NC golf spot is among the best, USA Today says (with more to do than just golf)
A North Carolina region was recently recognized for having some of the best golf courses in the country.
The Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Aberdeen area landed at No. 8 on USA Today’s 10 best destinations in the U.S. for a golf getaway list.
The area is often referred to as the “Home of American Golf,” and includes the legendary Pinehurst No. 2, the site of the 2024 U.S. Open, according to USA Today. Visitors can also enjoy small-town hospitality, local dining and spa experiences during their stays.
But Pinehurst No. 2 is also renowned for its difficulty, particularly around the greens.
“This golf course is going to test every single aspect of your game, especially mentally, and just the mental discipline that it takes to play this particular golf course,” Tiger Woods said ahead of the 2024 U.S. Open. “It’s going to take a lot. We’ve been working on that and making sure that I understand the game plan.”
The USA Today ranking comes just a couple of weeks after the North Carolina Golf Panel ranked Pinehurst No. 2 as the best golf course in the state. The course was also rated 29th in the nation by Golf Digest and 18th by Golfweek last year, The Charlotte Observer reported.
Best golf course restaurants in NC
Two iconic restaurants at Pinehurst Resort, Carolina Dining Room and The Duece, also came in at No. 9 and No. 10, respectively, on USA Today’s 10 best golf course dining restaurants for food and views list.
“The Carolina Dining Room, situated within The Carolina Hotel at Pinehurst Resort, offers a refined dining experience that blends tradition with luxury,” USA Today says. “Its menu highlights local ingredients with a contemporary culinary flair.”
“Overlooking the historic 18th hole of Pinehurst No. 2, this well-known establishment is often referred to as the ‘19th hole,’” USA Today said about The Duece. “It blends Pinehurst’s golf heritage with a menu that includes everything from burgers to a prime rib dinner.”
Pinehurst has also been recognized by other state and national outlets for iconic golf courses and luxury amenities.
What to do in Pinehurst (besides golf)
Pinehurst Resort also came in at No. 14 in Travel + Leisure’s Reader’s 15 Favorite Resorts in the South ranking.
The resort is home to four historic hotels: The Carolina Hotel, The Holly Inn, The Magnolia Inn and the Manor, with many things to do and enjoy from a coffee house and retail outlet to pools and bars.
There’s also a spa on site, a craft brewery nearby and lots of shopping in the Village.
For more things to do in the area, check out pinehurst.com/activities.
Pinehurst among best places to retire
Last year, personal finance site GOBankingRates ranked Pinehurst at No. 6 in its 10 best places to retire if you have no savings list.
The village was recognized for its significant portion of residents over the age of 65 (40.2%) and lack of taxes on Social Security benefits.
How many golf courses are in Pinehurst?
There are nearly 40 golf courses in the Pinehurst area, according to the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB).
You can find a full list of golf courses in the area at homeofgolf.com/golf.
Pinehurst Resort costs
The cost to stay at the resort varies.
As of Monday, April 14, the cost to stay one night at Pinehurst Resort was $774 through Sunday, June 15. After June 15, the price per night drops to $643 through Monday, Sept. 1.
To learn more about the resort, visit pinehurst.com.
This story was originally published April 14, 2025 at 12:45 PM with the headline "NC golf spot is among the best, USA Today says (with more to do than just golf)."
