Pinehurst Resort No. 7

No. 7 is the Pinehurst contribution of another famous golf design family—in this case, the Jones’. Rees Jones – son of Robert Trent and brother of Robert Trent, Jr. – built No. 7 in 1986, on the site of a forgotten nine-hole employee course that was laid out by Donald Ross.

Jones is known for his challenging tracks, and he didn’t skimp here. With No. 7, he created one of Pinehurst’s longest tracks at 7,216 yards (only No. 2 from the U.S. Open tees plays longer). The layout unfolds over dramatic, hilly terrain that’s dotted with wetlands in lower-lying areas. Elevated tees let you register the challenges that wait; elevated greens demand approaches struck with authority.

No. 7 has many colorful flourishes. Old bunkers from the employee course that Jones uncovered during initial routing adorn the tee of the par-4 4th hole; one wetlands area, the “Devil’s Gut,” must be cleared on your approach to the short par-4 7th hole, and Jones’ trademark “Fingers” bunker demands accuracy on 16.

Every hole on No. 7 features something to test your game, and the last four holes make for a finish as strong as you’ll find anywhere. Just ask Tiger Woods, who won his lone Pinehurst title to date here in the 1992 Big I Junior Classic.