Pinehurst No. 5 is one of the resort’s best-kept secrets. Located near the main clubhouse, No. 5 is a fun and forgiving course. Designed by Ellis Maples in 1961, No. 5 takes advantage of the surrounding landscape, trading Pinehurst’s trademark pine tree-lined fairways for a more open feel. It also features more water hazards than any other Pinehurst course.
One of those water hazards is the pond on hole 14, the famous Cathedral Hole. Encircled by a stand of ancient pines, the tops of which resemble the pipes of an organ, it’s one of the most picturesque holes in all of Pinehurst.
Cathedral Hole on No. 5
If your handicap is high or mid-range, or you’re looking for a social round of golf, No. 5 is challenging without being frustrating. It’s a beautiful, relaxing course with ample birdie opportunities.
Pinehurst No. 5 is a great warm-up or cool-down from No. 2 or No. 4. It’s the perfect way to start or end your Pinehurst trip.
Pinehurst No. 5 presents many opportunities to fit into the perfect trip itinerary. Play it as a warm-up or cool-down from No. 2 or No. 4. Or if you have three rounds on your trip, play it as your middle round to build your confidence before your final round.
Generous landing areas off the tee into wide fairways make Pinehurst No. 5 approachable for many types of players. This course features long and short par fours, holes with subtle movement both left and right (but no doglegs) and both uphill and downhill holes offer variety for 18 holes.
Pinehurst No. 5, 17th hole
Carts are included in your green fees and push carts are available for those that choose to walk No. 5. Caddies are also available. It takes most players 3.5 – 4.5 hours to play this course.
If you’re staying on site at Pinehurst, take the trolley to the main clubhouse. Here, we’ll show you to the pro shop before you tee off. If you want to warm up first, there’s a driving range at the clubhouse.
Before you tee off:
Wings and Burgers at The Deuce
The architecture is what really makes Pinehurst No. 5 stand out. By incorporating the surrounding landscape, Ellis Maples created a course that offers approachable, diverse and relaxing play.
Read what our Director of Golf, Ben Bridgers, and longtime Vice President of Course Maintenance, Bob Farren, had to say about the course in this interview.
As we mentioned, No. 5 isn’t as demanding as No. 2. Where the greens on Pinehurst No. 2 are elevated and severe, the greens on No. 5 are much less undulating. No. 5 is slightly shorter than No. 2, but both courses are a par 72.
These two courses are uniquely Pinehurst and complement each other well. Playing both No. 2 and No. 5 will give you a well-rounded Pinehurst experience.
Explore Pinehurst No. 5 hole-by-hole right here.
No. 5 Hole By Hole Course Map
Ready to book your trip? Contact us today to book your next trip to Pinehurst and ask about tee times on No. 5. One of our reservations agents would be happy to help you plan your trip.