Tobacco Road may be better known for college hoops and barbecue, but there’s also some tasty golfing to be had. Let’s start at the top with Pinehurst Resort, which is hosting this year’s U.S. Open for both the men’s and women’s events. It’s the first time in history that they’ve been held at the same course in the same year. After this summer, it will be the only site to have hosted all five USGA Championships.
One doesn’t merely visit Pinehurst—it’s more of a pilgrimage. It was at Pinehurst that golf architect Donald Ross plied his trade, starting with four courses here, and eventually 400 more throughout North America. Ross was based at Pinehurst until his death in 1948. His courses carry on his legacy around the country.
History is in the air here, via Ryder Cup matches, U.S. Amateur Championships, Tour Championships, Women’s Amateurs, Senior Opens … The list goes on and on. For many of us, it will always be the place where Payne Stewart made his famous 15-foot putt to win the 1999 U.S. Open and, in victory, told the then-major-less Phil Mickelson that his day would come.
Pinehurst is a destination all its own, with eight world-class golf courses—including Pinehurst No. 2—with an award-winning spa, a tennis facility, family activities, dining, shopping and more.
Greens fees: $200-$400. 80 Carolina Vista Drive, (910) 295-6811, Pinehurst, N.C., www.pinehurst.com.
