A true American Classic, a living Norman Rockwell painting, the cradle of American Golf; all are phrases I use when describing Pinehurst Resort. It doesn’t get much better than spending time at Pinehurst Resort.
Pinehurst No. 2
The funny part, Pinehurst No. 2, one of the most well-known golf courses in the world, isn’t my favorite course at the resort. Sure, Pinehurst No. 2 is a fantastic experience. You can’t argue its pedigree; No 2. has served as the site of more single golf championships than any course in America, highlighted by hosting back-to-back U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open Championships for the first time in 2014.
Having had the chance to play Pinehurst No. 2 multiple times, I’m always thankful for the opportunity and cherish the time out on the course. However, the course always builds me up to tear me down over and over. What do you mean, Rob? Put merely, Pinehurst No. 2 is relatively easy tee-to-green.
The holes aren’t incredibly long, and the fairways aren’t too tight. In general, the course suits my eye, and I tend to put myself in a great position repeatedly. Trust me, as a high handicapper, that’s not an easy thing to do, let alone on such a prestigious course as Pinehurst No. 2. Then comes the greens! The greens are fast, breaking, and downright ridiculous at times.
This past trip, I remember being on the green putting for birdie on the 1st hole and putting the ball off the green and scoring a double bogey. Oh, did I mention, putting is one of the most substantial parts of my game? Not just the putting but approaching the greens or chipping onto the green can drive you crazy.
Pinehurst No. 4
So for me, while I love playing Pinehurst No. 2, it truly finishes second place to Pinehurst No. 4. During our last visit to Pinehurst Resort, Gil Hanse was putting the finishing touches on Pinehurst No. 4. While we highlighted the renovation, we didn’t get a chance to play the course until this summer.
Having had the chance to play No. 4, it’s easily my favorite 18-hole golf course at Pinehurst Resort. As time goes on, I think you’ll find more golfers willing to admit that they prefer No. 4 over No. 2. Pinehurst No. 4 is a complete golf course, tough as nails from tee to green, but fair and balanced at the same time.
The walk at Pinehurst No. 4 is more of a challenge. Pinehurst No. 2 is by no means flat, but compared to Pinehurst No. 4, it’ll feel that way. Pinehurst No. 4 is full of elevation changes that will have you playing uphill, downhill, and sidehills.
From a scoring perspective, I scored eight shots better on Pinehurst No. 2 than I did on Pinehurst No. 4, and I was not alone. Our entire group had more success on Pinehurst No. 2. So consider this an episode of Myth Busters, the myth of Pinehurst No.2 being the most challenging course at the resort – BUSTED!
OK. By now, you know Pinehurst No. 2 is all about the majesty, and Pinehurst No. 4 is where you separate the boys from the men. However, did you happen to catch above how I said Pinehurst No. 4 is “easily my favorite 18-hole golf course at Pinehurst” notice how I emphasized 18-holes? Well, that’s because the hands-down best experience at Pinehurst Resort is playing The Cradle.
The Cradle
For those of you that might not have heard of The Cradle, let me explain. The Cradle is a nine-hole short course that anyone can play, even first-time golfers. Designed by Gil Hanse, The Cradle, at 789 yards, features holes ranging from 56 to 127 yards. Located about ten paces from the Resort Clubhouse, The Cradle is built upon the same area where, in 1898, Dr. Leroy Culver carved the first nine holes out of the sand at Pinehurst. Over the next century, Pinehurst became known as the Cradle of American Golf, thus the name, The Cradle.
I have to rank The Cradle as one of the best golf experiences on the planet. First, it’s affordable! Greens fees for The Cradle are only $50, and replay rounds are free. Kids 17 and under play free when accompanied by a paying adult, and resort guests may book tee times in advance.
So, Rob, what makes The Cradle so great? A loop on The Cradle is more than just golf; it’s fun, it’s an experience, it’s something everyone in your group can do; young or old. The best way to play The Cradle is with 2-clubs in one hand and an adult beverage in the other.
Drinking on the course? Don’t worry; you’ll fit right in. After all, this isn’t your traditional golf experience; The Cradle is all about having fun. With music playing across the 10-acre layout and a portable bar at the halfway point, you’re in for a great time.
Sounds like fun, right? Yes, but I bet it’s hard to imagine The Cradle experience. Up until now, you might be guessing a gimmicky drunk fest. Well, it’s far from that. The Cradle is pure!
Gil Hanse did a fantastic job with the layout and design. His naturalist touch, combined with taking inspiration from No. 2 and No. 4, captures the heart of Pinehurst Resort in a mini-sized 9-hole experience. The bunkering on The Cradle is beautiful, second to nothing at the resort. The greens are reminiscent of Pinehurst No. 4 and offer large landing space and great flexibility for hole placement to keep things fresh. Simply put, no visit to Pinehurst Resort would be complete without experiencing The Cradle!
Now you know, Pinehurst Resort is much more than the historic No. 2 golf course. Pinehurst Resort is an escape from reality, a universe with everything centered around golf. Find your happy place, visit Pinehurst Resort!