
#3
Pinehurst Resort & Country Club


About this course
Pinehurst No. 3 is a testament to the enduring power of subtly challenging, classically-minded golf in the heart of North Carolina. Carved through the resort's signature rolling Sandhills terrain, this shorter course, reflective of the early Golden Age, presents a strategic examination rather than a brute test of length. It plays as a shot-makers course more than a bomber's paradise, requiring players to navigate tight doglegs, strategically placed bunkers, and subtly contoured greens. Designed by Donald Ross, Pinehurst No. 3 stands as a reminder of his mastery of shaping nuanced playing surfaces, using natural landforms to create both visual appeal and strategic complexity. While it may not command the spotlight like its more celebrated sibling, No. 2, No. 3 has long been favored by those who appreciate the game's intellectual side. For generations, the course has quietly cultivated a loyal following among Pinehurst members and guests. Many believe the course is a microcosm of the entire resort. Its charm is as much in its playability as it is in the lore whispered among those who’ve walked its fairways countless times – stories of improbable shots, friendly wagers, and the simple joy of camaraderie on a classic course. The informal atmosphere extends to the clubhouse, where tales are spun over post-round refreshments. No. 3 perhaps best embodies the spirit of Pinehurst: unpretentious, deeply rooted in tradition, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Rankings
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
Best in USA
Best in NC
Quick facts
- Location
- Pinehurst, NC, USA
- Access
- Public
- Year built
- 1910
- Holes
- 18
- Designer
- Donald Ross
- Par
- 68
- Length
- 5,155 yards
- Difficulty
- 70/117
- Course Vaults score
- 7.9
Getting there
The journey to Pinehurst Resort & Country Club typically begins at Raleigh-Durham International (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
Common questions about #3 at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
#3 at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club has a Course Vaults score of 7.9 out of 10 based on 311 logged golfers.
#3 was designed by Donald Ross.
Yes. #3 at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at #3 is 68.
#3 plays 5,155 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at #3 is 117.






