Discover the Masters of Golf Course Design in the Village of Pinehurst

It’s no secret that the Village of Pinehurst area is an epicenter of American golf tradition. What truly sets this corner of North Carolina apart is the roster of legendary architects who have shaped its fairways, greens, and gently rolling sandhills. For generations, these visionaries—Donald Ross, Mike Strantz, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, Davis Love III, and Jack Nicklaus—have left indelible marks on the landscape. Each course they’ve created is a living narrative, blending sport, artistry, and the region’s natural beauty. Here’s a closer look at their legacies:

Donald Ross:

When you think Pinehurst, you think Donald Ross. This Scottish-born architect established the region as a premier golfing destination nearly a century ago. His crown jewel, Pinehurst No. 2, is a symphony of subtle slopes and crowned greens, often hailed as one of the finest strategic tests in the world. Beyond No. 2, Ross brought his elegant style to Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club, Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club, and Southern Pines Golf Club, carefully weaving each course into the native sandhills and longleaf pines. Ross’s hand gave Pinehurst its soul, and to this day, his courses stand as timeless classics.

Rees Jones:

Known as the “U.S. Open Doctor” for his skill in refining championship venues, Rees Jones brought his renowned touch to the Sandhills region with not only Pinehurst No. 7, but also Talamore Golf Club. On No. 7, Jones transformed a dramatic piece of rolling terrain—once dotted with the Tufts family’s equestrian grounds—into a layout that demands both power and precision. Elevated tees, natural wetlands, and intricate green complexes define a course that artfully merges thoughtful design with centuries-old pines and sandy soil. At Talamore, he combined delicate shaping and strategic shot values into a round that’s as enchanting as it is challenging. Both courses showcase Jones’s penchant for blending the area’s natural contours with subtle architectural nuances, resulting in experiences that feel both classic and refreshingly modern. Each round reflects his deep respect for the game’s traditions and his forward-thinking creativity, adding yet another layer of design excellence to Pinehurst’s storied golf tapestry.

Arnold Palmer:

Few names in golf carry more weight than “The King.” Arnold Palmer brought his signature blend of charm and challenge to the Pinehurst area with the Mid South Club. True to Palmer’s style, Mid South offers a fair but testing layout: wide fairways that invite bold play, paired with well-guarded greens that reward strategy and precision. Beautiful lakes and rolling terrain add both drama and tranquility, exemplifying the Palmer philosophy that a great golf course should be both inspiring and enjoyable.

Jack Nicklaus:

When you encounter a Nicklaus Signature Course, you expect rigor, elegance, and a sense of polished perfection. Pinehurst No. 9 (formerly National Golf Club) delivers all three. With the Golden Bear’s trademark emphasis on positional play and impeccable shot values, No. 9 challenges golfers to navigate pristine fairways, sculpted bunkers, and subtle greens. It’s a course that respects the local contours, offering a modern test firmly rooted in the classic traditions that define Pinehurst.

Mike Strantz:

If Ross gave Pinehurst its foundation, Mike Strantz injected bold creativity into the region’s modern era. Strantz’s Tobacco Road Golf Club is a dramatic departure from the traditional, carving wild shapes out of an old sand quarry near the Village. Equal parts art installation and sporting challenge, Tobacco Road’s rugged bunkers and striking elevation changes make for a round you’ll never forget. Strantz was unafraid to let nature guide his brush, and golfers who appreciate nonconformist design will revel in this adventure. Similarly, at Tot Hill Farm Golf Club near Asheboro, Strantz embraced the dramatic landscape to craft a layout that tests players’ imaginations with daring rock outcroppings, unpredictable contours, and cliff-like fairway edges. Together, these courses reveal an architect who prioritized experience over convention and left a lasting mark on the Sandhills region.

Gary Player:

Known globally as the “Black Knight,” Gary Player’s approach to course design emphasizes fairness, playability, and environmental harmony. His Holly Course at Pinewild Country Club is a shining example. Here, Player paired gently contoured fairways with inviting greens and natural hazards that complement, rather than overwhelm, the golfer’s journey. This course offers a welcoming challenge to players of all skill levels, echoing Player’s belief in making great golf accessible to everyone.

Davis Love III:

Hailing from a family steeped in the game, Davis Love III brings a player’s eye to course design. At Anderson Creek Golf Club, located in the greater Pinehurst area, Love crafted a modern layout known for its smooth flow, strategic bunkering, and immaculate conditioning. It’s a thinking golfer’s track, one that reflects Love’s love (no pun intended) for shot-making variety and strategic nuance. Here, every club in your bag—and every nerve in your fingertips—is put to rewarding use.

Experience the Legacy for Yourself

In the Village of Pinehurst area, every round is a brush with history and artistry. From the timeless heritage of Donald Ross to the modern imagination of Mike Strantz, from Palmer’s welcoming charm to Player’s harmonious layouts, and from Love’s strategic nuance to Nicklaus’s polished prowess—each course tells a story. Plan your golfing vacation here and step into a living museum of design brilliance, where every swing connects you to legends of the past and present.