How to plan your trip to North Carolina’ s golf wonderland by SCOTT KRAMER
The
Pinehurst
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How to plan your trip to North Carolina’ s golf wonderland by SCOTT KRAMER
F
PULLING UP TO THE 125-YEAR-OLD Carolina Hotel feels less like arriving at a resort and more like entering a living golf mecca. With its sprawling white front porch and throngs of rhythmic rocking chairs, the property known as the“ Home of American Golf” commands a certain level of reverence. But for the uninitiated, the sheer scale of the Pinehurst footprint can be dizzying.
With 10 championship courses, a nine-hole short course, a massive putting green, and an adjacent historic village to navigate, the challenge isn ' t just playing well— it ' s planning well. The secret to a successful Pinehurst pilgrimage lies in first understanding the property’ s vibe.
The surrounding Sandhills offer various lodging alternatives, but the Pinehurst experience is functionally designed for those staying on-property. In fact, access to its top three courses— the hallowed No. 2, the visually striking No. 4, and the new Tom Doak-designed No. 10— is largely reserved for resort guests.
The convenience of staying within the gates is more than just proximity; it’ s a logistical handoff. Upon check-in, your car becomes unnecessary. A fleet of on-call shuttles connects the central hotel to the brewery, outlying clubhouses, and spa. Even better? They’ ll transport your clubs between courses. So, after you play one course, your bag is magically waiting for you at the next course’ s starter ' s hut before your next round. Plus, you don’ t need to stay in the main hotel. There are seven different accommodation venues on property, satisfying parties of any size.
30 V IRGINIA G OLFER | M ARCH / A PRIL 2026
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