#1
Pinehurst, NC, USA

Pinehurst No. 1, the quiet elder statesman of Pinehurst Resort, is where the legend began. This course, meandering through the sandy soil and towering pines of the North Carolina Sandhills, bears the indelible mark of its architect, Donald Ross. It favors strategic play over brute force. While not as celebrated as its more notorious sibling, No. 2, No. 1 presents a deceptively challenging parkland experience. Ross's signature crowned greens and cleverly placed bunkers subtly punish wayward approaches. The layout demands thoughtful club selection and precise positioning for those seeking to score well. It plays shorter and rewards accuracy versus bomber play. A favored haunt of the club's most tenured members, No. 1 embodies the understated elegance and rich history of Pinehurst. It reflects the club's original intent, to provide a welcoming and challenging experience for all golfers, regardless of skill level. For those seeking a more casual round or a taste of classic course design, No. 1 offers a perfectly balanced and memorable golfing experience.

#10
Pinehurst Resort & Country Club

#2
Pinehurst Resort & Country Club

#3
Pinehurst Resort & Country Club

#4
Pinehurst Resort & Country Club

#5
Pinehurst Resort & Country Club

#6
Pinehurst Resort & Country Club

#7
Pinehurst Resort & Country Club

#8
Pinehurst Resort & Country Club

#9
Pinehurst Resort & Country Club

The Cradle
Pinehurst Resort & Country Club
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Public column compares courses anyone can play.
Best in World
Unranked
Best in USA
Unranked
Best in NC
Public: #30
7.6
143 players
I think that #1 is a really fun course. I think it is better than 5, 6, and 9. It was the first course built at Pinehurst and had plenty of cool holes. My Dad also had a hole in one on the ninth hole, which was awesome. There is a horse track on the third or fourth hole which is cool too.
Walkable and fun. Played it nearly everyday as a caddie. Some great holes. Not long or too difficult
Great course, great environment. Perfect way to dip your toes in Pinehurst.
Shorter course, easiest course at the resort. Lots of birdie opportunities.
Good course but needs a facelift. Greens are too grainy and slow. A fun walk and some interesting holes, particularly on the front 9.
Public courses closest to #1 at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club.
The journey to Pinehurst Resort & Country Club typically begins at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), followed by a scenic, hour-and-a-quarter drive south into the quiet heart of the North Carolina Sandhills. For those arriving private, Moore County Airport offers a seamless touchdown just minutes from the resort grounds. The final approach gently trades modern highways for winding roads lined with towering longleaf pines, culminating at the historic white-columned facade of the Carolina Hotel - a fittingly grand prelude to the Cradle of American Golf.

FAQ
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
#1 at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club has a Course Vaults score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 56 explicit golfer ratings.
#1 was designed by Donald Ross.
Yes. #1 at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at #1 is 70.
#1 plays 6,089 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at #1 is 126.