There’s a reason Pinehurst is on the cover. Two of them, actually.
GOLF Magazine has released its highly anticipated list of the Top 100 Courses in the U.S., and Pinehurst Resort is well-represented by our famed No. 2, and reimagined No. 4, courses.
No. 2 is ranked 11th overall and second in the Southeast region. No. 4 debuts at 92 and 15 in Southeast region.
The list appears in GOLF Magazine’s jam-packed November-December issue along with an incredibly comprehensive Masters preview. Images of No. 2 and No. 4 are featured on the cover of the issue, which was split nationally with No. 2 on half the issues and No. 4 on the other half.
The magazine’s top 100 lists, which also cover resorts and courses globally, are among the top industry sources for benchmarking golf courses around the world.
How are the lists compiled and curated? An esteemed panel of 80 raters travels the world logging nearly 200 rounds per panelist. Tough gig, but someone has to do it.
They’re first given a list of more than 400 eligible courses and from there, each panelists creates various “buckets” including his or her vaunted “Top Three.”
Courses are subjectively evaluated based on a particular panelists preferences. As GOLF Magazine architecture editor Ran Morrissett says, “Our ranking is a democracy, not an autocracy.”
That stated, there are a few trends emerging over the past two rating cycles:
- The three “Fs” – firm, fast and fun – have become increasingly important to raters who’re in search of a traditional golf experience that brings the ground game back into play.
- Longer isn’t always better, as there are several sub 7,000-yard courses on the list and panelists appreciate ingenuity and playability as much or more than sheer brawn.
- Golf is a game best played walking, and courses designed with hoofers in mind appeal to panelists sense of tradition.
We like to think that these trends set up well for Pinehurst Resort.
The region’s sandy soil allows golf course architects like Bill Coore, Ben Crenshaw and Gil Hanse to design golf courses the way Donald Ross and Ellis Maples did, before them – firm, fast and eminently walkable.
And as for fun, well, if you haven’t visited Pinehurst Resort lately for a round of golf on The Cradle, rock-and-roll wafting up from hidden speakers, or putted a round on Thistle Dhu, drink firmly in hand, you’re missing out.
If you’d like to build-out a fall golf trip featuring No. 2, No. 4 or any of our 10 courses, our popular Donald Ross Golf Package sets up perfectly for a two-night stay with three rounds of golf and breakfast and dinner, daily.
It’s ideal for shorter stays, or additional nights and rounds can be added as you see fit.
For more information or to book either, simply visit our “Packages” page for a breakdown of prices and inclusions.
We look forward to seeing you soon in Pinehurst.