Sensational Sandhills
Discover golf’s rich history and tradition in Pinehurst
By Andie Gibson 

     It’s known as the home of American golf, an oasis of lush green in the Sandhills of North Carolina. Famed course architects Donald Ross, Ellis Maples, Rees Jones, Tom Fazio, Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus have all worked their magic here. The quick-draining soil, rolling hills, abundant pine trees and mild climate make the area ideal for golf. But Pinehurst – and the neighboring towns of Southern Pines and Aberdeen – has many other hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.  
     The area is best known for the Pinehurst Resort. Internationally recognized for its relaxing accommodations and exceptional golf, the resort features three world-class hotels near the quaint Village of Pinehurst as well as villas and condos for rent. All come with deluxe accommodations and are convenient to the resort’s many amenities, including eight golf courses, other sporting venues and a luxurious spa. Rates are steep and vary by season (with spring being the most  
expensive), and golf and spa packages are available. pinehurst.com, 800.ITS.GOLF  
     Pinehurst Resort is home to the famed No. 2 Course, which celebrates its centennial anniversary this year. Built in the early 1900s, No. 2 is Ross’ crown jewel and consistently ranks in the top 10 golf courses in the world. It has hosted numerous championships, including the Ryder Cup (1951), U.S. Men’s Amateur (1962), U.S. Senior Open (1994), PGA Tour Championship (1991, 1992) and the PGA Championship (1936). It was also the site where Payne Stewart outlasted Phil Mickelson in the final round to capture the 1999 U.S. Open title. Four months later Stewart was killed in a plane crash, but his emotional response to a clutch putt on the final hole – fist pumping in victory – is immortalized in a statue on the first tee. The course also hosted the 2005 U.S. Open, won by New Zealander Michael Campbell.  
     If you’re looking for a spot with just as much history and atmosphere but without the big price tag, consider a stay at  
the Pine Crest Inn. Once owned by Ross, the Pine Crest – from its cozy front porch to its beautifully furnished rooms – oozes charm and hospitality. Mr. B’s Bar is where locals (and an occasional PGA Tour player) gather to quench their thirst, share stories and perhaps sing a song at the lively piano bar. In fact, Mr. B’s was recently voted one of the “50 Coolest Places in  
Golf” by Golf magazine. Room rates start at $76 per person per night and include a huge country breakfast and dinner in the  
upscale dining room where the atmosphere is warm and the food is fresh and delicious. pinecrestinnpinehurst.com, 800-371- 
2545  
     The Pine Crest is located in the heart of the Village where inviting antique shops, delightful specialty stores, boutiques,  
salons and a variety of restaurants are all within strolling distance. The Village is host to numerous shows, festivals and events throughout the year, including the annual Holly Arts and Crafts Festival on the third Saturday in October. Sponsored by the Pinehurst Business Guild, this quality event features more than 150 quality craft vendors, food and entertainment. villageofpinehurst.org  
     Two great bets for dining in the Village are Theo’s Taverna (910.295.0780), a cozy, elegant restaurant with authentic Greek and Italian specialties, and Dugan’s Pub (910.295.3400), where you’ll find traditional Irish and American fare and plenty of cold beer. Worth the 5-minute drive from the Village is the Ironwood Café (910.255.0000) on Midland Road – unassuming  
on the outside, but chic and eclectic inside. The food, prepared by chef/owner Nathan Continenza, is American cuisine with  
unique twists and beautiful presentations.  
     The Ironwood is convenient to the Pine Needles and Mid Pines resorts, also exceptional places to stay and play when visiting the Pinehurst area. These Donald Ross-designed courses are owned by 85-year-old Peggy Kirk Bell, a pioneer in women’s professional golf who is ranked among the top women’s golf instructors in the country. Pine Needles, one of 10 golf clubs selected for the prestigious “Best New Remodel Course” by Golf Digest for 2005, will host its third U.S. Women’s Open June 25-July 1. For information and tickets, visit 2007uswomensopen.com.  
     Of course you don’t have to stay at a resort when visiting the area. There are several major hotel chains, many of which have golf coordinators on staff to help plan your course selections and tee times – whether it’s a twosome getaway  
or a large group staying for the week. Low season for hotel and golf rates is February and June-August while high season  
includes March-May and September-November.  
     For the non-golf enthusiast, the area features numerous history museums, including the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in nearby Fayetteville. Fort Bragg/Pope Air Force Base is also close by and includes the JFK Special Warfare Museum, JFK Hall of Heroes and the 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum. One of the world’s largest military complexes, Ft. Bragg is open to the public. Call 910.396.8682 for information on self or guided tours.  
     For horse enthusiasts, the Pinehurst Harness Track (910.644.TROT), Carolina Horse Park at Five Points (910.246.9808) and McLendon Hills Equestrian Center (910.673.4971) offer a full range of activities. Nature lovers can enjoy the Sandhills  
Horticultural Gardens (910.695.3882) or the Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve (910.692.2167). The drive from  
Smith Mountain Lake is just over three hours, south through Greensboro and Asheboro, home of the North Carolina Zoo. This worthwhile detour is a 500-acre natural habitat zoo that ranks among the top 5 in North America. 800.488.0444, nczoo.  
org. Other great stops include the North Carolina Pottery Center (ncpotterycenter.com) and the Museum of North Carolina Traditional Pottery (seagrovepotteryheritage.com) in nearby Seagrove.  

For more information, visit the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen
Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, homeofgolf.com, 800-346-5362.