Destination Golf – Sandhills Spotlight

In the rapidly expanding world of destination golf, one area qualifies as a bonafide American classic: Pinehurst, NC.

The “Home of American Golf” has become one of the epicenters of the golf travel world in the years since the pandemic — a fact only aided by an all-time U.S. Open in June 2024 to kick off an expanded partnership between the region, the USGA, and the new World Golf Hall of Fame.

Even as Pinehurst No. 2 basked in Bryson and Rory’s historic spotlight, a groundswell of epic golf was bubbling to the surface just outside the resort gates. In August 2024, as Pinehurst’s red-hot summer reached a sweltering point, GOLF editors James Colgan and Josh Sens visited the region to find “everything else” — the great golf that ISN’T No. 2, the cool spots that not enough tourists visit, and yes, even a local-favorite martini (or three). They were joined for part of their trip by longtime local resident and GOLF architecture editor, Ran Morrissett who doubled as a tour guide.

Episode 1: This Epic U.S. Open Host Hides Minutes Away from Pinehurst No. 2

It’s no secret that you can find some of the world’s best golf in the North Carolina Sandhills. But at Pine Needles, the classic Ross character stands out for its quirks. Josh Sens and James Colgan explore Pine Needles, get new putter grips at Golf Pride, and devour some Carolina barbecue on the first day of their special Southern Pines adventure.

Read the full piece here!

Episode 2: Pinehurst’s Newest Course Offers the Rarest Kind of Golf Experience

What do you do when faced with a massive challenge like a nearly 7,000-yard par-70? If you’re hoping to have fun on Tom Doak’s wildly wonderful Pinehurst No. 10, feel free to bounce around from tee box to tee box. That’s what GOLF editors James Colgan and Josh Sens did, leading to some fun shots and great moments. After the round, they visit the brand new USGA Experience and the World Golf Hall of Fame to dive deeper into Pinehurst’s history in golf.

Read the full piece here!

Episode 3: Eat, Play, Ross: Exploring the Pinehurst Area, On & Off the Course

What does a perfect day in golfing heaven look like? 18 holes in the morning and a trip to a military family-owned distillery start us off. Then James Colgan and Josh Sens stroll through Southern Pines and play a few more holes at golden hour at one of many local GOLF Top 100 courses.

Read the full piece here!