#4
Pinehurst, NC, USA
Pinehurst Number 4 presents a strategic test carved from the sandy loam of North Carolina’s golfing heartland. Designed by Donald Ross and reimagined by Gil Hanse, it favors imagination over brute strength. The terrain, a blend of exposed sandscapes and native wiregrass, yields firm, fast conditions, demanding thoughtful club selection and an adept ground game. Longer hitters might find themselves tempted, but prudent players plotting their way around are often rewarded. Number 4 remains a respected, if less heralded, sibling to its famous neighbor. While it hasn't hosted majors, it has been a regular site for USGA amateur championships, testing the mettle of the game's future stars. The course emphasizes artistry over power, rewarding thoughtful approaches and creative shot-making more than pure distance. Beyond the golf, the social tapestry is woven as tightly as the fairways are manicured. A round at Number 4 is often accompanied by tales and quips at the clubhouse, and the club is known for its dedication to golf’s traditions. While it might not boast the championship pedigree of its sibling, Number 2, Number 4 offers a unique, thoroughly enjoyable Pinehurst experience that golfers from every corner of the world come to embrace.
#1
Pinehurst Resort & Country Club
#10
Pinehurst Resort & Country Club
#2
Pinehurst Resort & Country Club
#3
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
Public: #120
Best in USA
Public: #53
Best in NC
Public: #4
Golfers say Pinehurst No. 4 stands out as the most enjoyable course at the resort, with many preferring it to the more famous No. 2. Reviewers praise Gil Hanske's routing through the pines and along the lake, highlighting memorable holes like the 4th, 9th, 12th, and 17th, along with green complexes that feel more manageable than those on No. 2. Most find the layout ideal for match play, with playable short par-5s and varied terrain that offers more land movement than its celebrated sibling. Several note they would happily play it repeatedly, describing it as a bold reimagining of what a modern Pinehurst course can be.
8.6
613 players
This is an awesome Donald Ross course. This is a fun but difficult golf course that requires precise shot-making. The greens are very pure, and it is similar but easier than number two. The golf course doesn’t have much water, but it has some cool holes along some ponds/lakes. It also has the signature native area, which consists of sand and wire grass. Overall, this is my second-favorite course that I have played in Pinehurst, and I have not played No. 8 and No. 10.
The more fun of the “big” golf courses at the resort. Gil does a great job of traversing you through the pines and the holes along the lake are a ton of fun. Given 10 rounds at the resort I’m playing 7 here
It’s a big and bold re-imagination of what a Pinehurst course should be when the resort stated moving into the future. There are a number of exceptional holes, 4, 9, 12, and 17 come to mind.
Pinehurst #4 is probably the most enjoyable course at the Pinehurst resort (until #10 opened). The course has a great routing and a good mix of short/long holes. The green complexes are wonderful and much more manageable than #2. This is the type of course I could play every day. I wish we had some better weather the day we played.
Fond memories of nipping Cam Young here in final pairing of N&S Jr. Have not played since redo but loved it back then and heard it’s better since.
Pinehurst 4 is one of the most fun courses at the resort. A similar vibe to number 2, but a bit shorter with short par 5’s that are playable. Really fun match play course.
#4 was everything that #2 is minus the history. Awesome course.
Some really fun holes in this layout. Lots of land movement especially compared to #2.
Favourite course I’ve ever played. Could play it every day of the week.
Pinehurst No. 4 is an outstanding resort course that’s the brain child of Gil Hanse renovation of an original Donald Ross routing. Perfectly conditioned w/ excellent new greens that roll true but a bit slow. The stretch of the 13th & 14th around water is my favorite on property.
Public courses closest to #4 at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club.
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
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
#4 at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club has a Course Vaults score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 208 explicit golfer ratings.
#4 was designed by Tom Fazio, Donald Ross, Robert Trent Jones, Rees Jones, Gil Hanse, and Beau Welling.
Yes. #4 at Pinehurst Resort & Country Club is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.
Par at #4 is 72.
#4 plays 7,227 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at #4 is 140.
