Pinehurst No. 7 is one of nine courses at Pinehurst Resort, a historic golf resort anchored by the main lodge – the Carolina Hotel. Designed from 1898 to 1961, the first five courses surround the main golf club. No. 2 is the most well-known course, designed by Donald Ross in 1898. A $435 greens fee at No. 2 reflects its history of hosting major championships including the US Men’s and US Women’s Open in 2014. No. 2 is tough especially the upside-down saucer greens.
However, the other eight courses are challenging but more playable and much lower priced.We played the four modern courses, No. 6, No. 7, No. 8 and No. 9, originally built from 1979-1996 in separate locations up to four miles from the Clubhouse.
Pinehurst No. 7 – The Fairwoods
Pinehurst No. 7 is a Rees Jones design that opened in 1982. Opened seven years after No. 6, they also designed it to sell real estate. The Fairwoods on Seven is a full custom-built housing community that envelops the course.
A large but simple clubhouse overlooks a modest size practice range and green. Multiple wetlands are scattered throughout Pinehurst No. 7 including the Devil’s Gut on Hole #7.
They cut branches high on the trees in first cut of rough improving the playability. But trees often interfere with approach shots. Bunkers are strategically placed and numerous.
Pinehurst No. 7 has some of the largest greens in the stable of resort courses. The terrain is the most hilly of the courses. However, careful tee shot placement and conservative approach shots to avoid green-side bunkers will allow good scores. The old saying to hit “Fairways and Greens” is good advice here.
Explore other Carolinas golf course profiles from Quintessential Golf Magazine.