Pinehurst: The Cradle of American Golf

Dubbed the Cradle of American Golf and considered by many to be the St. Andrew’s of America, Pinehurst Golf Club doesn’t need much more of an introduction. It’s hosted some of golf’s most prestigious championships including the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, Tour Championship and the U.S. Women’s Open. It’s home to nine courses and an iconic resort attached to an idyllic village. It almost feels absurd to write something touting its magic.Then again, it feels absurd not to write about the magic of Pinehurst. The History of PinehurstIt wasn’t even first conceived as a golf course. It began as a health retreat when Boston native and soda fountain equipment and supplier James Walker Tufts bought 5,000 acres of essentially a sand lot with some pine trees. He envisioned it as a recreational haven for overworked and ailing industrial workers. It’s location also made it an ideal stopping point for northern snowbirds on the way to Florida in the winter.Tufts enlisted the help of Frederick Law Olmstead, famed Central Park designer, to create a walkable village and resort with tennis, croquet, polo, hunting, and bicycling. Construction began in 1895 and in that first year, a general store, boarding house, cottages, and the Holly Inn were all completed. Three years later, Tufts hired Dr. D. Leroy Culver of New York to design the first nine holes of golf. Golf professional John Dunn Tucker added the back nine. In 1900, Donald Ross, a Scottish golf professional was hired to manage golf operations, and the rest is history.The abridged history goes like this: Ross resigned No. 1, and created courses 2, 3, and 4. Thanks to his keen work and Tufts vision, as early as 1903, Pinehurst was becoming a major force in American golf. While five additional courses were eventually added, Pinehurst No. 2, with sand greens and natural waste areas was designed to blend in with its surrounding as make use of the land’s natural topography. It remains the most iconic and Ross’s masterpiece.Ellis Maples, a Ross apprentice, Tom Fazio, Rees Jones, and Jack Nicklaus have all had a hand in the shaping and reshaping the other four courses that make up the Pinehurst resort. Each of the courses is unique, and yet there is a cohesiveness marked by those sandy bases and an effort to blend each hole into the natural surroundings.The Pinehurst complex was designed to be accessible to the public. Despite the laundry list of tournaments its hosted, it was not built to be some exclusive, only-for-tour-players destination. On each of the courses, distance matters less than accuracy. Every golfer who tees off at Pinehurst will feel like they have a shot at a couple of birdies. Why Pinehurst No. 2 is Number OneThere is no question that Pinehurst No. 2 stands above the rest. It has hosted the most single golf championships in the United States. Although it already had an impressive history prior to 1999, this was the year it first hosted the U.S. Open Championship. Payne Stewart helped secure the course’s place in history in dramatic fashion against Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, and Vijay Singh by sinking his last putt. If you don’t remember, check out the statue of his one-legged pose just off the 18th.No. 2 made history (again) in 2014 when it hosted back-to-back U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open Championships for the first time. It’s already slated for five additional U.S. Opens through 2047.The course was fully restored in 2011 by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw who widened and lengthened the fairways, added bent grass to the greens and eliminated rough around the greens. (Get that putter warmed up! You can putt from miles off the green if you choose.) No. 2 is highly playable but not too easy, and favors your short game. Notable Holes on Pinehurst No. 218: Par 4, 451 yardsThe uphill par 4, 18th hole is widely regarded as the best of the course. A waste bunker crosses front tee and extends up the right side. This is where many thought Payne Stewart was going to lose the 1999 tournament as he drove it to the right. Recovering from the right bunker isn’t impossible but avoid it if you can. The elevated green features another short right bunker you don’t want to mess with.17: Par 3, 205 yardsThis reachable par 3 is slightly downhill with bunkers that surrounding the greens. If you’re going to miss off the tee, miss short or left.5: Par 5, 576 yardsThis dogleg left fairway slopes left to right with a waste area on inside corner and trees lining the right side. Play it like a pro and aim right off the tee. Then go for the front right part of the green to get up and down for a par.4: Par 4, 529 yardsWith a slight curve to the left and an elevated tee, driving it to the left with help you take advantage of the fairway slope. Be careful of the bunkers approaching the green. The greens have a significant right to left and if you’re not careful, can ruin a perfectly good tee shot.13: Par 4, 385 yardsThe 13th hole is one of the most fun for an average player. The gentle right turn of the fairway allows you to drive up the right side but beware of the slope up to the elevated green. Hit it short and your ball will run back down the fairway. Other Worthy Pinehurst CoursesThe other most commonly referenced courses at Pinehurst are Nos. 4, 7 and 8. Along with No. 2, each of these courses is listed in top 100 courses public in the United States.Pinehurst 8 was designed by Tom Fazio and opened in 1996. While you can find some nods to Ross’s original work, the course maintains a distinct feel. Fazio made excellent use of the natural surroundings, utilizing the natural wetlands and staying true to the sandhills of the region. You’ll love the quiet isolation as you make your way around this course.Pinehurst 4 was originally completed in 1919 but has seen a number of renovations including the 1973 Robert Trent Jones Sr. update, 1983 Rees Jones update, a 1999 Tom Fazio refresh, then most recently Gil Hanse managed a restoration. It features 180 bunkers, plenty of water hazards, and sloping greens. The rolling lands give the sense that each hole is building off the one before. Many Pinehurst members now consider this their favorite.Pinehurst 7 is another Rees Jones course that was originally opened in 1986 but redesigned in 2002. It features undulating fairways with wetlands and bunkers from an old employee course Rees discovered during construction. No. 7 does not get as much publicity as some other Pinehurst courses perhaps because tee times for non-members can be hard to secure (but definitely worth a try!). If You Go…Don’t miss The Cradle – the new par 3 short course geared toward families and casual fun (picture barefoot golfers with cocktails in hand).Be sure to get your photo with “The Golf Lad.” This ubiquitous symbol of Pinehurst was first used in early advertising for the course. In 1912, Lucy Richards created a sundial sculpture of the Lad and secured his place in Pinehurst’s history. Ahead of the 1999 U.S. Open, the director of retail operations, Stephen Cryan, used the “Putter Boy” (as he became known in the 1970s) to create a strong connection to Pinehurst’s storied past. No trip to Pinehurst is complete without a nod to “the little boy is all of us.” Treat yourself to a post-round visit to The Spa at Pinehurst. Whether you prefer a massage, wrap, or cryotherapy, you won’t regret getting pampered at this exclusive spa. It’s also a great draw for your non-golfing guests.With 9 impressive golf courses, you might have stay for weeks but be sure to give yourself enough time to enjoy some non-golfing activities. Lake Pinehurst is a short shuttle ride from Pinehurst Village but offers tons of opportunities for fun on the water from kayaks to pontoon boats to fishing. There is also tennis, lawn sports, hiking, biking and more.Spend some time wandering around the Village of Pinehurst. This quaint, walkable village will remind you of simpler times with carriages and golf carts more abundant that SUVs. Pinehurst: Where to Stay. Where to Eat.The best way to experience Pinehurst is to stay on property. Each luxury hotel is unique, located in the Village, and designed to make your stay truly memorable. The Carolina HotelThe elegant Carolina, with imposing columns, impeccable accommodations, and immaculate landscaping has 230 rooms plus suites for larger groups. The well appointed rooms are spacious, inviting, and ultra comfortable.Relax year round by the large heated outdoor pool and kiddie pool if traveling with your family. Be sure to take advantage of the misting pool, outdoor whirlpool, and cozy fireplace. The majestic Carolina Dining Room offers the best in fine dining with a seasonal meaning inspired by local favorites and flavors of the area. The Ryder Cup Lounge is perfect for a casual post-round lunch and drink while the Carolina Coffee Shop has light and quick fare. Not to be missed: the decadent breakfast buffet in the dining room. Holly InnA stay at the century old Holly Inn will provide you all the comforts of the modern world while maintaining a deep sense of history and grandeur of a time gone by. The 82 rooms and suites are charming and unique but still roomy. Try the bi-level suites for a n extravagant stay.The 1895 Grille is an award winning farm-to-table restaurant with an impressive breakfast and dinner menu. The Tavern features an antique brought in from Scotland. Enjoy more casual lunch and dinner options like sandwiches, pastas, and beef entrees as well as grab-and-go breakfasts before heading out for the day. The ManorThis contemporary hotel option will have you questioning whether it really was built in 1923. In addition to traditional rooms, the Manor also offers two exclusive private hospitality suites that can accommodate up to 20 guests — perfect for a getaway with friends. Meet for drinks in the newly renovated North &amp; South Bar for classic favorites like bourbon, whiskey, rye and Scotch (nearly 70 different varieties!). Sit indoors or outdoors and enjoy special touches like perfectly moody jazz music and fire pits that complement the old-school vibe. Carolina Villas The Villas feature four private, separately keyed guest rooms, each with a private bath. The shared living room, wet bar, dining area, and balcony or patio are great for groups and families staying together. The Villas are perfect for that home away from home experience. Farther Afield: What To Do Near PinehurstPinehurst Resort is intended to be an all-inclusive trip. However, if your looking to go off-site, we recommend Beefeaters for a classic steakhouse meal and Tobacco Road for a fun round of golf nearby. BeefeatersBeefeaters has become somewhat of the standard "boys trip" steakhouse destination with all your steakhouse favorite entrées, drinks, and desserts. You’ll know why they’re continually voted “ best steak” in Moore County (since 1999) and “best steak” by the North Carolina Cattleman’s Association.Tobacco RoadAlthough much newer than Pinehurst, Tobacco Road, established in 1998 has become a premier golf destination in the shadows of Pinehurst. Designed by Mike Strantz, it one of the top 100 golf courses (number 50) in the world by Golf Course Architecture. The course boasts conventional features like rolling fairways that blend in with the areas natural sandy waste areas. It has Instagram-worthy vistas and is challenging but playable. If you have the time, it is definitely worth the 30 minute drive from Pinehurst. Bring Pinehurst Home: Luxury Pinehurst Golf Candle SHOP NOW&gt;&gt;