In this guide +
Stay at the Carolina Hotel, walk to the practice complex, and rotate through the four marquee courses (No. 2, No. 4, No. 8, No. 10) with a Cradle short-course nightcap. We rank every course, sort the lodging tiers, and plot a 4-day route.
About Pinehurst
NC, USA
Pinehurst
No. 2 still sets the standard. Pine straw, Donald Ross, and a clubhouse that smells like history.
Best season: Mar – Jun · From $1,800
Read the full destination guide →
Notable courses
Courses mentioned
- Pinehurst No. 2Donald Ross · Par 72 · 7,588 yd
- Pinehurst No. 4Gil Hanse (restoration) · Par 72 · 7,117 yd
- Pinehurst No. 8Tom Fazio · Par 72 · 7,099 yd
- Pinehurst No. 10Tom Doak · Par 70 · 7,012 yd
Sample itinerary
A 4-day trip, blueprinted
Day 1
- Morning —
- Arrive RDU, drive 75 min to Pinehurst, check in at Carolina Hotel.
- Afternoon —
- 9 holes on The Cradle short course.
- Evening —
- Welcome dinner in the village.
Day 2
- Morning —
- Pinehurst No. 2 — caddies recommended.
- Afternoon —
- Range + putting at the Thistle Dhu green.
- Evening —
- Pine Crest Inn bar.
Day 3
- Morning —
- Pinehurst No. 4 (Hanse).
- Afternoon —
- Replay nine on The Cradle.
- Evening —
- Steakhouse.
Day 4
- Morning —
- Pinehurst No. 10 or No. 8 before the flight.
- Afternoon —
- Lunch in the village, drive RDU.
Travel tips
What our editors actually do
- 01Book stay-and-play directly — resort guests get priority on No. 2 tee sheets.
- 02Walk No. 2 with a caddie. The Donald Ross routing was designed for the walking game.
- 03The Cradle is included in the daily fee — play it every night before dinner.
FAQs
Is Pinehurst No. 2 worth the green fee?
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Yes for any serious golfer — once. The Coore/Crenshaw restoration returned it to its 1930s sandhills character and it ranks top-5 American public.
When should I go to Pinehurst?
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Mid-March through May and September through early November. Avoid mid-summer humidity and the U.S. Open / Women's U.S. Open weeks when public access closes.
When is the best time to visit Pinehurst?
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Mid-March through May and September through early November. Avoid mid-summer humidity and U.S. Open weeks when public access closes.
How many days should I plan?
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Four nights is the sweet spot — enough for three championship rounds plus The Cradle and the practice complex.
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