Overview
Cut from a nature preserve about a mile north of the resort, Pinehurst No. 8 is one of Tom Fazio's most versatile designs, as each hole plays differently from the previous. The front nine is mostly tree-lined, the back more open, with both touching ponds, marsh and Pine Valley-like sandy wastelands. For putting surfaces, Fazio built crowned greens with greenside swales, intended as a salute to Donald Ross and Pinehurst No. 2. No. 8 is also the most secluded of the resort's nine courses (for now--Tom Doak's Pinehurst No. 10 is due to open in 2024), which no homes or development touching it. Fazio retrurned in late 2022 to touch up elements of the course that needed burnishing, and the course plays as fast and firm as its older brethren.
About
Awards
Second 100 Greatest: Ranked from 2013-2014. Highest Ranking: 184th, 2013-2014.
100 Greatest Public: Ranked since 2003.
Highest Ranking: 44th, 2005-2006.
Previous ranking: 76th.
Current Ranking: 100th.
Best in State: Ranked Top 5 in North Carolina in 1997; Top 10 from 1999-2005; Top 15 in 2007; Top 20 in 2009, 2013-2014, & 2017-2020; Top 25 from 2011-2012, 2015-2016, & 2021-2022.
Current Ranking: 26th.
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
“Tom Fazio delivered an awesome golf course design to Pinehurst; one I would be happy to play every day. With risk-reward holes sprinkled throughout the property, like on #12 and #14, the player is constantly needing to evaluate their approach and their appetite for danger. I found this approach to be great fun. The par 3s at #8 all ran in different directions and different lengths. I also appreciated that across 18 holes, there was an almost even split between holes running left, right or straight, and similarly, up, down, flat or a mix. Great use of the topography in crafting a diverse layout."
Read More2024
Review
“Tom Fazio delivered an awesome golf course design to Pinehurst; one I would be happy to play every day. With risk-reward holes sprinkled throughout the property, like on #12 and #14, the player is constantly needing to evaluate their approach and their appetite for danger. I found this approach to be great fun. The par 3s at #8 all ran in different directions and different lengths. I also appreciated that across 18 holes, there was an almost even split between holes running left, right or straight, and similarly, up, down, flat or a mix. Great use of the topography in crafting a diverse layout. the course was in stellar condition with tee balls running forever and the greens accepting well-struck shots. The only surprise was the lack of run from the fairway onto the greens. I expected several of my shots to scamper onto the green. But they were caught up in the moist conditions running up to the green."
Read More2024
Review
“Solid Tom Fazio design. Complete golf course. Holds its own as a unique offering in a crowded local field in Pinehurst. A clear focus for the resort given recent/ongoing investments. If you want a time capsule of 1995 Fazio golf, the course and clubhouse are a perfect exhibit."
Read More2024
Review
“If you can’t get to #2 get to #8. A must play if on the property."
Read More2024
Review
“If you can’t get to #2 get to #8. An easy first hole the lulls you into a false sense of hope this is an easy course. Not a ton of risk/reward, but where you find it will be a challenge. A must play if on the property."
Read More2024
Review
“The Fazio designed, Pinehurst #8, offers the novice and scratch player an excellent golfing experience. Generous fairways lead to large sloping greens that can challenge the novice player approaching along the ground or the scratch player approaching through the air. The course is maintained in excellent condition through the green and is a must play when visiting the Pinehurst area."
Read More2024
Review
“This golf course is a lot of fun to play. Beautiful views with water and tree line holes then changes to wide open holes. A welcoming design for all levels of play and strongly recommend you add this to your Pinehurst rotation of golf courses."
Read More2024
Review
“Yet another gem at the Pinehurst resort. If you did not check, you might not realize it is a Fazio design, since it fits well with the rest of the Pinehurst courses - though I guess 4 was a Fazio for a while:) I feel like this course used to get a lot more publicity, being the host for the stroke play portion of the North-South Am for several years. Of the courses I have played at Pinehurst (2, 4, 7, 8), I would say this is my second favorite, behind No. 2 - not shockingly. I did play number 4 prior to the recent renovation, though."
Read More2023
Review
“The redo makes this possibly the best course Pinehurst has for challenge and playability. It is a great setting for a course. Golf Pride has its research and development at Course 8s entrance. I highly recommend 8."
Read More2023
Review
“A high quality alternative to No 2 and No 4. Definitely worth playing, has the Pinehurst feel and challenge."
Read More2023
Readers
Collection of reviews from our readers
There are no readers reviews yet. Be the first to write a review.