Public

Pine Needles Course

Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club

Southern Pines, NC, USA
dm4squared
okeefew
wesleyahart25
Hjuice
seankendall21
+469
18 holesPar 717,015 yds77.2/137

About this course

Pine Needles stands as a testament to the enduring vision of Peggy Kirk Bell, a champion who shaped the club’s welcoming spirit and championship pedigree. Nestled in the heart of North Carolina's Sandhills, the course is a classic example of Donald Ross's Golden Age design, marked by its strategic bunkering and crowned, undulating greens that demand thoughtful approach play. This is not a course of overwhelming length, but its cunning placement of hazards and the subtle breaks on the greens reward precision and strategic thinking. Ross's design has been carefully preserved and enhanced, most notably by John Fought, ensuring the course remains true to its original character while meeting the demands of the modern game. Pine Needles has been the stage for multiple U.S. Women's Opens, each adding another layer to the course's storied history. The challenge is not to overpower the course, but to navigate its nuances, rewarding thoughtful play over brute force. More than a championship venue, Pine Needles carries a distinct Southern charm, reflecting Bell's philosophy that golf should be both challenging and enjoyable. The club embraces a relaxed atmosphere where camaraderie flourishes, further cemented by the tradition of post-round gatherings on the clubhouse veranda, a setting as integral to the Pine Needles experience as the golf itself.

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.

608

Best in World

484

Best in USA

26

Best in NC

Quick facts

Location
Southern Pines, NC, USA
Access
Public
Year built
1928
Holes
18
Par
71
Length
7,015 yards
Difficulty
77.2/137
Course Vaults score
8.4

Getting there

The journey to Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club mirrors that of its storied neighbor, beginning at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDH) and unfolding over an hour-and-a-quarter drive south through the gently rolling Sandhills. Private arrivals touch down at Moore County Airport, a discreet gateway mere minutes from the property. The final miles trace quiet two-lane roads beneath cathedral canopies of longleaf pine, the landscape growing softer and more secluded until the understated entrance reveals itself - a fitting threshold to one of American golf's most cherished and intimate retreats.

FAQ

Common questions about Pine Needles

Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.

Pine Needles has a Course Vaults score of 8.4 out of 10 based on 474 logged golfers.

Pine Needles was designed by Donald Ross and John Fought.

Yes. Pine Needles is listed as welcoming public or guest play on Course Vaults.

Par at Pine Needles is 71.

Pine Needles plays 7,015 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.

The slope rating at Pine Needles is 137.

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