Pinehurst No. 2, the centerpiece of Pinehurst Resort, remains one of the world’s most celebrated golf courses. It has served as the site of more single golf championships than any course in America and, in 2014, hosted 14 days of championship play with back to back U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open Championships for the first time in their history.

Opened in 1907, No. 2 was designed by Donald Ross, who called it “the fairest test of championship golf I have ever designed.” Ross was associated with the course for nearly a half-century, improving the course continually until his death in 1948. No. 2 is best known for its crowned, undulating greens, which are some of the most complex and widely hailed in the world. Ross believed in providing golfers with strategic choices, and Pinehurst No. 2 was intended to epitomize that philosophy.

In February of 2010, the design firm of Bill Coore & Ben Crenshaw began to restore the natural and strategic characteristics that were the essence of Ross’s original design. The project included the removal of about 35 acres of turf and the reintroduction of hardpan, natural bunker edges and native wire grasses. Today, you are playing the restored course as originally envisioned.

Web: Pinehurst.com | No.2
Twitter: @PinehurstResort

No. 4 combines the classical routing of Donald Ross with the contemporary vision of Tom Fazio, who re-imagined the course in 2000.

Fazio, who considered No. 4 his tribute to Pinehurst, tipped his hat to Ross with crowned greens on many holes, and the addition of more than 140 pot bunkers. These, combined with several sprawling waste bunkers and more traditional sand traps, give the track a dizzying 188 sand hazards.

Though adjacent to No. 2, No. 4 has a distinctively different look, in large part thanks to the lake that acts as its centerpiece. The lake comes into play on several holes, including the par-5 13th, which demands a drive to a small landing area bounded by the lake on the left and bunkers on the right. From here, big hitters will be tempted to go for the green – which is tucked between sand and water – in two. Two par-3s, the 4th and the 14th, require you to carry the lake if you’re going to be putting for birdie.

Most agree that Fazio elevated a good course to a great one with his work on No. 4. Indeed, it was selected as the co-site of the 2008 U.S. Amateur.

Web: Pinehurst.com | No.4
Twitter: @PinehurstResort

Building a new course grand enough to celebrate Pinehurst’s first 100 years might intimidate some architects, but Tom Fazio took on the assignment with gusto. No. 8 – which opened in 1996 – combines classical Donald Ross concepts (like dips and swales around the greens and false fronts) with the whimsical snarls that have become Fazio’s calling card. Fazio took full advantage of the 420 acres of rolling terrain and natural wetlands to fashion a course that’s visually enthralling, challenging and yet fun to play; it’s a nod to No. 2, but hardly a replication. Some feel that No. 8 synthesizes all the elements of the Pinehurst golf experience into one layout better than any of the other courses, and many mid- and higher-handicappers find it the most enjoyable track to play. The greens here are larger than on No. 2 – and the roll-offs and collection areas not quite as severe – though with their sloping edges, you shouldn’t get complacent on your approach shots. Close proximity of greens to subsequent tees and beautiful scenery make No. 8 a pleasure to walk, but it’s no stroll in the park. This championship track has twice been home to the PGA Club Pro Championship. Just a short drive or shuttle ride away from the main club, the Pinehurst Spirit is quite alive at No. 8.

Web: Pinehurst.com | No.8
Twitter: @PinehurstResort

Legendary in his golf achievements and golf course designs alike, Jack Nicklaus constructed a masterpiece set amidst the long leaf pines of Southern Pines. This 18-hole championship layout features classic Jack Nicklaus architecture: wide fairways, lush course conditions and undulating putting surfaces that test your mind and your true golfing ability.

Pinehurst No. 9 is a magnificent 7,122-yard course and is as meticulously designed as it is compelling. An intriguingly well-balanced course which, according to Golf Digest, “has come to enhance even the lofty Sandhills image for world-class golf amenities.”

Each hole has been customized to create a great diversity in the way it can be played. Added to this uniqueness are tall pines, grassy swales, groomed waste areas and a natural variety of lakes and stream beds beautifully fashioned to give No. 9 its own distinctive look.

Web: Pinehurst.com | No.9
Twitter: @PinehurstResort