Some Pinehurst History

About Pinehurst Resort:

Founded in 1895 in the heart of the North Carolina Sandhills, Pinehurst Resort features nine world-class golf courses, an award-winning spa, three historic hotels, 40 condominiums, tennis and other recreational activities. Widely known as the cradle of American golf, Pinehurst has served as host to more single golf championships that any other site in America, with events including the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup Matches and many other national championships. In 2014, Pinehurst and No. 2 hosted unprecedented U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open Championships in back-to-back weeks.

Pinehurst Resort was originally established in 1895 by James Walker Tufts as a health retreat. The towering pines and mild Southern breezes were thought to have medicinal effects. The firm of Frederick Law Olmsted, the landscape designer acclaimed for creating New York City’s Central Park, prepared the physical plan for the Village of Pinehurst.

Golf Courses:

Pinehurst features nine golf courses by world-class designers like Donald Ross, Rees Jones, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Fazio. Pinehurst No. 2 is consistently placed among the nations top courses. No. 4 and No. 8 are also nationally ranked.

Pinehurst No. 1 (Donald Ross) – Recalling his Scottish heritage, Ross made liberal use of bunkers, both across the fairway and around the green. Don’t let the short 6,089-yard par 70 fool you; wild drives or a sloppy short game can make for a long day. No. 1 was a great start for Pinehurst, and it’s a great start for your visit.

Pinehurst No. 2 (Donald Ross) – Built in 1907, Pinehurst No. 2 is largely considered Donald Ross’s greatest masterpiece. It has served as the site of more single golf championships than any course in America including the U.S. Open and the Ryder Cup Matches. No. 2 is best known for its crowned, undulating greens, which are some of the most complex and widely hailed in the world. In 2011, the team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw completed a restoration of the course returning the natural areas and strategic shot values that Ross originally intended.

Pinehurst No. 3 (Donald Ross) – This classic Donald Ross design (circa 1910) is the shortest course at Pinehurst at just 5,862 yards. But don’t let its modest distance fool you. Tiny elevated greens – averaging just 4,500 square feet each – demand precision, the kind of delicate approaches that will surely come in handy as you gear up for No. 2.

Pinehurst No. 4 (Tom Fazio) – Pinehurst No. 4 combines the classical routing of Donald Ross with the contemporary vision of Tom Fazio, who re-imagined the course in 2000. Fazio tipped his hat to Ross with crowned greens on many holes, and the addition of more than 140 pot bunkers. These, combined with several sprawling waste bunkers and more traditional sand traps, give No. 4 a challenging 188 sand hazards. Most agree that Fazio elevated a good course to a great one with his work on No. 4. Indeed, it was selected as the co-site of the 2008 U.S. Amateur.

Pinehurst No. 5 (Ellis Maples) – Pinehurst No. 5 was designed in 1961 by Ellis Maples, a Ross protégé. Maples believed that it was the designer’s job to find the golf course that resided in the land’s structure, and his faithfulness to the land is evident in No. 5’s variety—holes meandering up and down, left and right, and over water. (No. 5 has more water hazards than any of the other courses at Pinehurst. The combination of water carries, elevated greens and overall greater yardage favors longer hitters. No. 5 offers classic Pinehurst golf—more challenging than Nos. 1 and 3, but less taxing than No. 2. It won’t disappoint.

Pinehurst No. 6 (Tom & George Fazio) – Pinehurst No. 6 rests a few miles from the center of Pinehurst, and is also a departure from the first five courses in design and temperament. It’s the first Pinehurst effort by Tom Fazio, who began work on No. 6 in 1975 with his uncle George, a famed designer in his own right. The result was a more rugged, undulating track that demands bigger drives and more aggressive approaches. Tom returned in 2005 to carve new bunkers, soften angles and seed faster greens. The addition of native wiregrass throughout the course gives it a distinctive Pinehurst feel. Between the water, bunkers, wetlands and woods, there are plenty of perils on this par-71 track. The back nine is among Pinehurst’s most challenging halves.

Pinehurst No. 7 (Rees Jones) – Pinehurst No. 7 was designed by Rees Jones in1986 and is located on the site of a forgotten nine-hole employee course that was laid out by Donald Ross. At 7,216 yards, No. 7 is one of Pinehurst longest tracks, unfolding over dramatic, hilly terrain that’s dotted with wetlands in lower-lying areas. Elevated tees let you register the challenges that wait; elevated greens demand approaches struck with authority. No. 7 has many colorful flourishes. Old bunkers from the employee course that Jones uncovered during initial routing adorn the tee of the par-4 4th hole; one wetlands area, the “Devil’s Gut,” must be cleared on your approach to the short par-4 7th hole, and Jones’ trademark “Fingers” bunker demands accuracy on 16.

Pinehurst No. 8 (Tom Fazio) – Pinehurst No. 8 also known as the Centennial Course, was designed in 1996 by Tom Fazio in celebration of Pinehurst’s 100th birthday. Fazio took full advantage of the 420 acres of rolling terrain and natural wetlands to fashion a course that’s visually enthralling, challenging and yet fun to play. Some feel that No. 8 synthesizes all the elements of the Pinehurst golf experience into one layout better than any of the other courses, and many mid- and higher-handicappers find it the most enjoyable and scenic track to play.

Pinehurst No. 9 (Jack Nicklaus) – Built by Jack Nicklaus in 1988, Pinehurst No. 9 is a magnificent 7,122-yard course and is as meticulously designed as it is compelling. An intriguingly well-balanced course, this Nicklaus classic features wide fairways and undulating putting surfaces that test your mind and your true golfing ability. Each hole has been customized to create a great diversity in the way it can be played. Added to this uniqueness are tall pines, grassy swales, groomed waste areas and a natural variety of lakes and streambeds beautifully fashioned to give No. 9 its own distinctive look.

Resort Activities: Pinehurst offers any array of relaxing amenities beyond the golf course.

The Spa at Pinehurst – The AAA Four Diamond Spa at Pinehurst is a sanctuary of tranquility with classically inspired architecture and a menu of more than 50 relaxing treatments. Experience the highly results-oriented Pinehurst Facial or the ultra-luxe Thermo-Marine Mud Body Treatment. The Spa also features a fitness center and full- service salon.

Tennis – Pinehurst features 18 clay courts and a staff of USPTA certified professional instructors ready to teach and play. Resort guests enjoy access to all tennis amenities including ball machine, equipment and court rentals.

Croquet & Lawn Bowls – The classic games of croquet and lawn bowling are alive and vibrant activities at Pinehurst. Two croquet courts and one lawn bowling green are open to resort guests for this fun, competitive but low- key activity. Lessons and equipment are available for individuals or groups. You can play with Pinehurst Country Club Members or arrange for your own court time.

Village of Pinehurst – The charming Village of Pinehurst features boutique shops and pubs meant to be explored. Take a guided walking tour of historic homes, visit the Tufts Archives, which showcases the history of Pinehurst, or take a romantic carriage ride through the winding Village streets.

Dining Facilities:

Carolina Dining Room (CDR) – Step back in time in our most expansive dining room, offering breakfast and dinner. Executive Chef Thierry Debailleul’s amazing menu features hand-selected aged beef and signature dry seasoning rub for our steaks and chops. Menus change seasonally, invoking the fresh flavors of the area.

The Donald Ross Grill – In addition to golf course designer and head professional, Donald Ross also served as Grill Manager during part of his tenure at Pinehurst. We’ve kept his name for this favorite lunch eatery for golfers. Located at the Resort Clubhouse, the DRG serves an array of salads and sandwiches, homemade soups and hot entrees, and a full buffet during our busiest seasons. Enjoy outdoor or indoor dining with views of the putting green and golf courses.

The Ryder Cup Lounge – Named for the 1951 Ryder Cup held at Pinehurst, this casual restaurant and bar surrounds you with history. Located in the Carolina Hotel, The Ryder Cup’s unique menu includes classic American fare with a twist.

The 1895 Grille – The 1895 Grille at the historic Holly is a Four-Star dining experience in every way. Serving breakfast and dinner, this intimate fine dining room features an exceptional menu straight from Carolina Farms to our tables. Our award-winning chefs also prepare nightly specials making each visit unique. Don’t forget to order the triple chocolate soufflé to cap off your perfect meal.

The Tavern – An antique bar brought over the pond from Scotland is the centerpiece of The Tavern, a cozy spot for lunch and dinner. The menu features a variety of unique sandwiches, salads and soups for lunch and a more hearty menu of pasta, beef and other entrees in the evening. You don’t want to miss the complimentary homemade chips. Outdoor patio seating overlooking The Village center is available seasonally.