Most golf course architectural aficionados are no doubt aware and may have already made the pilgrimage to play the recently restored a 1906 Donald Ross classic in Southern Pines, NC. The course was acquired in 2020 by the owners of Pine Needles/Mid-PInes who promptly commissioned a reawakening of the golf course. It has been faithfully restored by Kyle Franz to Ross’s original intentions, a contemporary so to speak of Pinehurst No. 2 designed in 1907.

As with No.2, Southern Pines featured crowned greens most with false fronts providing a myriad of undulations, and depending on the speed can be mind boggling. The holes were widened, trees removed, the greens surrounds tightly mowed, sand bunkers restored, and the waste areas redefined. The routing moves over undulating, varying terrain providing a host of lies and and angles. It features the “lost hole” and concept that disappeared over he years from Ross’s original design. It was added by Franz as a 140 yard, par 3 bonus holes showcasing a sand green, a look back to golf before the advent of Bermuda greens.

There’s five sets of tees from 4,015 yards to 6,354 yards with the Gold, middle tees playing to 5,724 yards, 67.4/121, course/slope ratings, par of 70. The course reopened to rave reviews in 2021, but spent the year growing in and finalizing some punch list items, but should be ready for the 2022 season.

Many come to Pinehurst to enjoy the Pinehurst Resort and its 9 golf courses, featuring Nos. 2,4,& 8, the five star accommodations, and the restaurants, but there are alternatives like a week playing Tobacco Road, Mid-PInes, Pine Needles, and now Southern Pines. And, if you’re traveling throughout the Tarheel state, use our guide and map to find the best golf courses and resorts to play.