10 of the best things you can do in Pinehurst

While Pinehurst No. 2 remains the crown jewel in Donald Ross’s legendary career, it is best experienced with a caddie – and not just because of Ross’s difficult and trademark turtleback greens. The No. 2 caddies have seen every level of golfer, and every kind of shot. Sure, they’ll help you save strokes – and who doesn’t want that? – but the stories they have will make the trip around No. 2 one you’ll never forget.

For decades, the Village of Pinehurst’s steam plant powered the homes, hotels and cottages of Pinehurst until it was shuttered in the 1990s, falling into disrepair and, at one time, slated for demolition. Now, after a full renovation to retain the character of the century-old building Pinehurst Brewing Co. brings a new energy to the Village with an array of up to 10 craft beers brewed on site and a delectable assortment of brisket and Carolina barbecue.

Perhaps the most famous moment in Pinehurst’s storied history is when Payne Stewart made a dramatic 15-foot putt on the 18th hole of No. 2 to win the 1999 U.S. Open. His joyous celebration is memorialized in a bronze statue behind the 18th green. It is likely the most visited spot in Pinehurst. After a pose with Payne, walk around the corner in front of the clubhouse to spend a moment with the iconic symbol of Pinehurst – the Putter Boy statue. Originally designed as a sundial by Lucy Richards in 1912, the Putter Boy has watched over Pinehurst for a century.

Recently redesigned by noted golf historian David Normoyle, the long hallway of The Carolina Hotel richly tells the story of the Pinehurst with beautiful artwork, maps and intricate detail.

Designed by renowned architect Gil Hanse, Pinehurst’s 789-yard short course has been called the “most fun 10 acres in all of golf” by Golf Channel. This 9-hole par-3 course is sure to delight every kind of golfer – from the scratch player to the beginner. Kids 17 and under play free when with a paid adult, and replay rounds are free. And there’s a chance at magic in every swing; holes-in-one have been recorded by players ages 5 to 84.

“Golf should be a pleasure, not a penance,” Donald Ross said one day. So when you tour The Cradle or play the 18-hole putting course Thistle Dhu, make a stop at the vintage teardrop beverage cart known as The Pinecone for some refreshment as you play. Chances are you’ve never seen a beverage cart quite like this.

Hailed by Golf Channel as “The Best Breakfast in Golf,” The Carolina Hotel’s famed breakfast buffet is the only way to start your day in Pinehurst. Live piano music fills a formal dining room framed by its elegant chandeliers. But make no mistake – golf shirts and shorts are perfectly welcome as players gear up for a big day on one of Pinehurst’s nine courses.

Grab an e-bike to make for an easy day exploring the winding paths through the quaint New England-style Village of Pinehurst. Designed originally by Frederick Law Olmstead, who was the mastermind behind New York’s Central park, find elegant little shops housed in buildings original to Pinehurst’s origin. Go back in time at The Tufts Archives, a museum to the history of Pinehurst, its founding, legacy and everything in between. Schedule a walking tour of the vintage cottages to get a true sense of Pinehurst’s time and place.

Gil Hanse’s redesign of Pinehurst No. 4 is a bold expression of pure, timeless Carolinas Sandhills golf. Visually stunning from tee to green, exposed sand areas, vast cross bunkers and native wire grass meld with the site’s rolling topography and natural ridge lines to create dramatic vistas and strategic options on every hole. Less than a year after reopening in 2018, No. 4 joined famed No. 2 as the site of the 2019 U.S. Amateur.

Seriously, just take a look.

Who doesn’t need some time away from all the worries we surround ourselves with every day? Bask in the tranquility of The Spa at Pinehurst, a 31,000-square-foot sanctuary that features a large common area with a lap pool, separate men’s and women’s lounging areas with whirlpools and saunas, complimentary smoothies and a huge array of spa services and treatments. Go ahead…get away.