Pinehurst Resort, known as the Home of American Golf, is experiencing a remarkable year. In addition to hosting the U.S. Open on its historic No. 2 course for the fourth time, the resort has unveiled its latest gem, Pinehurst No. 10. Designed by renowned architect Tom Doak with the assistance of lead design associate Angela Moser, this new course is a welcome addition to the property. Spanning 265 acres and situated three miles south of the main resort campus, Pinehurst No. 10 offers a unique and captivating golf experience.
The land on which Pinehurst No. 10 sits was previously occupied by The Pit, a course that closed its doors in 2010. After years of speculation, Pinehurst Resort announced plans for a new course in early 2023. Doak and Moser incorporated various elements from the old mining pits, utilizing slopes and mounds that were remnants of the area’s mining operations. However, this new course goes beyond the mining history, embracing the natural landscape and the sandy terrain that defines Pinehurst.
The development of Pinehurst No. 10 is just the beginning of an expansive project known as Pinehurst Sandmines. This 900-acre region, which includes the new course, will feature future plans for cottages and another 18-hole golf course rumored to be designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. With Pinehurst’s reputation as a top resort destination, the addition of Pinehurst No. 10 is sure to attract golfers seeking a remarkable and unforgettable experience.
Now, let’s delve into how Pinehurst No. 10 fares according to Golfweek’s Best course-ranking criteria. Golfweek’s team of raters evaluates courses based on 10 key areas and assigns an overall ranking. Any course with a rating above 7 is considered exceptional and worth traveling for. Currently, only 31 resort courses in the U.S. have achieved this level of acclaim.
Adherence to the land and overall flow
Pinehurst No. 10 seamlessly integrates with the natural terrain, featuring 75 feet of elevation changes. The course takes golfers through pockets of trees and showcases the region’s sandy terrain. The routing makes clever use of the former mining pits, maintaining a cohesive and engaging experience.
Incorporation of design elements
Doak and Moser executed their vision with precision, creating a course that blends harmoniously with its surroundings. The fairways complement the undulating landforms, while the greens feature clever contours that enhance playability. As for the clubhouse and other facilities, their construction is yet to come, and their integration with the course remains to be seen.
Integration of built-out elements with native land
At this stage, Pinehurst No. 10’s clubhouse and other amenities are still in the planning phase. However, once complete, they will form an integral part of the Pinehurst Sandmines development. As the new course is away from the main resort campus, it will carve out its own unique identity.
Playability of greens, collars, and bunkers
The greens at Pinehurst No. 10 steal the spotlight. From flattish surfaces to greens tucked into hillsides, each one presents its own character. Internal contours add interest without overwhelming the player. Unlike Pinehurst No. 2, No. 10’s greens often offer friendly surrounds and external slopes, providing opportunities for a variety of shots. Greenside bunkers are strategically placed and rarely obstruct approach shots.
Variety and differentiation of holes
Pinehurst No. 10 offers a diverse mix of holes, ensuring a captivating round of golf. With par 3s ranging from 150 to 264 yards, there is something for every golfer. Hole No. 17, played over water to a sharply slanted green, stands out as a breathtaking challenge. The short seventh hole, featuring internal contours and a gentle slope, presents an enticing but demanding approach shot.
Range of shot requirements and hole characteristics: The fairways at Pinehurst No. 10 often allow players to choose strategic lines, presenting a multitude of options to approach the greens. However, the longer par 4s may pose a challenge to resort players. While tee shots can open up ground-game lines, these par 4s demand precision and decision-making. The shorter holes provide some relief, but the overall variety and spread of shots make for a thought-provoking round.
Risk/reward opportunities
Pinehurst No. 10 offers intriguing risk/reward scenarios. One notable example is the relatively unprotected green on the downhill 12th hole. Stronger players may be tempted to go for the green in two, but careful decision-making is required due to the absence of bunkers. Overall, the course strikes a delicate balance between challenge and playability.
Integration of flora with the design
The landscape planning at Pinehurst No. 10 is exceptional, featuring predominantly pine trees that have sprouted from the mining spoil mounds. These trees enhance the corridors without impeding play. The native waste areas and low scrub also contribute to the design, allowing ample sunlight and breezes to benefit the turf. Additionally, the course offers long vistas from various viewpoints.
Maintenance and overall quality
Although Pinehurst No. 10 is still a young course, the Bermuda turf is in excellent condition. Even on stormy days, the ground game remains playable. Instead of tall rough, the shorter cuts allow players to roll their balls into the native scrub areas, adding strategic options to every shot. The golf course features Tif Tuf Bermuda tees and fairways, along with Tif Eagle Ultradwarf Bermuda greens.
Overall experience
Pinehurst No. 10 provides a distinct ambiance compared to the resort’s other courses. Its wide, open layout gives players a sense of freedom, offering scenic views across multiple holes. The walk is generally enjoyable, with one caveat – navigating the pushcarts through thick sand can be a challenge. Whether playing with a resort caddie or carrying your own bag, take your time and savor the experience.
This evaluation is not a cumulative score, but it provides insights into the notable aspects of Pinehurst No. 10. Personally, I would return to this course without hesitation, and it would be a mistake to visit Pinehurst without experiencing it. When Golfweek’s Best releases next year’s rankings, expect Pinehurst No. 10 to soar among the top-tier public-access courses in North Carolina, the finest resort courses in the U.S., and the elite modern courses built since 1960.
Leave a Reply