Nestled in the heart of Southern Pines, North Carolina, Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club offers an unforgettable round through the sand hills of North Carolina. Pine Needles, along with its sibling golf course Mid-Pines (photo tour here), should be top among your must-see courses when in the area, even considering Pinehurst Resort.
Championship Golf in the Sandhills of North Carolina
Pine Needles is home to one of Donald Ross’ most iconic layouts. The course has hosted four U.S. Women’s Open Championships, including the 2022 playing. Its classic layout, rolling fairways, and strategic bunkering provide a true test for golfers of all skill levels.
Course Highlights
- Designer: Donald Ross (restored by Kyle Franz)
- Par: 71
- Yardage: Up to 7,015 yards from championship tees
- Notable Tournaments: U.S. Women’s Open (1996, 2001, 2007, 2022)
When I visited, the course conditions were fantastic, playing fast and firm, accentuating the topography Donald Ross so eloquently routed the golf course over. Originally designed in 1927, Pine Needles showcases everything Ross is famous for: flowing fairways, subtle elevation changes, and well-guarded, undulating greens that demand precision. In recent years, renowned architect Kyle Franz led a careful restoration of the course to bring Ross’s original vision back to life. The work included tree removal for improved sight lines, restored native sandscapes, and bunker renovations that enhance both aesthetics and playability.
Golfers can also experience a rare thrill here, teeing it up on a course where legends have competed. Walking the fairways at Pine Needles will have you walking in the footsteps of some of golfs all-time best golfers like Annika Sorenstam and Karrie Webb. You can’t help but feel the history and prestige that Pine Needles carries. But what makes the course even more special is how accessible it is. Unlike many tour venues, Pine Needles is open to the public—giving golfers the chance to play a true championship course in a special setting.
My Final Thoughts: Why Pine Needles Stands Out
From its Ross layout to its rich tournament history, Pine Needles is a great example of classic golf at its finest. It’s rare to walk in the footsteps of golfs greatest players while at the same time being able to experience a unique example of one of golfs greatest golf course architects. In an area surrounded with infinite golf options, Pine Needles stands out as a must-play.
