UP FRONT | RECREATION
THE DIVINE NINE
Pinehurst has a golf course for you
No 1
Created in 1898, this original 18-hole course, offering 81 acres of turf and 24 acres of freeway, set the bar high for the eight that followed. Featuring 40 sand bunkers, this green was designed by legendary course architect Donald Ross.
No 2
Considered an architectural masterpiece, few courses compare to the famed Pinehurst No. 2. Originally designed by Ross and opened in 1907, this 196acre course has hosted several championships, including U.S. Open and PGA competitions.
The Village at Pinehurst features shops, restaurants and historic homes. PROVIDED BY PINEHURST RESORT
the whole area. We have to preserve our history, and yet we have to embrace the future.” Which is just what Pinehurst has done. The area, including Southern Pines and Aberdeen, has grown tremendously because of nearby Fort Bragg and the allure of golf. Visitors can choose from a host of village eateries, including Dugans Pub, Maxie’s Grill & Tap Room and the Drum & Quill Public House. There are also art galleries, including Tom Stewart’s Old Sport & Gallery, a coffee shop and a used bookstore in the old post office. A must stop in the village is the Tufts Archives in a wing of the Given Memorial Library. History comes alive with rows of displays and walls covered with golf flags from courses and tournaments. There’s an original Tufts soda machine along with hundreds of old photographs, postcards, books, magazines, maps and an assortment of advertising notices that silently speak to Pinehurst’s record. There also are more than 300 original field sketches and course layouts drawn by course architect Donald Ross. “Almost in a Disney-type way, we realize that every step of our guest’s journey leads to a complete package,” says Tom Pashley, Pinehurst Resort president. Altogether, Pinehurst is tough to beat, from sunrise to sunset. “At the end of the day, we know we are someplace special,” says Ben Bridgers, director of golf for Pinehurst, speaking for all those employed by the resort. “It’s Pinehurst. We’re not here just to take home a paycheck. We’re here to make an experience for people.”
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GO GREEN Pinehurst isn’t your only Southeastern golfing option: South Carolina’s Kiawah Island Golf Resort has one of the country’s best golf hotels and one of the most difficult courses. The deluxe resort’s amenities cater to couples, groups and families. ▶ kiawahresort.com If your goal is improving your game, plan a trip to Sea Island in Georgia. The oceanfront resort is known for its gracious setting and top-flight team of golf instructors. ▶ seaisland.com/ golf
No 6
This course hosted a PGA Tour qualifier in 1979, the same year it was introduced at the resort. With 57 sand bunkers, it boasts a “more rugged, undulating track that demands bigger drives and more aggressive approaches,” according to the resort.
No 7
There is plenty of elevation on No. 7., designed in 1986 by Rees Jones. There’s also 3 acres of waste area and 75 sand bunkers for the golfer who enjoys a challenge.
No 8
No 3
This Centennial Course, opened in 1996 in celebration of Pinehurst’s 100th anniversary, is designed to be one with nature. It’s reminiscent of the resort’s famed No. 2 course, but not a replication.
No 4
This Jack Nicklaus course, designed in 1988, features several lakes and stream beds that give it a distinct look. “The idea has been to preserve and build upon the great golfing tradition,” Nicklaus says.
With only 5,155 yards, course No. 3 is the shortest at the resort, but still manages to reflect Ross’ creativity, offering 30 sand bunkers and plenty of knolls and ridges to challenge novices and professionals alike.
Originally designed in 1919, course No. 4 is currently under renovation. Gil Hanse’s design is scheduled to be unveiled later this year and will include exposed sand, native wire grass and wider fairways.
No 5
With 6.15 acres of lakes, this course is home to the Cathedral Hole, near a pond and encircled by ancient pines that resemble a pipe organ.
No 9
+ The Cradle
Golfers age 17 and under play free with adults on this ninehole short course that is mostly fairways and turf. Opened in 2017, it’s the newest addition to the Pinehurst legacy.
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