Pinehurst Resort

Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, North Carolina

Pinehurst Resort, founded in 1895 by James Walker Tufts, is more than just a golf destination; it’s a historic village and a symbol of American golf. Nestled in North Carolina’s Sandhills, Pinehurst is renowned for its nine championship golf courses, most notably Pinehurst No. 2, which is widely considered Donald Ross’s masterpiece and has hosted more golf championships than any other course in America. The resort’s blend of Southern charm, timeless architecture, and unparalleled golf makes it a pilgrimage site for golfers worldwide.

Major Championship History

Pinehurst Resort has an extraordinary championship pedigree, often referred to as a “anchor site” for the U.S. Open. Pinehurst No. 2, in particular, has been the stage for numerous historic moments.

  • U.S. Open (Pinehurst No. 2): Four times (1999, 2005, 2014, 2024)
  • U.S. Women’s Open (Pinehurst No. 2): Once (2014 – immediately following the Men’s U.S. Open, marking a historic back-to-back championship)
  • Future U.S. Open Dates Confirmed (Pinehurst No. 2): Pinehurst No. 2 is scheduled to host the U.S. Open again in 2029, 2035, 2041, and 2047. The U.S. Women’s Open is also scheduled for 2029.

Notable U.S. Open Champions at Pinehurst No. 2:

  • 1999: Payne Stewart (Famously won with a dramatic par putt on the 18th hole, commemorated by a statue near the green).
  • 2005: Michael Campbell (Held off Tiger Woods to claim his only major championship).
  • 2014: Martin Kaymer (Dominated the field with a wire-to-wire victory, showcasing exceptional putting on the challenging greens).
  • 2024: Bryson DeChambeau (Secured his second U.S. Open title with a memorable bunker shot on the 18th).

Other Notable Championships:

  • PGA Championship: Once (1936)
  • Ryder Cup: Once (1951)
  • U.S. Amateur: Three times (1962, 2008, 2019)
  • U.S. Senior Open: Once (1994)
  • THE TOUR Championship: Twice (1991, 1992)
  • North & South Amateur Championships: Annual events (Men’s since 1901, Women’s since 1903), one of the longest-running and most prestigious amateur events in the country.

Club Overview

Established: 1895 (Resort), 1897-98 (First Course), 1907 (Pinehurst No. 2)
Location: Pinehurst, North Carolina, USA
Course Type: Various (Pinehurst No. 2 is links-style with unique “turtleback” greens), Public (access primarily through resort stays)
Architects: Donald Ross (principal architect for No. 2 and many others), Robert Trent Jones Sr. (No. 7), Tom Fazio (No. 8), Jack Nicklaus (No. 9), Gil Hanse (No. 4 restoration, The Cradle), Coore & Crenshaw (No. 10 & 11)
Total Courses: 9 (18-hole championship courses), plus The Cradle (9-hole short course) and Thistle Dhu (18-hole putting green). Pinehurst No. 11 is currently under construction.
Yardage (Pinehurst No. 2, U.S. Open): Approx. 7,588 yards (Par 70 for U.S. Open)
Par (Pinehurst No. 2): 72 (for resort play, 70 for U.S. Open)
Address: 80 Carolina Vista Dr, Pinehurst, NC 28374, United States

Where is Pinehurst Resort?

Pinehurst Resort is located in the Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina. It’s nestled in the Sandhills region, offering a serene escape, though travel should be planned, especially for major events.

1. By Air:

  • Most Convenient Major Airport: Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) in Raleigh, NC (approx. 1.5 – 2 hours drive). Pinehurst Resort offers airport shuttle service to RDU during peak hours (charges apply).
  • Closer Regional Airport: Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) in Fayetteville, NC (approx. 1 hour drive). Limited flight options.
  • Private Airport: Moore County Airport (SOP) in Carthage, NC (approx. 15-20 minutes drive). Primarily serves general aviation and private flights, with shuttle services available from the resort.

2. By Car & Parking:

  • Driving Directions: Pinehurst is accessible via major highways. From RDU, it’s typically a straightforward drive.
  • Parking: Ample parking is available at the resort properties. For major golf events, official off-site parking with complimentary shuttle services is typically organized by event organizers.
  • Recommendation: Always check the event’s official website for specific parking and shuttle information if attending a major tournament. Resort guests will have dedicated parking at their accommodations.

3. Rideshare & Taxis:

  • Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft) may be limited in the immediate Pinehurst area, especially for trips to RDU. Taxis are available, and the resort provides private airport transportation services (with advance booking recommended).

Important Planning Notes:

  • Traffic: While less congested than major metropolitan areas, traffic can increase significantly during large events or peak season.
  • Book Early: Accommodation and golf packages at Pinehurst Resort are highly sought after. It is crucial to book many months in advance, especially for visits during prime golf seasons or major championships.
  • Resort Shuttle: Pinehurst Resort offers complimentary on-property shuttle service to all resort-owned facilities and Pinehurst Village proper during regular operating hours, which is very convenient for getting around once you’ve arrived.

Tickets to Events at Pinehurst Resort

As a premier golf destination and frequent major championship host, access to events at Pinehurst is highly sought after.

General Ticket Types (Applicable to Major Events):

When attending major events at Pinehurst, you can typically expect a range of ticket options:

  • General Admission: Standard grounds passes allow access to the course to follow the action from designated viewing areas.
  • Hospitality Packages: For a premium experience, official hospitality packages are often available, providing exclusive access, food and beverage, and prime viewing locations.
  • Important Note: Always purchase tickets through official channels (e.g., USGA for the U.S. Open) to avoid fraudulent sales.

U.S. Open Tickets:

Tickets for the U.S. Open are released well in advance and usually sell out quickly. Information regarding ticket availability, pricing, and purchase procedures can be found on the official USGA U.S. Open website.

Other Event Tickets:

For other major amateur championships or special events, information on tickets or attendance policies can be found on the Pinehurst Resort official website or the respective championship’s governing body website.

Where to Stay near Pinehurst Resort

Pinehurst Resort offers a variety of accommodation options directly on the property, and there are also choices in the surrounding Village of Pinehurst and nearby towns. Booking well in advance is highly recommended.

1. Key Accommodation Options within Pinehurst Resort:

  • The Carolina Hotel (“The Queen of the South”): A historic, grand hotel offering elegant accommodations, multiple dining options, and a classic resort experience.
  • The Holly Inn: The oldest inn at Pinehurst, offering a boutique, intimate atmosphere with refined rooms and dining.
  • The Manor: A more contemporary option, renovated to offer modern comforts and a vibrant atmosphere, often popular with golf groups.
  • The Magnolia Inn: A charming Victorian inn offering a cozy, bed & breakfast feel with a popular pub.
  • Villas & Condos: The resort also offers a selection of private villas and condos, ideal for groups or longer stays.

2. Key Towns Near Pinehurst Resort:

  • Village of Pinehurst: The immediate area surrounding the resort offers a quaint village experience with shops, restaurants, and additional accommodation options (e.g., independent inns, vacation rentals).
  • Southern Pines / Aberdeen: Neighboring towns offering a wider range of hotels (including chain hotels), restaurants, and shopping, typically a 10-15 minute drive from the resort.

3. Booking Tips:

  • Book as early as possible: Accommodation at Pinehurst Resort, especially during prime golf seasons or major events, is in extremely high demand. Plan your visit and book many months, or even a year, in advance.
  • Consider Golf Packages: Pinehurst Resort often offers golf packages that bundle accommodation with rounds of golf, often providing the best value and guaranteed tee times on popular courses like No. 2.
  • Check cancellation policies: Ensure you understand the cancellation policies, especially for long lead-time bookings.
  • Use reputable booking sites: Use well-known and reputable booking websites like TripAdvisor, Booking.com, or Expedia to find and compare accommodation options, always verifying reviews and ratings.
TripAdvisor

Playing at Pinehurst Resort

Playing golf at Pinehurst, especially on Pinehurst No. 2, is a bucket-list experience for many. Access to the resort’s top courses is primarily reserved for members and overnight resort guests.

Green Fees (Pinehurst No. 2):

  • Green fees for Pinehurst No. 2 typically range from $320 to $595 per round, depending on the season and whether you are a resort guest or not. These fees do not include caddie services or gratuity.
  • Caddie Fees: Pinehurst strongly encourages, and sometimes requires, the use of a caddie for courses like No. 2.
    • Walking Caddie Fee: Approximately $65 per golfer for a double-bag caddie (paid in Pro Shop) + $35+ recommended gratuity per golfer (paid in cash).
    • Forecaddie Fee: Approximately $30 per golfer (paid in Pro Shop) + $25+ recommended gratuity per golfer (paid in cash).
    • Single-bag caddies may be available for a higher fee.

Booking Tee Times:

  • Resort Guests: To secure tee times on Pinehurst No. 2 and other popular courses (No. 4, No. 7, No. 8, No. 9, No. 10), you must be a member or an overnight resort guest. Booking a golf package that includes your desired courses is the most common and effective way to guarantee access.
  • Non-Resort Guests: Tee times for courses like No. 1, No. 3, No. 5, or The Cradle (9-hole short course) may be available to non-resort guests by calling one day in advance, but availability is limited and not guaranteed.
  • Booking Contact: For reservations and tee time inquiries, you can call Pinehurst Resort directly at (855) 835-0771.

Best Time to Visit and Play:

  • Spring and Fall: These are generally considered the best times of year for golf at Pinehurst, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful conditions.
  • Summer: Can be hot and humid, but still popular.
  • Winter: Offers potential for lower rates, but also cooler temperatures and a higher chance of rain.

Walkability:

  • Pinehurst No. 2 is a highly walkable course, and walking is strongly encouraged to fully appreciate its classic design and subtle contours. Many golfers prefer to walk with a caddie.
  • Courses like No. 2 and No. 4 are typically “cart path only,” meaning golf carts must remain on the paths. For these courses, walking is often more practical than riding, as it allows for direct access to your ball. Push carts are available, but in limited supply on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Resort guests are encouraged to take a caddie or ride, with caddies being highly recommended for their course knowledge.

Helpful Links for Planning Your Visit to Pinehurst Resort

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Pinehurst Resort, here are essential resources for your trip:

Official Sites:

Travel & Booking Tools:

Last Updated on June 15, 2025 by Sports Tourist

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