Legendary Golf at Historic Pinehurst

by Nancy Gross

With eight course (three of them designed by Donald Ross), Pinehurst is America’s golfiest resort.

How did the small town of Pinehurst in the North Carolina sandhills become “The Cradle of Golf in America?”

It all started in 1895 when James Walker Tufts, the wealthy founder of the American Soda Fountain Company, bought 598 acres of land in the sandhills with a plan to build a health resort for people with tuberculosis.

Although Tufts abandoned that plan, he did build a resort designed by Frederic Law Olmsted, and it became known as the Village of Pinehurst. In 1900, Tufts hired Scotsman Donald Ross as the resort’s golf professional, and it soon became the greatest golf resort in America.

Today, the Pinehurst Resort features nine spectacular golf courses. Course No. 2 is Donald Ross’ masterpiece and has been the site of more single golf championships than any course in America. The Pinehurst area boasts more than 40 golf courses, making it a true golfer’s paradise.

The Village of Pinehurst is a National Historic Landmark. Take a delightful walking tour of the village to see the historic hotels, cottages and commercial buildings. Or, take a stroll on your own through the village and you’ll find intriguing boutiques, gift shops, antiques and unique restaurants.

In addition to golf, Pinehurst is also horse country. The Pinehurst Harness Track is a 111-acre equestrian facility that has been a winter training center for standard-bred horses since 1915.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Pinehurst by visiting the 33-acre Village Arboretum, and enjoy walking and biking on the Pinehurst Greenway trail system. Water sports abound at nearby Lake Tillery, Blewett Falls Lake and Tuckertown Lake. The Uwharrie National Forest, just 30 miles from Pinehurst, is the perfect place for hiking, biking and fishing.

Pinehurst’s appeal is undeniable with its charming small-town atmosphere, elegant historic inns and iconic emerald fairways and towering pines.

Savory Eateries

• The 1895 Grille, located at the historic Holly Inn, invites you to experience intimate fine dining with an award-winning menu straight from Carolina Farms to your table.
• Carolina Dining Room in the historic Carolina Hotel features aged beef and chops with a signature dry seasoning rub, plus a legendary breakfast buffet.
• Drum & Quill Public House is located in Olde Town Pinehurst in a historic building and offers a friendly pub vibe with eclectic food and drinks.
• Elliotts On Linden uses the best regionally-grown and raised agricultural products to offer world-class cuisine including duck, rack of lamb and chicken porchetta.
• Lady Bedford’s Tea Parlour & Gift Shoppe’s patrons dine in a Victorian atmosphere with crystal, fine china, linen tablecloths and napkins, and enjoy a wonderful selection of tea, crêpes, scones, quiche and desserts.

Top Things To Do

• The Carolina Hotel (at Pinehurst Resort) This majestic century-old hotel boasts a copper cupola, sweeping verandas and elegant rooms.
• The Pinehurst Harness Track This 111-acre equestrian facility has offered winter training for standard-bred horses since 1915.
• Sandhills Horticultural Gardens Stroll through 10 major gardens, including the Ebersol Holly Collection and the Sir Walter Raleigh Garden.
• Seagrove Pottery of the Sandhills One-of-a-kind works are available from over 25 pottery artists with more than 800 pieces to view.
• The Tufts Archives Discover the rich heritage and history of Pinehurst through artifacts and exhibits.
• Village Arboretum & Pinehurst Greenway Trail System Explore a large open lawn area, a Pergola Garden and three miles of walking trails.

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