Courtesy of Pinehurst Resort
The Cradle at Pinehurst Resort
The Cradle at Pinehurst Resort
80 Carolina Vista Dr
Pinehurst, NC 28374
United States
Telephone
Overview
You wouldn’t want to skip any of these other courses just to play the Cradle, mainly because you shouldn’t have to—you can fit it in at twilight or between resort rounds (though that can be a challenge based on high demand). But it’s hard to beat the little one-shot, nine-hole course on the fun-per-minute meter. Located just off the Pinehurst clubhouse, it’s a golf and social scene as all-age groups play with a handful of clubs across of field of wild tees and greens as music is pumped in through speakers. The new halfway house (Cradle Crossing) opened in 2021, adding even more to the attraction.
About
Panelists
Ratings from our panel of 1,900 course-ranking panelists
Reviews
Review
“So much fun!"
Read More2026
Review
“Just a fun diversion from the challenge of playing the Pinehurst resort courses. Offers a variety of short iron shots of no longer than 110 yards and can be played in under an hour, but offers a lot of the runoff and bunker characteristics of the Ross design philosophy. Greens are challenging but fair, with a large number of pin locations and the resort does a nice job of mixing up the difficult with the accessible. Bunkers play a key role in protecting a number of the pins, and challenges the better player to determine what kind of approach he/she want to use to set up a birdie opportunity. High on the enjoyment scale, and worth a cocktail try."
Read More2025
Review
“Too much fun. A little bit slow but what a great way to spend some time. A MUST play."
Read More2025
Review
“This a fun short course that anyone can play. It gives you the taste of the Pinehurst greens in a way that is still fun for all skill levels."
Read More2025
Review
“Highly dissatisfied. Hitting mats are poorly managed, the fairways very scrappy rough patchy greens extremely bumpy and in rough shape. Pin locations fun but I guess you’re not coming to this for conditions. Between Citrus Farms, Streamsong etc this Par 3 doesn’t compare"
Read More2025
Review
“Fun track - interesting routing - not a huge fan of the artificial grass on the tees"
Read More2024
Review
“Unique short course experience. Fun for all ages and abilities. Perfect complement to the Pinehurst Resort."
Read More2024
Review
“Super fun pitch and putt course surrounded by all the other "big boy" courses of Pinehurst. Great way to bring a new golfer on to the scene with out being intemidated by the golf course. Plays fast. Conditions were rough but might be due to high volume of play. Very enjoyable overall."
Read More2024
Review
“A great little short course that must be played while on property. A very fun, social setting that provides a relaxing experience. Add some drinks from the trailer and some laughs, and it will add to great memories."
Read More2022
Review
“Fun little 9 holer that is great to play before or after a round at one of the 18 hole courses."
Read More2022
