The Top 100 Newest GOLF Courses in the US ranking includes 11 newcomers, which we’ll introduce you to here. Meet Pinehurst no. 10 in North Carolina.
Billy Richards/Pinehurst Resort
GOLF recently released its latest rankings of Top 100 Courses in USA (2024-2525)a list that includes 11 arrivals. Some of them you may recognize. Others you may not. Here, in the spotlight for newcomers, we’ll introduce you to these 100 best beginner gems.
Newcomers spotlight: Pinehurst no. 10 / Rank: 88
Location: Aberdeen, NC
Business: Resort
YEAR OPEN: 2024
Architect: Tom Doak
What you need to know about Pinehurst No. 10
Give a talented architect a patch of sandy soil and place few constraints on him or her, and it’s amazing what can be produced. Donald Ross did it with a flourish at this resort, and this time, it was Tom Doak’s turn – and he was rewarded by not having to make an allowance for where the houses might go or the back nine. The result is a meandering tour that enjoys its own pace. The first eight holes feature three par-4s — the driveable 4th, the thick-footed 6th and the intermediate-length 8th that plays on old mine spoils — that highlight the property’s diversity. Meanwhile, the run from the bruising uphill 468-yard 9th to the 264-yard 14th is one of Doak’s toughest stretches. Natural wetlands appear on two of the last four holes. This variety of obstacles ultimately makes Number 10 an immediate force among the resort’s offerings.
What our reviewers say
“Pinehurst No. The 10 highlights the best aspects of what a sand-based design should be – thoughtful play and positioning over power. The back-and-forth sloping green on the opening hole sets you up for something unique. The drivable third beckons bold and often silly gameplay. The 8th fairway looks like the ocean during a hurricane with highlights, but a reward for hitting the dune on the right. The back nine is loaded with semi-par holes where well-conceived and executed shots will be handsomely rewarded. The tee-to-green design is the perfect balance with the design of Pinehurst no. 2.”
“No. 10 is on very special ground and Tom Doak is a master of nature, subtlety and content. The par-3 second hole is perhaps the most striking and memorable one-shot in the entire Pinehurst collection. Great variety in hole length and movement. The greens grab and hold your attention and there’s even a rare super deceptive runaway green on the first par-5 around the turn that really gets you talking to yourself (in a good way!). It’s a tough but invigorating ride.”
