Best Resort Golf Courses in North Carolina

Pinehurst, North Carolina · Donald Ross (1907) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,588 yards

The crown jewel of American golf, Pinehurst No. 2 is Donald Ross's masterpiece and has hosted more single championships than any course in America — including U.S. Opens, PGA Championships, and Ryder Cups. The restored wiregrass-and-sand landscape and legendary turtle-back greens define the Pinehurst experience.

Pinehurst, North Carolina · Gil Hanse (2018) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,361 yards

Completely rebuilt by Gil Hanse in 2018, Pinehurst No. 4 has earned rave reviews as the best "other" course at the resort. The design features bold contours, sandy waste areas, and a strategic quality that some say rivals No. 2 for pure fun.

Pinehurst, North Carolina · Donald Ross (1928) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,015 yards

Host of three U.S. Women's Opens and the 2022 U.S. Open, Pine Needles is a Donald Ross masterwork that winds through longleaf pines. The walkable layout features Ross's signature crowned greens and strategic bunkering.

Pinehurst, North Carolina · Donald Ross (1921) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 6,515 yards

A lovingly restored Donald Ross gem across the street from Pine Needles, Mid Pines offers an intimate, classic Sandhills experience. The cozy inn and walkable course feel like stepping back to golf's golden age.

Pinehurst, North Carolina · Tom Fazio (1996) · 18 holes · Par 72 · 7,092 yards

Known as the "Centennial Course" for its opening during Pinehurst's 100th anniversary, No. 8 is a Tom Fazio design that offers a more modern, dramatic style compared to the classic Ross and Hanse courses at the resort. Bold shaping, dramatic bunkering, and excellent conditioning make it a favorite among resort guests.

Pinehurst, North Carolina · Gil Hanse (2017) · 9 holes · Par 27 · 789 yards

A Gil Hanse 9-hole short course that has become one of the most talked-about golf experiences in America. The Cradle offers sub-100-yard holes with full-sized Sandhills greens, and the walking-only, family-friendly atmosphere captures the pure joy of golf. It's become the must-play addition to any Pinehurst trip.

Charlotte, North Carolina · Rees Jones (1998) · 18 holes · Par 71 · 7,015 yards

Part of The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge in south Charlotte, this Rees Jones design offers resort-quality golf through rolling Piedmont terrain. The well-conditioned layout provides an engaging test with multiple water features and strategic bunkering.