By Fred Altvater
Every golfer is aware that Donald Ross was lured to Pinehurst by its original owner, James Tufts. Ross designed Pinehurst No. 2, lived near the third green and spent his life tinkering with every little detail of the course to create one of the most iconic, as well as, difficult courses in the country.
Pinehurst No. 2 has hosted three U.S. Opens and the USGA recently awarded a fourth U.S. Open to No. 2 for 2024. In addition, it hosted the 1936 PGA Championship, as well as, the 1951 Ryder 
Cup.
In 2014, No. 2 hosted the Men’s U.S. Open with Martin Kaymer besting the field and the very next week, Michelle Wie beat the best women pros in the U.S. Women’s Open.
It was the first and only time both the U.S. Men’s and Women’s Opens were held on the same course, in the same year.
Later this summer the U.S. Amateur will be held at Pinehurst for the third time. And holding to Pinehurst’s tradition of setting new precedents, the championship match will be held, over two courses. In the morning round, the two finalists will play the newly renovated No. 4 and will finish the 36-hole match in the afternoon on No. 2.
Over the past few years Pinehurst has not set on its laurels. In 2011, the dynamic duo of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw were hired to renovate No. 2 and restore it to the Ross vision. Much of the original waste area had grown over with thick grass and the Coore/Crenshaw team returned it to the original sand waste areas.
The waste areas and tall pines frame every fairway, but the main feature of No. 2 is the severity of the greens, which are shaped like an upside-down bowls. Ross did more than include false fronts on No. 2, he also added false sides and backs. Errant approach shots, or putts struck too enthusiastically will wander off the edge of the green and roll 10-20 yards, into collection areas.
Chipping is the most important aspect of your game to play well on No. 2, plus a steady hand with the putter is also quite useful.
Bob Farren, the Director of Golf Courses and Grounds at Pinehurst, and has been with the resort since 1984. He told us the resort has undergone massive and continuous improvements over the past 20 years. and the renovation of No. 2 by Coore and Crenshaw helped restore the resort as one of the premier golf destinations in the country.
He told us,
“Pinehurst is constantly striving to improve and update these hallowed grounds. With the USGA brining the 1999 U.S. Open to Pinehurst, it reawakened the historic resort and urged golfers to come back to the Home of American Golf.”
Another huge undertaking at Pinehurst was the renovation of No. 4 by Gil Hanse. It has pumped a new energy into Pinehurst and the resort has entered a new era of golfing nirvana.
Hanse did a masterful job of turning No. 4 into a championship course that will soon rival its older sister No. 2.
The overriding influence of Donald Ross is unmistakable on No. 4, but Hanse has also introduced subtle MacKenzie features, as well, to make this one of the most exciting new golf designs in the country.
Before Hanse tackled the work on No. 4, he re-tasked an area below the massive Pinehurst clubhouse to create the 9-hole, par-3 Cradle. No hole stretches longer than 120 yards, with the shortest being the 56-yard fifth hole. Most golfers will only need a couple of wedges and their putter to have an entertaining round.
The Cradle is also an excellent place to bring kids or grandkids for a fun day on the links. Music is pumped onto the course and although there is no cart-girl, the Acorn sits above the 8th green to offer your favorite adult beverage.
There is a laid-back vibe on the Cradle and it’s fun for everyone, regardless of handicap or skill level.
As we learned from Phil Werz, President and CEO of the Pinehurst, Southern Pines & Aberdeen Convention and Visitors Bureau, there is a plethora of activities and attractions in the Pinehurst area.
“Four new breweries offer craft beer lovers a variety of new tastes. The Spa at Pinehurst will provide a day of luxury and relaxation. Nearby Southern Pines, as well as, the Village of Pinehurst have several small retail establishments that will keep any ardent shopper happy for days. Plus, a visitor could stay for several months at Pinehurst and never deplete the supply of new and interesting restaurants to check out. To say the least the dining options are varied and plentiful.”
With the new Pinehurst Brewery, the unique shops in the village, multiple dining options and a spa, Pinehurst is much more than just great golf. 
Yes, golf is still the main attraction, but as we learned there is something at Pinehurst for every member of the family to enjoy.
As we heard Bob Farren say, “Pinehurst is all about Fun at the Highest Level.”
If you would like to find out more about Pinehurst visit their website: https://www.pinehurst.com/
And make plans to visit the ‘Home of American Golf.’
To learn more about Pinehurst watch this Back 9 Report TV video with the complete interviews with Bob Farren and Phil Werz at: http://back9report.com/pinehurst-home-of-american-golf/
