By Shaurya Singh
Although Golf originated in Scotland ,it is largely due to America that it has truly become a mass sport. With over fifteen thousand courses and easy public access Golf has become enshrined in the American way of life.
Located in Moore County, North Carolina is Pinehurst; a beautiful small town which has some of the most beautiful Golf courses in the country and is also home to the prestigious US Open Golf Championship.
Moore County- A Golfing paradise
An abundance of golf courses, beautiful townships, well connected roads, major championship legacy and friendly people all come together to make Golf in Moore County a truly memorable experience.
Together Pinehurst, Aberdeen and Southern Pines have more than forty golf courses between them. Apart from some breathtaking golf courses, the county also plays home to one of the most famous courses in the world- Pinehurst number 2; located in Pinehurst, this Donald Ross gem needs no introduction, and with its makeover last year it has surely redefined parkland Golf and is a must for anyone visiting the state.
To get a taste of the golf at Pinehurst, I decided to test my mettle at Tom Fazio’s finest- Pinehurst number 8.
My experience at Pinehurst # 8
Eight, as it is fondly called was built in the year 1996 to celebrate Pinehurst’s first hundred years and has truly been a worthy addition. Embodying the spirit of Pinehurst, it is every bit as interesting as number two while maintaining similar character.
The expansive fairways make for inviting targets and errant shots are greeted by pine needles which line the fairways (hitting from the rough makes one feel as if playing in Augusta National). Putting on the greens was an experience in itself – two putts often turn into three on the lightning quick and devilishly sloped surfaces.
Tip for playing this course– Keeping the ball short of the greens is smart play, as the sloping nature makes it tough to get up and down from behind the greens and the steep bunkers are best avoided.
Experiencing Tournament Golf
In the month of August Pinehurst played host to the US Kids World Championship, an event that was contested across ten different golf courses by over 1500 participants from over fifty countries. The championship concluded with a Ryder Cup style face off between the American winners and their International counterparts.
The star of the event was undoubtedly Allan Kournikova; the younger sibling of the very talented Anna Kournikova. The ten year old produced a performance that belied his age -he shot a three day total of eighteen under par, winning by a massive margin of nine shots.
The Indian contingent also produced some good golf; the highlights were and Khusi Hooda’s (sponsored by ultimate Golf) fifth place finish in the girls ten years category, Shubham Jaglan’s sixth place finish in the boys ten years category and Avani Prashanth’s fourth place finish in the eight years category.
An ideal destination for a golf holiday
In addition to golf there are other activities that can be enjoyed, such as watersports at nearby Fort Bragg as well as Horseback Riding. The local cuisine can be enjoyed at the multitude of restaurants, eateries and pubs in the town. Visit the village shops at Pinehurst to soak in the southern charm and friendly nature of the local people.
The unofficial moniker “The home of American Golf” is definitely apt, with breathtaking Golf courses at every turn, Pinehurst will be an experience like none other, and if the round does not go your way you can find succour at the nineteenth hole. So without further ado pack your bags and head for this Mecca, for a pilgrimage like no other!
