Hole 14, Par 4: this picturesque tee shot must favor the right side, avoiding the deep fairway bunker on the left and the four bunkers on the right
• Hole 15, Par 3: you should favor the front portion on the green, as up-and-downs are easier from the front of the green as opposed to behind it
• Hole 16, Par 5: this is the second most difficult hole on the golf course, and the most important thing after a good tee shot is to avoid the hidden bunker on the left of the fairway
• Hole 17, Par 3: this hole played a pivotal role in the outcome of the 1999 U.S. Open and the 2005 U.S. Open during which Michael Campbell sealed his victory with a birdie
• Hole 18, Par 4: you should avoid the deep fairway bunker down the right side of the tee, and you'll have a mid-to-short iron into the green

Have we sparked your interest in playing golf at Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina? If so, check out two of our best offers for golf vacation packages for this mesmerizing destination, which abounds in history.

The Takeaway

Donald Ross's masterpiece, Pinehurst No. 2, has served as the home of more single golf championships than any other golf course in the country. It has also hosted back-to-back U.S. Open and U.S. Women's Open Championships in 2014. Come walk in the footsteps of golf legends and play the holes that will birth a new generation of icons!

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