Pinehurst Resort

This is where it all began. Even though Dr. Leroy Culver built the first rudimentary nine holes and John Dunn Tucker added the next nine, it is clearly Donald Ross' touch that can be seen on this first golf course. Don't let the short 6,128-yard par 70 fool you - it's more of a course than it first appears. Wild drives or a sloppy short game can make for a long day. As with any course bearing Ross' name, it is ultimately very playable without losing its challenge.

The best of the best. No. 2 is a challenge not because of its length, topography, unruly routing, water features or green size - but because of the combination of factors that have made thousands laugh and cry at the same time. Undulating greens. Carefully placed bunkers. Strategic layout that tests both the long and short game. It is golf the way it was meant to be played, "the fairest test of championship golf" ever designed by Ross, in his own words. It is also top 10 in the country, and site of more championships than any other course in the country, including the 1999 and 2005 U.S. Open Championships.

At 5,682 yards, distance is not a factor on No. 3. Direction is. Your short game -- definitely a factor. The topography is a bit more rolling than its predecessors are, but it still carries typical Ross characteristics, such as tricky greens and straightforward layout. A great course for those who normally carry the ball less than 200 yards and who love the science behind a perfect nine-iron shot.

Don't let the number fool you. We kept the old name, even the majority of Ross' original routing. But in 2000, Fazio officially opened No. 4 as a brand new course. There are new layouts, new pot bunkers totaling over 140 in number, and an incredible new lake, making it entirely different from when the course first opened in 1919.

It's no wonder Ellis Maples would design a Pinehurst golf course - his father was Donald Ross' right hand for over 40 years. Opened in 1961, No. 5 holds true to a key Ross feature - Mother Nature as the best guide in golf architecture. The course has more water hazards to negotiate than any other course at Pinehurst. It is also one of the prettiest - especially the par-three 15th, known as the Cathedral Hole. What you'll see is a lot of variety in the layout - uphill and downhill, left-to-right and right-to-left, long and short par fours. Overall, it is a very playable, enjoyable 18 holes that will not disappoint.

When George Fazio and nephew Tom were selected to develop the sixth course, they were amazed at the contrast in topography compared to No. 2. "It was a very dramatic site with lots of elevation changes," said Tom. "What I saw was the ability to create a dramatic golf course on a strong piece of land, a different style of golf course." The terrain is more rugged, surrounded by woods, water and thick vegetation in spots, making it a challenge on every hole. Its back nine remains one of the toughest amid the rest of Pinehurst's esteemed courses. But don't let the differences scare you - No. 6 is a favorite among members and returning guests.

Located a mile away from the Main Clubhouse, No. 7 is unmistakably Pinehurst, but has a mountainous flavor as well. Uphill shots on eight of the 18 holes require power and pinpoint accuracy. Other interesting features make this a unique addition to the Pinehurst heritage, including vast bunkers that require bold tee shots, wetlands to clear and double doglegs. It also incorporated some old bunkers Ross put in place years before for an old employee's course, you'll find them beside the tee of the fourth hole. The 18th, a downhill par 5 to a green flanked by water, shows that this course will test your game to the very end...so come prepared.

No. 8 opened in 1996 to commemorate Pinehurst's centennial year. Fazio incorporated signature Ross features into the design of No. 8, including dips and swales around the greens, sloping greens and false fronts. The greens and tees are close together, making it a pleasure to walk. As the site of the Club Pro Championship in 1997 and 1998, it is a proven championship course that daunts and delights all who play it. Located approximately 2 miles from the Main Clubhouse, it is a celebration of all that golf has imprinted on Pinehurst's history.

Pinehurst's most popular, centrally located dining room, offers continental cuisine each evening with nightly entertainment. Superlative breakfast and lunch buffets are also available daily, with made-to-order omelets and waffles, as well as carving stations, and hot and cold items. Dinner menus change daily, based on Chef Ramsey's special features from around the world and a fine selection of choice wines and beverages.

This comfortable lounge is easily accessible from the Carolina main hotel lobby. The Ryder Cup features memorabilia of the world championship. It also offers complete beverage service as well as casual menu fare for lunch and dinner.

An elegant, more intimate dining room with old-world flare, the 1895 Room is Pinehurst's premier dining venue for dinner. The restaurant, located at The Holly, was recently awarded the coveted AAA Four-Diamond Award for excellence in service and total dining experience.

Chef Paul Ramsey brings innovative cuisine in the classic Southern European style, with a full five-course menu: starting with an amuse bouche, the appetizer/salad course, entree, dessert and the final chocolate truffle tray .

Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this popular eatery that carries a sports theme. Big screen televisions always broadcast the most popular sporting events throughout the year as guests enjoy casual fare from its set menu and a full-service bar.

This was Pinehurst's first grill house, operated once by Donald Ross himself. It is a popular lunch site for golfers, with views to the putting green and a wide variety of salads, sandwiches and lighter entrees.

Located in the Main Clubhouse, the epicenter of Pinehurst's first five golf courses as well as its croquet, tennis and lawnbowls courts. It is also available for private and corporate dinner parties.