Pinehurst successfully wrapped up another successful U.S. Open Championship with four more national opens to be held on famed No. 2 in 2029, 2035, 2041 and 2047. Pinehurst’s connection with the USGA has been strengthened by a 150-year lease granted to the USGA for Golf House Pinehurst. USGA’s equipment testing is now housed in the area and the World Golf Hall of Fame has moved to Pinehurst as part of the USGA Golf Experience in “The Cradle of American of Golf.”
Pinehurst has added exciting new venues to its offerings. The par 3 Cradle was an instant hit among golfers and Gil Hanse’s wonderful renovation of No. 4 is a treat not to be missed. Pinehurst Brewing Company makes a perfect place to drown your sorrows and recap your round. The renovation of the iconic Carolina Hotel has restored it a premier lodging destination, plus the tenth course, The Sandmines, designed by Tom Doak, opened for play this year. On the planning table is an 11th course that will be added next to the Sandmines, as well.
President and CEO of the Pinehurst Resort, Tom Pashley said,
“Kids are telling their parents that Pinehurst is a lot of fun. We are no longer just a time capsule and museum. We are welcoming a new generation and want to continue to push golf forward. For example, The Cradle allows music on the course, large groups can play together and even playing barefoot is a common sight, which appeals to a younger golf crowd.”
The Pinehurst Resort is truly a golf adventure and the entire area is totally focused on golf, but there are many more great courses in the tri-city area of Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Pinehurst.
Pine Needles, Mid-Pines & Southern Pines
Donald Ross designed several courses in the Pinehurst area, three of which are owned and operated by the family of Peggy Kirk Bell. Kelly Miller, son-in-law to Warren and Peggy Kirk Bell, the original owners of Pine Needles, is the CEO and has continued to grow their Donald Ross portfolio with the purchase of Southern Pines in 2020.
Pine Needles has hosted several Women’s U.S. Opens and has long been a favorite of northerners heading south as the weather turns cold.
Mid-Pines is one of Donald Ross’ best efforts and there is absolutely no better course to play in late March or early April as the Dogwoods and flowers come to life across the course.
Their latest acquisition, Southern Pines, was originally created by Ross in 1906. A full renovation was completed by Kyle Franz, who had previously restored both Pine Needles and Mid-Pines.
I had played Southern Pines several years ago, before the recent renovation and the natural beauty of the property was clearly evident. Although it was overgrown and lacking proper maintenance, it was a wonderful Ross design following the natural contours of the rolling sand hills of North Carolina.
Franz did a masterful job on Southern Pines and along with Mid-Pines and Pine Needles, these three courses make the perfect triple play for a golfing sabbatical to the Pinehurst area.
During our stay we chatted with Miller about the expansion and future plans for the three courses. Watch the full interview here, https://youtu.be/zGkcogNghoQ
Southern Pines also recently unveiled their new 18-hole Overhills Putting Course, designed by Kyle Franz, which gives one more reason to visit Southern Pines, when you come to the Pinehurst area.
Two Michael Strantz Courses
There are two Michael Strantz designed courses in the Pinehurst area, Tot Hill Farm and Tobacco Road. Strantz courses are famous for their imagination and difficulty, these two are no exception to that rule.
Strantz died at the age of 50 and did not create many courses in his short career, but every one offers a great golf experience. Tot Hill Farm Golf Club was one of his very best creations and although a recent renovation removed over 1,200 trees, increased the average green size and improved irrigation, the goal was to keep it as close to Strantz’ original concept as possible.
Tobacco Road is one of those courses that every serious golfer should play at least once. When courses played are discussed in the 19th hole, it is always one that is near the top of every serious golfer’s bucket list.
Strantz used the surrounding landscape, hillsides and contours to create an unbelievable challenge for any golfer. Immense natural waste areas, blind shots and additional bunkering make every shot an adventure.
If you like your golf challenging, you will never find anything more fun than Tobacco Road.
Other courses that deserve mention are, Mid-South Club and Talamore. A complete listing and packages can be found at https://homeofgolf.com/packages-deals/.
Other Amenities In Pinehurst
World-class spas, parks for hiking, water activities and retail therapy are all available for off-course activities. There are simply too many quality restaurants in the area to list. New microbreweries and entertainment options are opening seemingly every day.
With the Tufts Library, World Golf Hall of Fame, the USGA Experience, plus wonderful dining and entertainment options in Southern Pines, Aberdeen and Pinehurst there is plenty to do off the golf course. Even if the weather is less than perfect and prevents being out on the course, these diversions will keep your vacation running smoothly and everyone entertained.
The Pinehurst area has a storied legacy unlike any other place in the country and it keeps getting better.
In Tom Pashley’s words,
”Pinehurst is truly ‘The Cradle of American Golf.’ Golf wasn’t born here, but it was nurtured and grew here, and will continue to grow.”
See package information and other news at HomeofGolf.com.
