Pinehurst, North Carolina: The South's Premier Golf Destination

This historic golf resort has hosted championships for over a century

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:05pm

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Pinehurst, North Carolina, known as the 'Cradle of American Golf,' has been a premier golf destination for over a century. Established in 1895 by Boston entrepreneur James Walker Tufts, the Pinehurst Resort features 10 world-class 18-hole golf courses, including the iconic No. 2 course designed by Scottish architect Donald Ross. With more than 400,000 rounds played annually, Pinehurst has hosted dozens of significant golf championships and is a mecca for golf enthusiasts from around the world.

Why it matters

Pinehurst's rich history, stunning natural landscape, and renowned golf courses have cemented its status as the South's top golf destination. As one of the oldest and most prestigious golf resorts in the United States, Pinehurst continues to attract players of all skill levels who come to experience its legendary courses and charming village atmosphere.

The details

The Pinehurst Resort was founded in 1895 when Boston entrepreneur James Walker Tufts purchased 5,800 acres in the Sandhills region of North Carolina. Tufts hired renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted to design the resort and village, and in 1900, he brought in Scottish course designer Donald Ross to oversee golf operations. Ross created the iconic No. 2 course, which has hosted dozens of major championships since its opening in 1907. Today, the Pinehurst Resort features 10 championship-caliber 18-hole golf courses, with more than 400,000 rounds played annually across the property.

  • Pinehurst Resort was founded in 1895 by James Walker Tufts.
  • Donald Ross was hired as the director of golf operations in 1900.
  • Pinehurst No. 2 course opened in 1907.
  • The Village of Pinehurst was named a National Historic Landmark district in 1996.

The players

James Walker Tufts

A Boston soda entrepreneur and philanthropist who purchased 5,800 acres in the Sandhills region of North Carolina in the late 19th century to establish the Pinehurst Resort.

Frederick Law Olmsted

The renowned landscape architect hired by Tufts to design the Pinehurst Resort and Village.

Donald J. Ross

The Scottish course designer who was hired as the director of golf operations at Pinehurst in 1900 and designed the iconic No. 2 course.

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What they’re saying

“There's something in the air in the Sandhills of Moore County, North Carolina. My father and I sensed it as soon as we exited onto State 211, driving east from Charlotte toward 'The Cradle of American Golf,' also known as Pinehurst.”

— Caleb Silver, Author

The takeaway

Pinehurst's rich history, stunning natural landscape, and world-renowned golf courses have cemented its status as the South's premier golf destination. As one of the oldest and most prestigious golf resorts in the United States, Pinehurst continues to attract players of all skill levels who come to experience its legendary courses and charming village atmosphere.