Pinehurst No. 4
Pinehurst, NC • Public


Pinehurst Resort

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Overview
Like a football team searching for the right coach, the resort could never settle on the right identity for the No. 4 course despite a series of major alterations by different architects. It found its match when it hired Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner to carry out a full-scale blow-up and rebuild in 2018 that brought back the sweeping sand-and-pine character we identify with Pinehurst, while initiating a style of shaping in the greens and bunkers that’s confident and distinctly its own.
About
Awards



Ranking history:
Second 100 Greatest: Ranked from 2013-2014.
2023-'24 ranking: 171st.
Highest ranking: 162nd (2021-'22).
100 Greatest Public: Ranked from 2003-2016 & since 2021.
2023-'24 ranking: 28th.
Previous ranking: 32nd.
Highest ranking: Current.
Best in State: Ranked Top 10 in North Carolina since 2021; Top 15 from 2013-2014; Top 20 from 2011-2012 & 2015-2016.
Current ranking (and previously): 9th.
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
100 GREATEST/BEST IN STATE SCORES
Shot Options
Character
Challenge
Layout Variety
Fun
Aesthetics
Conditioning
Reviews
Review
“There is no way one can hope to challenge Pinehurst #2 but Gil has done a great job in complementing it. While it does have some Fazio feel to parts of it, the overall design provides a good challenge and some fun risk/reward opportunities."
Read More2024
Review
“Very enjoyable golf course. Demands placement and thinking. Good Gil Hanse design."
Read More2024
Review
“A fun Pinehurst course that is not too difficult, has some nice elevation change, nice layout, good variety and was in very good condition."
Read More2024
Review
“very crowded and slow pace of play but otherwise excellent"
Read More2023
Review
“A nice compliment to #2."
Read More2023
Review
“After a couple of reworks by Fazio and Hanse, we could call this 'Variations on Theme By Donald Ross. Some of the Ross influence remains, especially the par-3-s on and some of the very interesting par-4's the front nine. The 3's are subtle and yet also adorned by swales, bunkers, etc. Very pure. This latest iteration is consistent, challenging, and interesting due to the elevation changes, the sand, and dyslexic greens. Then, on holes 13 and 14, the course changes completely. It's like we were suddenly transported to Bay Hill in Florida. The par-5, 13th, while interesting and strategic, plays open, around a lake, with water to theft of the green. It's not bad hole, but not a particularly good one in this time or place. The par-3, 14th is a straight-away, downhill par-3 with water on the left, playing in the opposite direction. Have seen versions of this hole countless times. The course gets back on track with the par-4, 298 yard, 15th....try it from the back tees. Now it's a blind shot. A good hole for players. The course played tough for me, but not for my partner. He shot -1, hence only the 6.9. Conditioning was mostly good. First three greens ran at different paces. Nor were the bunkers consistent. One was downright awful. Overall a lovely course and and easy walk, even in mind-summer and 90+ degree heat. Sort of, anyway. Pack plenty of water. A quality golf course."
Read More2023
Review
“Hanse and Wagner’s re-imagining has brought to life a compelling, fun, and challenging golf course. The layout makes use of some of Pinehurst’s best land and pushes and pulls the player into its boldest features. Par threes are excellent and holes like the short par-five second present the player with options and choices throughout the round. As time goes on, don’t be surprised when No. 4 rivals its more prominent sibling as a favorite on the resort."
Read More2023
Review
“This Gil Hanse redesign has restored the old character of the Course and enhanced its playability. The end result is actually a venue more enjoyable and less penal than #2. The first four holes are an easy start that continue to build in strength through the last 14 holes. The classic Ross elevated greens require precise approach shots, as most of the greens are very subtle in contour. Positioning off the tee is critical. The fairways are generous, which presents many different shot options. Surprisingly, there are few penalty areas, so players of all skill level can enjoy their round. Players will appreciate the Course more if they play the tees best suited for their game. #4 is a big layout with understated challenges. One's game will be better tested from appropriate tees."
Read More2023
Review
“Challenging course with good risk reward mix. Good set of par 3s. Very natural feeling aesthetics built into the land. Variety of distances with a few short par 4s to gamble on."
Read More2022
Review
“Love the change in elevations this course offers versus Pinehurst #2. Not quite the variety of holes but every bit an equal to it "big brother." This course is likely to move up the rankings in the coming years as more people have an opportunity to play and experience this excellent course."
Read More2022
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