My First Impression: You Don't Have to Golf to Feel Pinehurst As someone who is getting her first look here, I've found that Pinehurst Resort is a place for everyone 

By Lariel Green

“Do you golf?” 

That’s the question I expected everyone to ask me the moment I arrived at Pinehurst. 

Honest answer? Not really, but I will learn soon.  

I’m a recent graduate from Florida A&M University, where l earned my degree in public relations. I was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. I grew up playing basketball and competing for state titles in long and triple jump. The most golf I’ve ever played was a round of mini golf and two humbling trips to Top Golf.  

I showed up to one of the most historic golf destinations in the world with no golf game but a whole lot of excitement to intern and a sports lover’s curiosity to match. 

I knew I was headed to The Cradle of American Golf. But I’ll be honest, I wasn’t totally sure what that meant yet. I thought it would be this stuffy place where if you didn’t golf, there wasn’t much for you. 

I was wrong about that.   

On my first day here in June, I pulled through the roundabout and parked. 

Before I even reached the front door, something stopped me. 

Croquet. 

A group of people on the lawn, mallets swinging, the knock of wood hitting a ball. I didn’t expect that. I don’t think anyone does. 

Behind them, guests were pulling up to bag drop. Trunks popping open, golf bags sliding out, the clink of clubs shifting against each other. Everyone moved with purpose as they headed to their tee times.

Walking through the doors of the main clubhouse for the first time, something shifted. The hallway slows you down whether you mean to stop or not. Black and white photographs. Moments from championships I couldn’t name, but could feel. 

Trophies from the U.S. Open, Ryder Cup, PGA Championship and so much more. I couldn’t name every moment on those plaques, but I knew how important they were. 

Two cut shirt sleeves that were Payne Stewart’s. 

Around me, guests moved slowly through the hall. Families gathered for photos, taking time to enjoy the experience together. 

There are interactive timelines along the way walking you through the history of Pinehurst decade by decade. I pressed play and suddenly I wasn’t just standing in a hallway. 

I was getting a history lesson I didn’t know I needed. 

Standing there in the Carolina heat, surrounded by all of it I understood why people drive hundreds of miles just to be here. 

Nothing prepares you for the first time you actually see it. 

The courses stretched out further than I could have imagined. Perfectly cut. Beautiful green grass.  

My first thought wasn’t about golf. 

It was, “How does someone even design this?” 

Every fairway, curve and bunker is placed exactly where it belongs.  

Just a short walk from the Resort, you’ll find yourself stepping into the Village of Pinehurst. 

Brick buildings line the street as the smell of food pulls you in before you even stop to see a menu. People outside enjoying bites to eat, the clink of silverware, conversations flowing. 

Wandering in and out of shops along the way, the kind of wandering you do when you have nothing but time because there’s so much to explore. 

Twice a week the farmers market sets up along the street. Fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, homemade body care. Great finds you didn’t know you were looking for until they’re right in front of you. 

At night the whole village shifts. Music finds its way down the street, patios fill up, and the people who spent all day on the course or working find a reason to stay out just a little longer. 

The Village has a way of doing that to you. 

I had no idea what to expect when I came to Pinehurst Resort.  

And I’m still finding new corners of this place I didn’t know existed.