You’ve never visited Pinehurst?
That has to change.
Yes, we’re talking directly to all you golfers.
Understand this.
Pebble Of The East Coast
Pinehurst is to the East Coast what Pebble Beach and the Monterey Peninsula is to the West Coast. (And you should play and explore both.)
But even if you are not a golfer, Pinehurst is worth your time for scenery, relaxation, and food.
In this blog, we will give you all the reasons for a trek to Pinehurst – not only the village and the courses at the Pinehurst Resort, but the dozens of other courses that are just as classic. And we will let you see some of the segments we’ve produced over the years.
Big Events Ahead
Let’s give you the big news first.
The U.S. Men’s Open returns to Pinehurst No. 2 in June, 2024 for the fourth time. Each event has been a classic. One of the most memorable was in 1999. Payne Stewart pulled off a dramatic fourth round – sadly four months before he died in a tragic plane crash. I was fortunate to meet Payne weeks before he died as we both played at Fuzzy Zoeller’s celebrity event. The tragedy of losing Payne is commemorated at the 18th hole where he sunk his final putt and struck his memorable pose that is sculpted in golf history. As you will see in this segment, I make sure to honor that with my own replay on the final hole at Pinehurst No. 2.
There’s more history coming to Pinehurst you need to plan on.
In 2029, Pinehurst Resort will host a groundbreaking doubleheader U.S. Open with the men and women playing on back-to-back weekends on Pinehurst No. 2 and the newly renovated Pinehurst No. 4.
And for the next two decades, Pinehurst will host other events like the USGA’s amateur events – including the North-South Amateur, which I was fortunate enough to be the lead broadcaster of the 118th event in 2018. Here are some of the highlights.
Competing in Pinehurst isn’t just for pro golfers or a top-notch amateurs. There are numerous events – like the Couples Jamboree that we played in with some friends.
Watch as we competed in this tough event that tests your nerves and your relationships.
Visiting the Pinehurst area, as we say, is a must. But if you’re a serious golfer, you must play Pinehurst No. 2 at the Pinehurst Resort. Yes, there are nine other legendary courses but you must play this Donald Ross design that has had a few renovations over the years – that brings the course back to its original rustic nature. And, another must: get a caddie. We show you why here.
Playing Pinehurst during the spring and summer seasons can be expensive and crowded. However, visiting Pinehurst at non-peak times is just as good. Yes, you can visit and play all year-round. December and January could have some wintry chill. But we’ve played there in November without any problems without massive crowds.
And you don’t have to just play the Pinehurst Resort. Here are some others we suggest.
- Mid Pines Inn and Golf Club: Nestled amidst towering longleaf pines, Mid Pines Inn and Golf Club features a classic Donald Ross-designed course that showcases strategic bunker placements and undulating terrain. The historic charm of the inn, coupled with the picturesque Carolina Sandhills setting, provides a timeless golf destination with a touch of Southern hospitality.
- Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club: Home to the U.S. Women’s Open, Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club offers a captivating golf experience set against the backdrop of rolling fairways and lush, pine-laden landscapes. The lodge’s warmth and hospitality, combined with the challenge of the course, make it an inviting destination for golf travel and relaxation.
- Talamore Golf Resort: Offering a unique blend of Scottish-inspired architecture and stunning golf, Talamore Golf Resort showcases a picturesque course with well-manicured fairways and captivating water features. The picturesque resort, adorned with captivating gardens and charming lodges, creates an enchanting ambiance for golf visitors seeking an unforgettable retreat.
- Forest Creek Golf Club: Embracing the spirit of the Sandhills, Forest Creek Golf Club offers two Tom Fazio-designed courses, North and South, each providing a distinct and rewarding golf experience. The club’s tranquil surroundings, natural beauty, and first-class amenities make it a premier destination for golf enthusiasts seeking an escape to the heart of golf country.
- Southern Pines Golf Club: With a rich history dating back to 1906, Southern Pines Golf Club presents a classic, Donald Ross-designed course that exudes timeless elegance and challenging play. The quaint charm of Southern Pines, combined with the course’s stately pines and rolling fairways, offers a charming and inviting retreat for golf travelers.
- Legacy Golf Links: Offering a Scottish links-style experience, Legacy Golf Links features a distinctive course characterized by rolling terrain, strategic bunkering, and captivating views. The picturesque setting, complemented by the luxurious amenities of the resort, provides golf visitors with an inviting and memorable escape to the heart of Pinehurst.
- Dormie Club: Embracing the natural contours of the Sandhills, Dormie Club presents a captivating Coore-Crenshaw-designed course that melds seamlessly with its scenic surroundings. The club’s understated elegance, coupled with its commitment to pure golfing experiences, creates an alluring destination for golf enthusiasts seeking an unspoiled and tranquil golf retreat.
Bring A Big Group Of Friends
Just recently, my wife Teri and I joined 14 other friends for a Pinehurst gathering at some of these courses just mentioned. Plus, we stayed in a mansion where we all cooked for each other while creating some hilarity. Watch as we also give you some tips on how to make it happen.
Pinehurst is loaded with many places to stay whether Airbnb’s or charming hotels. And the area is loaded with high-end restaurants.
Another must is the Pinehurst Village. It is loaded with restaurants, antique shops, art galleries, and even a leisurely horse-drawn carriage tour to soak in the area’s rich history and natural beauty. Additionally, don’t miss the chance to unwind at nearby spas and wellness centers, ensuring a holistic and rejuvenating experience for you and your friends.
For those yearning to commune with nature, the Sandhills region provides scenic hikes, tranquil gardens, and pristine nature preserves that beckon exploration. Take a leisurely walk through the breathtaking Sandhills Horticultural Gardens, where vibrant blooms and serene landscapes offer a peaceful respite from the bustle of everyday life. Additionally, the Weymouth Woods-Sandhills Nature Preserve invites adventurers to embark on invigorating hikes through ancient longleaf pine forests, with intriguing flora and fauna awaiting discovery.
Pinehurst History
You also want to delve into the history of Pinehurst that goes all the way back to the early 20th Century when James Walker Tufts, a wealthy Bostonian, envisioned creating a haven for health and recreation in the tranquil North Carolina sandhills.
In 1895, Tufts purchased over 5,000 acres of land and set out to transform the rural landscape into a premier destination. He enlisted the expertise of the celebrated landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, known for his design of New York City’s Central Park, to craft a master plan that harmonized with the natural surroundings.
The focal point of Tufts’ vision was the establishment of the Pinehurst Resort, an opulent retreat that offered a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. To complement the resort, Tufts commissioned the renowned Scottish golf course architect, Donald Ross, to design the first golf course in Pinehurst. Ross’s masterpiece, now famously known as Pinehurst No. 1, was completed in 1897 and marked the beginning of Pinehurst’s golfing legacy.
The success of Pinehurst No. 1 spurred the expansion of the resort and the development of additional championship golf courses, including the iconic Pinehurst No. 2, which opened in 1907. Donald Ross’s ingenious designs incorporated the natural terrain, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens, earning widespread acclaim and solidifying Pinehurst’s reputation as a premier golf destination.
Pinehurst’s allure continued to grow as it hosted prestigious golf tournaments, such as the North & South Amateur and the U.S. Amateur, cementing its status as a golfing haven. Throughout the years, the area’s commitment to preserving its golf heritage, coupled with unparalleled hospitality and stunning landscapes, has attracted golf enthusiasts from around the world.
Today, Pinehurst stands as a symbol of golfing excellence, boasting a collection of exceptional golf courses, including those designed by renowned architects such as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, and Rees Jones. Its rich history, dedication to the sport, and the ethereal beauty of the sandhills have intertwined to create a golf Mecca that invites visitors to immerse themselves in the timeless pursuit of the perfect swing amidst a backdrop of natural splendor.
Pinehurst’s evolution from a visionary utopia to a golfing paradise serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of its founders and the enduring allure of the game itself. With each rolling fairway and meticulously manicured green, Pinehurst continues to inspire golfers and writing its extraordinary story as a place where golfing dreams become reality.
John Daly and Susan Anzalone are the Co-Creators and Co-Hosts of Undercover Jetsetter, a show on travel, food, wine, mixology and, of course, golf. They show you how to jet set the world and at home. They also co-authored the book, The TV Studio In Your Hand: How to Shoot, Edit & Deliver the Easy Way on Your iPhone. Join them for tips and hacks on the road, at home, or in the kitchen. Yes, as you will see, all on the iPhone.