Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club

Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club was designed by Donald Ross and opened in 1928 in Southern Pines, North Carolina. Ross routed the course through towering longleaf pines on gently rolling terrain, creating one of his most celebrated designs. The lodge and course were developed as a golf retreat and have maintained that intimate character for nearly a century.

Pine Needles is the first golf resort to host four U.S. Women's Opens (1996, 2001, 2007, and 2022), cementing its place among the most important championship venues in American golf. The late Peggy Kirk Bell, a pioneering figure in women's golf, owned and operated the resort for decades and her family continues the tradition.

A comprehensive restoration by Kyle Franz returned the course to Ross's original design intent, removing trees that had encroached on playing corridors and restoring the sandy, open character Ross intended. The result is a pure, walkable Donald Ross experience that ranks among the finest resort courses in the Southeast.

Pine Needles is the quintessential Donald Ross experience -- a walkable, strategic course through longleaf pines with crowned greens, thoughtful bunkering, and timeless character. At 7,015 yards from the medal tees, it tests length, but the genius is in the green complexes that demand precise iron play from every skill level.

The lodge atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a focus on the golf experience. The recent restoration has returned the course to its original sandy, open character, enhancing both the playing experience and visual beauty.

The crowned greens are Pine Needles' primary defense. Approach shots that miss the center will roll off the edges into collection areas or bunkers. Aim for the center of each green rather than firing at pins, especially on first visit.

Walking is the best way to experience Pine Needles. The gently rolling terrain is very manageable on foot. The short par 4s on the 8th and 11th holes offer birdie chances for those who play smart.