Pinehurst Area Basks in U.S. Open Glow

A rare bright spot during the eye of the pandemic came in early September 2020, when the United States Golf Association named Pinehurst Resort and Country Club’s legendary No. 2 course as its first “anchor site” for U.S. Open Championships.

Due in large part to the success of the four previous U.S. Opens at No. 2, including the Women’s U.S. Open in 2014, the Donald Ross masterpiece in the North Carolina Sandhills was tapped to host the organization’s preeminent championships in 2024, 2029 — for a second men’s and women’s back-to-back — 2035, 2041 and 2047.

Being named an anchor site represented an economic boon not only for Pinehurst and Moore County, but the entire state.

The (Southern Pines) Pilot newspaper reported that each U.S. Open in Pinehurst brings with it about $500 million in economic impact. During the next quarter-century, these events are projected to have a $2 billion economic impact on North Carolina.

The USGA’s landmark announcement only fueled the continuation of growth around the “Home of American Golf.” Even if you’ve recently visited to the Sandhills region, you’ll quickly discover that Pinehurst ‘24 is a decidedly different destination, with a host of creations and attractions to enjoy on and away from the golf course.

In the time since the big announcement, the USGA has transported much of its Liberty Corner, New Jersey operations to its new, second headquarters in Pinehurst — the six-acre “Golf House Pinehurst” complex near the Pinehurst Country Club clubhouse — under a multi-million incentive package approved by state and local leaders.

“We go to the games’ greatest venues for the U.S. Open, the U.S. Women’s Open, all of our championships — the cathedrals of the game. Pinehurst is one of those,” says John Bodenhamer, the USGA’s Chief Championships Officer.

As part of the USGA’s Pinehurst campus, The World Golf Hall of Fame — which opened 50 years ago in Pinehurst before relocating to north Florida — is back with an exciting new, trimmed-down appearance. The state-of-the-art museum showcases extensive player memorabilia and collections honoring the game’s greats.

The USGA campus and World Golf Hall of Fame at Pinehurst Resort tee up a must-see experience during any golfer’s visit to the Sandhills.

The other dominant golf headline around the Sandhills in 2024 is the arrival of Pinehurst No. 10. Tom Doak’s new design on land that once housed The Pit debuted in April 2024 and is the first start-from-scratch course at the resort and club since the Tom Fazio-designed No. 8 opened in 1996.

“We’ve got a really cool piece of land,” Doak says. “This ground has more variety and a different feeling to it than any of the other courses at the resort. There is a lot going on on this land. It keeps building up and getting more dramatic.”

No. 10 is a walking course, where golfers enjoy the option of carrying their bag, pulling a trolley or hiring a caddie. Doak was green lighted to find the best 18 holes without returning the ninth hole to the clubhouse, giving the new design an old-school feel.

Other recent additions at Pinehurst Resort include the immensely enjoyable par-3 Cradle course, a restaurant with outdoor seating behind the 18th green at No. 2, and a micropub in the village.

Of late, Southern Pines Golf Club unveiled the 18-hole Overhills Putting Course, designed by Kyle Franz. In addition, Kris Spence “resurrected” Woodlake Country Club in Vass, while Mike Strantz’s Tot Hill Farm in nearby Asheboro received a refurbishing under new ownership.

Tot Hill Farm opened in 2000 on a rocky site with an ever-present creek running through the course, featuring an 1800s farmhouse converted into a clubhouse and golf shop.

Strantz, who worked a decade with legendary architect Tom Fazio before setting off on his own from his base outside Charleston, South Carolina, designed eight courses, working them one at a time and setting up camp for a year or more at each site. He was a rising star in the industry before his life was cut short by cancer in 2005 at the young age of 50 years old.

The Strantz résumé includes Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, Pawleys Island, S.C., in 1994; Royal New Kent, Providence Forge, Va., in 1996; Stonehouse, Toano, Va., also in 1996; True Blue Golf Club, Pawleys Island, in 1998; Bulls Bay, Awendaw, S.C., in 2002; and Monterey Peninsula Country Club Shore Course, Pebble Beach, Calif., in 2004.

The Sandhills area is gifted with two original Strantz designs. In addition to Tot Hill Farm, Tobacco Road opened in 1998 and is just over 20 miles to the northeast of Pinehurst and draws golf groups traveling from the north through Raleigh and Durham, wowing them with the craggy edges, blind shots and dramatic ups and downs whittled from the site of an old sand quarry.

“‘Sensory overload’ is a phrase you hear often where Strantz courses are concerned,” said Greg Wood, the operations manager at Tot Hill Farm. “(Strantz) was at the height of his career when he was here, just coming off the accolades for Tobacco Road.”

Keep in mind, however, that whether exploring Moore County’s 32 hiking and biking trails, delving into history, enjoying cultural gems, or savoring culinary delights, Pinehurst and its surroundings offer a well-rounded escape for everyone beyond the golf course.

Free and open to the public, the Tufts Archives display an impressive collection of Donald Ross course maps and over 125,000 photographs of historic Pinehurst Village. The Archives are located in the Given Memorial Library and open Monday through Saturday. Hours of operation vary seasonally, so check before you go.

The No. 1 grip on Tour is headquartered in Pinehurst just a short drive from downtown. At Golf Pride’s Global Innovation Center and Retail Lab, golf fans and equipment enthusiasts get an up-close look at the latest grip technology and history. Visitors can also test exclusive grips and get grip fit from an official Tour technician.

Along with golf, Pinehurst is renowned for a world-class spa and antiquing, plus delectable restaurants, wine bars and breweries. The charming village of Pinehurst, along with nearby downtown Southern Pines and Aberdeen, boast vibrant shopping districts, where visitors can browse boutique stores, art galleries and antique shops.

Away from the course, retired Army veterans Brad and Jessica Halling have opened the BHAWK distillery headquarters in Southern Pines, where they are raising the American spirit and expressing gratitude for extraordinary service through two premium brands, Sergeant’s Valor and Madam Colonel.

In addition, Southern Pines Brewing Company has turned the old Tyson and Jones Buggy Factory, located in downtown Carthage, into a two-story brewery called The Buggy Factory and restaurant featuring more than 50 taps, a downstairs speakeasy, a world-class cocktail program and pizza flights.

North Carolina’s Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen area boasts a storied legacy of golf unlike any other place in the country, and it keeps getting better. The latest developments in a place as steeped in history as the “Home of American Golf” only accentuate all this region has to offer.