By Alex Podlogar

One might think that the year after hosting a U.S. Open – especially a U.S. Open that was decided by one of the game’s greatest clutch moments – would be something of a letdown.

And at some places, that’s probably correct.

Not at Pinehurst.

At Pinehurst, a year after celebrating a historic championship decided on the 72nd hole feels more like another opportunity to look ahead, to gain momentum, to keep the foot clad in a golf shoe pressed firmly on the gas.

 

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There is no denying that 2024 was a banner year for Pinehurst. Not only did Bryson DeChambeau triumph in thrilling fashion, but two months before that moment Pinehurst debuted its first original golf course in three decades with the unveiling of Tom Doak’s masterful Pinehurst No. 10. Before the year was out, No. 10 was named by not one, but two national publications as the “Best New Course in 2024.”

To be fair, it’s hard to top that kind of year.

Looking back on 2025, Pinehurst sure gave it a shot.

2025 marks a year in which Pinehurst continued to position itself as a destination unlike any other in golf, one that aims to deliver the best experience possible for every golfer and every guest. It is the year that Pinehurst truly elevated what it means to have a beautiful day in Pinehurst – and not just on the golf course.

The Cottages at Pinehurst No. 8.
The Cottages at Pinehurst No. 8.

As 2025 dawned, renovations to completely refresh the storied Carolina Hotel were complete, setting the stage for Pinehurst to reveal its first luxury accommodations with golf course views – The Cottages at No. 8. The nine Cottages were filled with guests throughout 2025, including the stunning Centennial Cottage, a 14,000-square-foot experience unlike any in Pinehurst’s history.

While No. 10 matured, so did the Pinehurst Sandmines footprint around it. Giving a glimpse to what the site will ultimately become by 2027, Sandmines opened its beautiful golf shop and clubhouse, and at the same time, invited locals and guests alike to dine at Station 21, which has proven to feature one of the most popular menus at not just the Resort, but in the surrounding area as well.

And of course, in April Pinehurst officially announced the worst kept secret in golf – that Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw have started building Pinehurst 11.

Pinehurst No. 11 continues to take shape.
Pinehurst No. 11 continues to take shape.

There were other moments. A day after playing in the final pairing with Rory McIlroy at The Masters, DeChambeau returned to Pinehurst No. 2 to have a plaque dedicated to his miraculous bunker shot. DeChambeau even tried the shot again – three times, actually – as a 2,000-strong throng of onlookers just conveniently showed up to watch. Proving that the 2024 moment was indeed special, DeChambeau’s recreations didn’t threaten the cup. Still, the knowing gallery graciously applauded and approved, recognizing that moments in time are meant to be celebrated and memorialized. It was a reminder that few citizenries are as respectful of the game as those who inhabit this village in the Sandhills of North Carolina.

On his way to a monumental upset of teenage phenom Tyler Watts, Carlos Astiazaran interrupted a wedding on the first tee of Pinehurst No. 2 – and the 19th hole of their astounding championship match of the North & South Amateur. Mackenzie Lee cooly, calmly, comfortably and triumphantly won the Women’s North & South, etching her name in the Pinehurst annals alongside other SMU greats like Payne Stewart and DeChambeau. Along the way, we met Pinky.

The Return of Bryson DeChambeau.
The Return of Bryson DeChambeau.

When things went wrong – the greens of Pinehurst No. 4 struggled in 2025 – Pinehurst made extraordinary overtures to fix them. In the fall, Pinehurst and Titleist collaborated to open a state-of-the-art and completely unique Titleist Shop at Padgett Center. “It’s the Apple Store of golf,” an exultant attendee said while walking around inside.

But in and around each of those big moments were the little ones. A toddler’s putt on Thistle Dhu. A chorus of exuberance echoing from an ace on The Cradle, the camaraderie of the Cradle Solstice and the cheery attitudes of players, volunteers and families during the U.S. Kids World Golf parade through the Village. A walk with a caddie, with a son, with a daughter, with a father, with a mother, with a grandparent, with a best friend, with a new friend.

Memorable moments come in all shapes and sizes, and in all seasons, in all years. A U.S. Open or a course opening don’t have to be on the calendar to make a day beautiful in Pinehurst.

Just step onto the grounds, look around and let it soak in.

Pinehurst will reveal itself to you. Year after year after year.