First Timer’s Guide to Pinehurst
Top 100 You Can Play
By Phil Werz
Top 100 You Can Play
Nine North Carolina golf courses have been included in Golf Magazine’s annual ranking of the Top 100 Golf Courses You Can Play in the U.S. for 2024-25. All nine of them are located in the Pinehurst area!
Pinehurst No. 10
Pinehurst No. 2 was rated second behind only Pebble Beach Golf Links. This caps off a great year for the venerable resort which hosted a memorable and historic U.S. Open in June won on the 72nd hole by Bryson DeChambeau. Pinehurst No. 2 will host back-to-back men’s and women’s Opens in 2029. What’s great about No. 2 is that the course is U.S. Open ready every day, so book that golf trip for 2025 now!
Making a huge splash in the Top 100 is Pinehurst No. 10. The resort’s newest course in three decades and designed by Tom Doak (along with rising design talent Angela Moser) debuts at #15 – an amazing achievement given the course opened last April – a testament to the fabulous design which takes advantage of dramatic vistas, elevation changes and fun green complexes. Other courses from the Home of American Golf that made the list include:
- Pinehurst No. 4 (#25) – This Gil Hanse design gives No. 2 a run for its money and is a popular favorite among members and guests.
- Tobacco Road (#27) – One of the most picturesque courses in the Sandhills. This diabolical Mike Strantz gem is a roller coaster ride of emotions for 18 holes which can have you laughing, crying and cursing all the way to the 19th hole.
Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club
Three classic Donald Ross courses are all owned by the family of Peggy Kirk Bell and this trio of golf treats holds up against any three courses you can name in the Sandhills:
- Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club (#34)
- Southern Pines Golf Club (#38)
- Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club (#39)
All three of those courses have been redesigned in recent years by Kyle Franz. Pine Needles has hosted the U.S. Women’s Open four times. If you can only play one of them, put the names in a hat and draw one – you cannot go wrong on any of them. If you love Ross, you’ll be thoroughly pleased.
Rounding out the nine ranked courses from our area are Tot Hill Farm (#48) and Pinehurst No. 8 (#82). Both courses have undergone recent renovations and are exceptional from tee to green for all 18 holes.
So, almost 10 percent of the Top 100 Golf Courses You Can Play in the U.S. are located inside the Home of American Golf. Let’s plan a golf trip! For more details about the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area, visit www.HomeofGolf.com.
Golf Magazine Top 100 Courses You Can Play (Sandhills Spotlight)
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