Paradise Found: My First Trip to Pinehurst
Two hours from Charlotte and just over an hour from Raleigh lies what many golfers consider sacred ground: Pinehurst, North Carolina. As of 2025, this golfing mecca boasts ten championship courses plus The Cradle, their beloved par-3 short course. It's a place that doesn't just live up to the hype – it exceeds it.
I'll never forget my first glimpse of Pinehurst. Driving down Morganton Road (not expecting much), we suddenly came upon a scene that made me question if I was dreaming: hundreds of people scattered across The Cradle, drinks in hand, music playing, pure joy in the air. I had to pinch myself. Was this real?
My wife and I, along with a buddy, chose to stay at The Carolina Hotel, timing our visit for October, just months before the 2024 U.S. Open. If you're planning a trip, I can't recommend fall enough – the weather was absolute perfection for golf.
Our ambitious agenda included rounds on No. 7, 8, 9, and the crown jewel itself, No. 2. Each course offered its own character, its own challenges, its own memories. But what truly set the experience apart was the seamless service at The Carolina Hotel. Here's an insider tip: when you check in, they tag your golf bag with all your tee times for your stay. From that moment on, you never touch your clubs between rounds. Like magic, your bag appears at each course right before your tee time. After you finish, just head to the 19th hole and they handle the rest.
The dining experiences at Pinehurst were every bit as memorable as the golf. Each morning began with The Carolina's legendary breakfast buffet – the perfect fuel for a day on the links. For lunch and post-round entertainment, The Deuce became our go-to spot. We spent several afternoons on its back deck, cold drinks in hand, joining the gallery of spectators playfully heckling golfers as they finished their rounds on No. 2's eighteenth hole. It's a tradition that adds to the convivial atmosphere that makes Pinehurst special.
For dinner, we explored the resort's diverse options. The Pinehurst Brewery, housed in the village's original steam plant, served up craft beers and exceptional pub fare. The 1895 Bar & Grille offered a more refined experience with its classic American cuisine. And the dining room at The Carolina Hotel delivered an elegant evening that matched the grand setting.
Looking back, it wasn't just the world-class golf or the historic grounds that made the trip special. It was the feeling that you're part of something bigger – a tradition of excellence that stretches back over a century. From the pristine fairways to the last bite of dinner, Pinehurst doesn't just meet expectations – it creates memories that last a lifetime. In Pinehurst, golf isn't just a game. It's a way of life.
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