No. 10 at Pinehurst

The 634-yard 10th hole sets the tone for Pinehurst No. 10 from the Blue tees, a formidable par five that asks for sound placement before thoughts turn to reaching the green. Tom Doak’s par-70 layout measures 7,020 yards at its longest, yet seven sets of tees, beginning at 4,985 yards, make it a course that can be matched sensibly to the group. The other par five comes early, at the 555-yard third, while the rest of the round moves across rolling ground where firm sandy terrain, wiregrass and the remains of old mining dunes shape both the strategy and the views. Built within the 900-acre Pinehurst Sandmines site, the course has a notably open, untamed feel despite the surrounding woodland. It opened in 2024, the resort’s first purpose-built new course for almost three decades, and was named Best New Course of 2024 by Sports Illustrated. The course is also walking only, with no buggies allowed, making this course one of the best walks in golf.

A stay here gives keen players a great deal beyond No. 10. There are 11 full-length courses across the resort, with No. 2 providing the serious championship test at 7,588 yards, its turtleback greens demanding a particularly sharp approach game. No. 4 brings broad sandy waste areas and a 7,227-yard par-72 challenge, while the 5,155-yard No. 3 is a useful shorter round between bigger days. The nine-hole Cradle, designed by Gil Hanse, is ideal for a relaxed late afternoon, and Thistle Dhu adds an 18-hole putting contest that can become as competitive as the main event.