Many people come to Pinehurst seeking the respite of a premier golf getaway. Others, though, actually come for work – as a guest for a conference, meeting or group outing.
But that doesn’t mean the group guest has to miss out on all the fun. Here are a few of the best activities to mix fun with business.
So, the Golf…
Let’s go ahead and get this one out of the way. Not to be TOO obvious here, but as the Cradle of American Golf, Pinehurst offers one of the best golf experiences in the world. And with nine courses, Pinehurst can accommodate any group’s number of golfers.
But while the accolades always pour in about famed Pinehurst No. 2, or Pinehurst No. 8 and the coming Gil Hanse redesign of Pinehurst No. 4, the best thing about golf at Pinehurst is YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A GOLFER TO ENJOY THE GOLF AT PINEHURST.
That may feel a little daunting, but even if you’ve never played the game before, Pinehurst has made golf even more accessible in the last year. Here, you can play our fun, winding 18-hole putting course Thistle Dhu. Or if you want to swing a club, try the new 9-hole short course, The Cradle. It’s made for fun, whether you are an avid golfer or a beginner.
Lawn Bowls at Pinehurst
Staying Green
There’s nothing like the beauty in and around Pinehurst, so it is a place to enjoy the outdoors. Even before golf came here before the dawn of the 20th century, Pinehurst emerged first as an outdoor wellness retreat with its founding in 1895.
So if golf isn’t your thing, try your hand at another of our games like croquet or lawn bowls. There is play every day on the meticulously manicured croquet and lawn bowl courts that sit adjacent to Pinehurst’s stately clubhouse. Groups are always welcome, and brief lessons are also available. Every evening, the sun sets in view of the courts, making for a most perfect way to wind down a day with your colleagues.
The charming Village of Pinehurst
Tour the Village
While most think of Pinehurst as an iconic golf destination, the Village of Pinehurst actually preceded the first golf course in Pinehurst. Founder James Walker Tufts originally envisioned The Village as a beautiful, healthful, New England-style village.
Tufts knew his guests’ needs would be varied, so he decided to build an assortment of private cottages, rooming houses and hotels. By December of 1895, Tufts had built the Holly Inn and more than 25 cottages.
By 1901, The Carolina Hotel and many other cottages had been built, along with department stores, a fire department and livery stable. Most of the main buildings of The Village are still in existence and can be toured today with historic walking tours, carriage rides or the best kind of self-guided touring – shopping!
Take Your Pick
Just take a look at this link. You WILL have fun at Pinehurst.
Donald Ross, the famed golf architect who designed No. 2 and so many other courses around the country, once said that, “Golf should be a pleasure, not a penance.” So when you visit Pinehurst, even if it’s for a work gathering, we hope Mr. Ross’s sentiment holds true.
