Pinehurst No. 4

About Pinehurst No. 4

This Donald Ross classic from 1919 represents one of the more understated gems in the Pinehurst collection, recently brought back to life through a thoughtful restoration by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner. Unlike its famous sibling No. 2, the routing here feels more intimate and parkland-like, winding through mature pines with less of the severe contouring that defines Ross's most celebrated work. The renovation peeled back decades of modifications to reveal Ross's original strategic intentions, particularly around the greens where subtle slopes and false fronts punish poor approach shots while rewarding precise iron play. What sets No. 4 apart is its role as the most accessible championship-caliber course in the Pinehurst family. You can walk it without breaking the bank, and the conditioning rivals anything in the sandhills. The bunkering style showcases the restoration team's commitment to Ross's vision, with irregular edges and strategic placement that makes you think twice about pin hunting. It's the course I'd recommend to anyone wanting the full Pinehurst experience without the pressure and premium pricing of No. 2, offering genuine Donald Ross architecture in a more relaxed setting that still demands your best golf.

Key Facts