Golf getaway

Pinehurst offers the best in sports, dining and relaxation

by Malia Thornton

Now that spring finally has arrived, it’s time to shed those winter layers as the weather begins to warm. What better way to do so than with a trip to Pinehurst? It’s just a quick 70 miles away from Raleigh and offers some of the best amenities in the state. Here are just a few things to do there this season.

Golf

What would a visit to Pinehurst be without golf? Pinehurst Resort boasts Pinehurst No. 2, a century-old golf course that was fully restored in 2010. The 18-hole course has been recognized in numerous golf magazines for its incredible restoration.

“Pinehurst No. 2 is just a stunning revival,” says Brad Klein of Golfweek magazine.

Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw were the driving forces behind the restoration and wanted to bring back the course that Donald Ross, its original builder, had inspired.

“We would hope that Mr. Ross, if he were to come back here, would at least give us a nice nod and say, ‘Good to you, boys,’ ” says Coore of Coore & Crenshaw, which is based in Austin.

Tennis

Would you prefer a round of tennis instead? Pinehurst Resort offers a Tennis magazine top 50-ranked facility, which includes 24 courts. Its tennis program is staffed by three full-time USPTA professionals for those wanting to perfect their backhand. The staff also offers a full list of activities, as well as instruction and tournaments.

Swimming

After hibernating for a few months, spring is the ideal time to take the plunge into Lake Pinehurst. The Pinehurst Beach Club includes a 200-acre freshwater lake, as well as seasonal sailing, canoeing, paddle boating, kayaking, fishing, and swimming.

Other amenities include beach volleyball, covered picnic areas with grills, a snack bar and complimentary transporation from the resort hotel.

Dining

While the Pinehurst Food and Wine Festival is still months away, it doesn’t mean that you have to go without the delectable dining options this town has to offer. Pinehurst Resort operates 10 restaurants — all of which are open to the public — ranging from 1895 Grille and Carolina Dining Room to more casual spots like The Tavern and Ryder Cup Lounge. Pinehurst also has one of the last scratch-resort kitchens in America, meaning that each stock, soup, cake, and pastry is made by hand daily.

One of the oldest dining rooms in Pinehurst Resort’s repertoire is Centennial at No. 8. The dining room originally was designed to celebrate Pinehurst’s 100th anniversary. Both the dining room and golf course are open daily and feature a deli-style menu for golfers on the go.

Some of the resort’s most recent accolades include the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for Carolina Dining Room, Best of Show Winner in 2007 and 2008 in Culinary Showcase, and AAA Four Diamond Award for 1895 Grille.

Accommodations

After wining, dining and playing golf, you’ll need a place to rest your head. Fortunately, Pinehurst Resort offers three-world class hotels.

The Holly, which opened in 1895, has a AAA Four Diamond rating for its 1895 Grille restaurant. The Holly was Pinehurst’s first inn and underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation in 1999 to better serve guests.

The Carolina, also known as Queen of the South, opened in 1901 and includes 230 newly renovated guest rooms and a lobby. It also features the 1,600-square-foot Presidential Suite, which spotlights local art and includes a 60-inch multimedia screen, fireplace, five-head shower, and personalized menu of amenities. The hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts a Mobil Four Star/AAA Four Diamond rating.

The Manor, which opened in 1923, is for those who prefer a casual, kick-your-feet-up experience. It includes 42 newly renovated guest rooms and the popular sports bar Hackers at Pinehurst.

For those seeking a home away from home, Pinehurst has 11 four-bedroom villas and 30 two- and three-bedroom condominiums, which feature a kitchen and secluded views of the golf course or lake.

Along with the various dining options available, the Village of Pinehurst also affords an opportunity for a quaint shopping experience.

“The Village of Pinehurst isn’t only golf — it’s also a great place to live or visit,” says Andy Wilkison, village manager. “It has shops and evening entertainment with a quiet, relaxed pace of life.” 

Malia Thornton is an editorial intern with Wake Living and Triad Living magazines.

If you go

For more information on Pinehurst Resort, call toll-free (800) 487-4653 or visit www.pinehurst.com. To learn more about the Village of Pinehurst, call (910) 295-1900 or visit www.villageofpinehurst.org.