The US Open Returns to Pinehurst

Why Pinehurst is Special

This week the US Open returns to Pinehurst. Pinehurst #2 has been returned close to its original design by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. The last time the US Open came to Pinehurst there was rough. This year the rough is gone, and the native sand and wire grass are back. Combined with the famed domed greens, the course will be very different than it has been in previous US Opens. #2 will be a great championship test.

Pinehurst #2 is special. But Pinehurst is so much more than #2.

Pinehurst is considered the home of American golf. The small southern town is situated in the sandhills of North Carolina and was founded in 1895 by Boston soda magnate James Walker Tufts. He opened the Holly Inn on New Year’s Eve that year. Two years later, the first golf course was being laid out. Recently, the USGA opened Golf House in Pinehurst.

In 1907, Pinehurst #2 was completed. It’s designer, Donald Ross, became associated with Pinehurst over the next half century. Ross, who is credited with 400 course designs or redesigns, felt Pinehurst #2 was his fairest design for championship golf. Many golf historians and architects view #2 as his best design.

Pinehurst currently boasts 10 golf courses with the recently opened #10 designed by Tom Doak. There is also the par-3 course, The Cradle, and the putting course, Thistle Dhu. Being a resort, you can play any of the ten courses operated by Pinehurst Resort. It’s worth every penny.

Aside from the 10 courses at Pinehurst Resort, the surrounding area is full of great golf courses such as: Pine Needles, Mid-Pines, Southern Pines, and Tobacco Road to name a few. Great golf courses are around every corner.

The Carolina Hotel is the centerpiece of the resort for lodging. The grand hotel sits just a short distance from the main clubhouse and the first tee at #2. Other lodging options within the resort are The Manor, The Holly Inn, The Magnolia Inn, The Villas and The Condos. None will disappoint.

The downtown area is classic small-town America filled with southern charm. Quaint shops and small streets, it seems as if you have stepped back in time. Make sure you get your picture taken at the Donald Ross statue. Stop in at The Old Golf Shop and speak with the owner, Bob Hanson. It is worth the visit just to check out the golf memorabilia and to listen to Bob share stories.

Pinehurst is also known for more than golf. Near the main clubhouse is Pinehurst Harness Track. The racetrack has been a winter training center for Standardbred horses since 1915. It is a harness racing landmark and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. While you’re at the track, you need to get some breakfast or lunch at the Pinehurst Track Restaurant. Make sure to bring cash since no credit cards are accepted.

Back to the main clubhouse. Lunch at The Deuce is a must. Great food and drinks while watching players finish on the 18th green of #2 is truly a special experience.

#2 has hosted three previous US Opens. One of those produced one of the greatest finishes in US Open history. In 1999, Payne Stewart needed to make a 15-footer for par to win. He held a one-shot lead over his playing partner, Phil Mickelson. Stewart calmly stroked his putt. When it fell, he gave a fist pump which became the iconic image of the tournament.

Four months later, Payne Stewart died in a tragic airplane accident. Payne is immortalized near the 18th green of #2 with a bronze statue.

I still tear up every time I’m there.

Payne won the ‘99 US Open at -1. I’m predicting the winning score to be even par to -4. I will be shocked if the winner is more than -4. I will not be shocked if the winner is over par. While the fairways are not overly narrow, missing a fairway will find the natural sand and wire grass areas. Trust me, you don’t want to tangle with the wire grass. The greens require precise shots. Miss too far left or right or short or long depending on the hole, the ball will be rejected. With no rough around the greens, players will be faced with difficult up and downs from tight lies. Miss a green and double bogey becomes a good possibility. Triple bogey is not out of the realm of possibility. The winner needs to be a great ball striker, good putter and have a great short game. The obvious choice to win is Scottie Scheffler. My other two picks are also pretty obvious based on their play: Colin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele.

If you haven’t guessed by now, I love Pinehurst. As a golfer, it is hallowed ground. Starting with Donald Ross, golf history is everywhere. While it is a large resort, it feels small and homey, like stepping into a Hallmark movie. If you are golfer, it is a must visit. There are few places in the world like it.