Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina centers around a Donald Ross-designed course that has hosted multiple U.S. Opens and PGA Championships. The layout features firm, fast fairways that run through native wiregrass and longleaf pine stands, with greens that slope sharply from back to front. Ross’s strategic bunkering sits close to the putting surfaces and fairway edges, creating narrow landing zones that punish errant tee shots. Elevation changes are subtle yet constant, so players must account for uphill and downhill lies on most approaches. The course’s drainage system and sandy soil keep the turf dry and bouncy even after rain, rewarding players who keep the ball low and use the ground to control distance. Fairway contours and green complexes reward precise shot-making over power.
