America’s Legendary Golfing Sanctuary
Introduction
Pinehurst No. 2 is more than just a golf course; it is an enduring symbol of the sport’s history, artistry, and challenge. Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, Pinehurst No. 2 is one of the most revered courses in the world, famed for its strategic brilliance and unique turtleback greens. Designed by the legendary Donald Ross, this course has been the proving ground for the greatest golfers in history. As the site of multiple major championships, including U.S. Opens and Ryder Cups, Pinehurst No. 2 stands as a monument to golf’s rich tradition.
General Information
Pinehurst No. 2 is located in Pinehurst, North Carolina, within the renowned Pinehurst Resort. Established in 1907, the course was designed by Donald Ross, one of golf’s most influential architects. Ross spent over 40 years refining the course, making it one of the most strategic layouts in the world. His signature turtleback greens remain one of the most recognizable and challenging features in golf today. The course has undergone several restorations, most notably by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw in 2010, which returned it to its original design, embracing natural waste areas and removing rough.
What Makes Pinehurst No. 2 Unique?
Unique Features
Pinehurst No. 2 is a par-72 championship course measuring 7,588 yards from the back tees. It is classified as a classic parkland course but is best known for its rugged, sandy waste areas and firm, undulating greens.
Famous Holes
- Hole 5: A par-5 masterpiece that tests distance and precision, requiring a well-placed second shot to set up an approach to a treacherous green.
- Hole 16: A long, dogleg-right par-4 with an uphill approach to a notoriously slick green.
- Hole 18: One of golf’s great finishing holes, requiring precision and courage, especially under tournament pressure.
Tournaments & Legacy
Major Tournaments & Historic Moments
Pinehurst No. 2 has hosted multiple prestigious championships, including:
- The U.S. Open (1999, 2005, 2014, 2024, and scheduled for 2029, 2035, 2041, and 2047)
- The Ryder Cup (1951)
- The PGA Championship (1936)
- The U.S. Women’s Open (2014)
Champions of the Last Decade
- 2024 U.S. Open: Winner TBD (scheduled for June 2024)
- 2014 U.S. Open: Martin Kaymer (-9), won by a dominant 8-stroke margin
- 2014 U.S. Women’s Open: Michelle Wie (-2), claimed her first major championship
World-Class Facilities & Membership
Club Facilities
Pinehurst Resort offers:
- A historic clubhouse with fine dining and luxury lounges
- Spa & wellness center providing relaxation for golfers
- State-of-the-art practice facilities including a world-class short game area
Membership & Access
- Pinehurst No. 2 is a semi-private course, allowing both members and resort guests to play.
- Green fees vary based on season, with premium packages available for stay-and-play experiences.
- The resort offers access to nine courses, with No. 2 being the crown jewel.
Golfing Legends & Course Records
Legendary Players
Pinehurst No. 2 has seen legends such as:
- Ben Hogan
- Jack Nicklaus
- Arnold Palmer
- Tiger Woods
Course Records
- Lowest round recorded: 62 (Branden Grace, U.S. Open)
- Longest drive: Over 370 yards (recorded in competition)
Fascinating Facts & Little-Known Secrets
- Pinehurst No. 2 was the first U.S. Open course to host both the men’s and women’s championships in consecutive weeks (2014).
- The Ryder Cup was held here in 1951, one of the most memorable early editions of the event.
- The course’s iconic turtleback greens force players to have supreme touch and imagination with their short game.
Why Every Golfer Should Play Here
Pinehurst No. 2 is an essential pilgrimage for any golfer. Whether drawn by its championship legacy, stunning Carolina landscape, or the opportunity to test one’s skills on golf’s most demanding greens, this course offers an experience like no other. Ranked among the best courses in the world by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine, Pinehurst No. 2 continues to captivate and challenge players of all skill levels. It is, without question, one of golf’s most revered destinations.
