Teeing Off on History, Hospitality, and Flavor

By Michael J. Solender

There’s more than one way to swing into the spirit of Pinehurst and Southern Pines, where every path – historic, scenic, or savory – leads to the soul of American golf. The Sandhills of North Carolina – proudly known as the Home of American Golf – offers visitors a masterclass in sport, heritage, and Southern charm. From rare golf ephemera and Donald Ross’s architectural archives to the legendary hallways of Pinehurst Resort and the interactive USGA Experience, history comes alive both on and off the course. Add acclaimed local dining, unique golf retailers, and must-play experiences like Pinehurst No. 10 and The Cradle, and you’ll discover a destination celebrating the past, present, and future of the game.

Preserving Legacies

Carolinas Golf Hall of History
Located at the headquarters of the Carolinas Golf Association (CGA) in Southern Pines, the Carolinas Golf Hall of History honors the region’s greatest players, educators, architects, and influencers over the past 125 years. Visitors enter along the Wall of Champions, showcasing photos of the current CGA Major Tournament winners.

Inside, the “Sphere of Influence” exhibit highlights golf legends like Peggy Kirk Bell, who, with husband Warren “Bullet” Bell, restored the renowned Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club in 1954. Her legacy in golf education continues today. Other notable figures include instructor Henry Picard, Duke coach Rod Myers, and media personalities like Ron Green Jr., Kelly Tilghman, and Charlie Rymer.

Artifacts include regional trophies, a giant U.S. Open scorecard from Payne Stewart’s 1999 win, Jay Haas’s Vokey wedge, Beth Daniel’s whimsical “Pig” putter, and early photos of stars like Dustin Johnson and Billy Joe Patton.

Tufts Archives
Housed in the Given Memorial Library on Pinehurst’s Village Green, the Tufts Archives preserves the town’s rich golf history, dating back to its founding in 1895. Donald Ross fans will find a goldmine of architectural drawings, course blueprints, tools, and handwritten notes from the legendary designer of Pinehurst No. 2 and hundreds of other courses. These materials and scores of period photographs were key to the 2011 restoration of Pinehurst No. 2 by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore.

Audrey Moriarty, Library Services and Archives Director, notes that much of the collection stems from Pinehurst founder James Walker Tufts, inventor of the Arctic Soda Fountain. After purchasing 6,000 acres and relocating here from the northeast, Tufts hired Olmsted and Elliot to design the village, resulting in curving streets, a central green, and lush pine groves.

Among the highlights: pin flags from over 200 Donald Ross courses, a turn of the 20th century era bottle of scuppernong wine, vintage hotel tableware, and photos of the 1951 U.S. Ryder Cup team with Sam Snead.

The Carolina Hotel & Pinehurst Resort Clubhouse
At Pinehurst Resort’s two anchor institutions, the walls tell stories of golfing greatness. The historic Carolina Hotel, open since 1901, features long corridors filled with vintage photos and tales of past guests, including presidents Harding, Roosevelt, Truman, and Obama.

Newly renovated hallways display memorabilia of icons like Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, Amelia Earhart, and Annie Oakley. Grab a rocking chair on the verandah and soak up the resort’s Southern charm, sweet tea in hand.

Just a chip shot away down Carolina Vista Drive, the Pinehurst Resort Clubhouse brims with golf history. The Champions Photo Wall honors past winners and contenders. Recently added interactive video exhibits spotlight epic wins by Payne Stewart and Michelle Wie, plus Donald Ross’s course designs and philosophy of the game. Step outside for a selfie alongside the Payne Stewart winning fist-pump statue and view of No. 2’s 18th green.

USGA Experience & World Golf Hall of Fame

The USGA’s 2024 move to Pinehurst brought exciting new experiences for fans and locals. At the sleek USGA Experience, an interactive touch table explores the association’s expansive work – from equipment testing to championship administration.

The main hall’s Championships Gallery features films of champions sharing reflections, along with replica trophies and a five-year timeline for hosting a national championship. The Science of Golf Gallery includes an augmented-reality golf sculpture, a display featuring various layers of green construction, and innovations in maintenance and equipment. An adjacent gift shop sells exclusive USGA-branded merchandise.

Upstairs, the World Golf Hall of Fame offers rotating exhibits, replica trophies from major events, and personal memorabilia of Hall members, displayed in individual lockers by era. From legends like Old Tom Morris and Ben Hogan to modern icons like Annika Sörenstam and Tiger Woods, golf’s evolution is on full display.

Old Sport & Gallery Pure Golf Auctions
Located in the Harvard Building in Pinehurst Village, Old Sport & Gallery is a golfer’s dream. Owned by PGA Life Member Tom Stewart, this one-of-a-kind shop features thousands of rare golf books, memorabilia, artwork, and collectibles.

Visitors can browse original oil paintings, hickory-shafted clubs, gutta-percha balls, and whimsical statuettes—each with a story, often told by Stewart himself.

Stay & Play

Talamore Golf Resort in Southern Pines is a long-time favorite for golf buddy trips, families, and solo players who want to stay close to the action with all the comforts of home.

Fully furnished two- and four-bedroom villas with full kitchens are surrounded by top-tier courses, the Arnold Palmer-designed Mid South Club and the Rees Jones-designed Talamore Club. Nearby Legacy Links, crafted by Nicklaus Design in Aberdeen, is also a preferred venue for villa guests.

Savvy golfers take advantage of the Talamore Toptracer Range, featuring eight hitting bays with high-speed cameras, monitors, and computerized swing analysis to help improve performance.

Bottlebrush at Longleaf Golf & Family Club
The Bottlebrush short course in Southern Pines is ideal for juniors and players looking to sharpen their short game. Its six holes range from 50 to 100 yards. Longleaf is also home to the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation and Academy, where children ages 5-18 develop their skills and a lifelong love for the game.

Pinehurst No. 10 & The Cradle
The Cradle, a 9-hole short course by Gil Hanse, hosts more daily rounds – up to 300 – than any of Pinehurst’s other courses. Golf Digest called it “the most fun 10 acres in golf.” Designed for all skill levels, it’s perfect for families and friends to enjoy some spirited competition.

Nearby, Pinehurst No. 10, the resort’s latest course addition, is a walking-only Tom Doak design built on an abandoned sand mine. Its dramatic elevation changes, blind shots, and twisting approaches challenge players of all levels. Wide fairways, huge greens, and scenic views deliver a fair but demanding round. Local caddies are highly recommended.

Eat Like a Local

Chef Warren’s (Southern Pines): A French-inspired bistro serving elegant yet approachable fare since 1998. Try the crab cakes with corn relish, French onion soup, or flat iron steak with honey-balsamic glaze. Don’t miss the signature pecan pie – it boasts the “perfect ratio of goo to nuts.”

Drum & Quill (Pinehurst): Named for golf writer Bob Drum and the “quill” he used to chronicle legends like Arnold Palmer. This cozy tavern features an extensive beer list, pulled pork nachos, pimento cheese platters, Angus burgers, and standout tacos. The fish & chips? Sublime.

Mason’s Restaurant & Grocery (Aberdeen): A beloved spot for all-day breakfast and lunch. Highlights include crispy fried chicken, and cinnamon rolls the size of softballs. Arnold Palmers’ come in Mason jars – with endless refills.

PL8TE, Southern Table (Pinehurst No. 8): This new dining venue serves comfort food with a twist. Favorites include pork belly sliders, fried oysters, and honey-sriracha deviled eggs.

Whether you’re chasing a birdie, a bourbon, or a bite of Southern hospitality, the Sandhills offers a singular blend of heritage, high-quality golf, and heart. This is more than the Home of American Golf – it’s a destination where the game lives on in every detail.

 

Michael J. Solender lives in and writes from his adopted hometown of Charlotte, N.C. Read more from him here.