Avid golfers use a fistful of revered golf course ranking systems to plan golf buddy trips and bucket list getaways, and Golfweek’s annual compilation of the “Top 200 Resorts Courses” is one of the most popular.
The 2021 rankings were just released, and Pinehurst is in rarified air, placing four courses on the list.
Famed No. 2, designed by Donald Ross and restored by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, ranks third; Gil Hanse-designed No. 4 debuts at 28th; Tom Fazio’s Centennial tribute No. 8 is 83rd and Rees Jones’ No. 7 comes in at 140th.
9th Hole, Pinehurst No. 4
From the “it’s a tough job but someone has to do it” department:
The annual selection of the country’s 200 top resort layouts is determined by Golfweek’s elite team of more than 850 course evaluators. Each year, the raters survey over 3,600 facilities, grading each in accordance with Golfweek’s 10 strict standards of evaluation.
Unique to Golfweek, they evaluate courses’ par 3s, 4s and 5s in terms of their variety and memorability. For par 3s, raters are looking for an array of lengths, approach angles and topography. On par 4s, it’s right-to-left and left-to-right tee and approach shots, as well as length and topography. And on par 5s, it’s all about risk-reward opportunities.
14th Hole, Pinehurst No. 8
Golfweek has historically placed an emphasis on courses’ “walkability” as quantified by the “Walk in the Park Test” among its 10 criteria. With No. 2 and No. 4 designed for specifically for striding and No. 7 and 8 also being walkable, Pinehurst courses tend to do well in this category.
Our formidable foursome of courses is also ranked among the best courses (all-around) in the U.S. and occupies four of the top 10 slots in the state. Check out our #InPinehurst post from last summer to get the full breakdown.
16th Hole, Pinehurst No. 7
If you’d like to build-out a spring golf trip featuring No. 2, No. 4, No. 7, No. 8 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 (additional nights and golf can be added).
For more information or to book either, simply visit our “Packages” page for a breakdown of prices and inclusions.
It’s always a beautiful day at Pinehurst, and we look forward to seeing you soon.