“Today, we take another step forward into our continued evolution with a nod to what came before.” Beginning in the 1920s, the sandy soil in this location proved useful to multiple mining operations, specifically Pleasants Sand and Supply, which was founded after World War II. Over the next half century, sand mined in Aberdeen was shipped along the adjoining railroad for building projects all over the United States, notably including another North Carolina landmark – the construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Following Pleasants’ closure in the mid-1970s, rugged dunes, mounds and berms forged from mining excavations were left behind to be reclaimed by nature. Now, decades later, that land and the untouched surrounding areas are being reimagined among the towering pines that restored it, the first fruit of which will be Doak’s newest original, No. 10, which uses about 250 acres of the total property. “There’s a lot of history at this place, and you just want to honor it,” said Angela Moser, Doak’s lead design associate on No. 10. “You want to have it be a part of what you’re building, so you’ll see reminders of it.” That is also reflected in the Pinehurst Sandmines’ logo. A rail car, dashed in railroad red color befitting the area’s industrial innovations, features subtle hints about the property’s past – and its future – within the car’s structure and design. The car carries a “matterhorn” shaped mound that resembles the 25-foot sand deposit framing No. 10’s dramatic 8th hole – a tangible, signature remnant of the commercial mine’s influence that Doak freshly incorporated into No. 10’s routing. “Pinehurst’s past, present and future is right here in the sand,” said Tom Pashley, Pinehurst Resort President. “We look forward to seeing what more can be mined in this area.”
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