Pinehurst No. 7

It has been said that the "even" courses at Pinehurst are the best, but #7 is certainly worthy of consideration. The Rees Jones design opened in 1986 and was renovated in 2003. From the tips it is 7,216 yards (75.5/149 rating) and unless your game approaches tour quality, consider one of the 4 alternate tees (I should have played the "Whites").

Unlike much of Pinehurst, this is a real estate course. While the homes in no way intrude on the golf experience, they are there, set back in the pine woods lining the course.

The routing is fairly hilly and the course features a fair amount of water and many bunkers. Driving areas are reasonably generous but the pines will punish anyone who tends to spray their tee shots.

The green complexes are not as severe as the ones at big brother #2. However, they are large with significant slopes so your putter will need to be hot.

The course is located away from the main resort but the resort shuttle can get you there in less than 10 minutes.