The course at the Pinehurst, N.C. property is scheduled to reopen on September 20, 2018, after a restoration, directed by architect Gil Hanse, that sought to return the original landscape to the course while creating new features, slopes and green locations.
Pinehurst (N.C.) Resort & Country Club will unveil a completely reimagined No. 4 course—the work of renowned golf course architect Gil Hanse—on September 20
Hanse’s design of No. 4 is being promoted by the resort as “a brand new and bold expression of pure, timeless Carolinas Sandhills golf [that is] visually stunning from tee to green.”
“Exposed sand areas, vast cross bunkers and native wire grass meld with the site’s rolling topography and natural ridge lines to create dramatic vistas and strategic options on every hole,” according to the resort’s description of the project.
Hanse, architect of the 2016 Olympic Course in Rio de Janeiro, described the goals of the restoration as “[returning] the original landscape to the course, and from there, we then created the features, slopes and green locations,”
“We believe golfers are going to appreciate how No. 4 fits into the Pinehurst lineup and elevates the entire golf experience,” Hanse added.
The resort is touting the par-5 9th hole as “a shining example of how No. 4 has been reinvented through Hanse’s vision and touch.” On that hole, according to the resort, more than 25 pot bunkers are being replaced with sprawling, sandy native areas, and a massive cross bunker spans the width of the fairway, connecting with nearby holes and tying together the natural landforms.
Green complexes throughout the course have been lowered to fit the landscape, and are complemented by Hanse’s unique bunker designs, according to Pinehurst.
“Among Pinehurst’s nine golf courses, No. 4 has always held a special place in the resort’s history,” says Bob Dedman, Jr., in speaking for the Dedman family, the owners of the resort. “We entrusted Gil and his team to interpret and execute the vision of making No. 4 more natural and authentic to the Sandhills of North Carolina.”
The United States Golf Association has already named No. 4, along with No. 2, as co-hosts for the 2019 U.S. Amateur Championship. It marks the third time the prestigious event will be played at Pinehurst and the first since 2008. Stroke play will be contested on both courses, with the match-play championship held on No. 2.
Hanse says that tournament will represent the type of symbiotic relationship that should exist between the two Pinehurst courses.
“No. 4 is a companion in the landscape, but it is not a tribute to No. 2 in the features,” Hanse says. “The greens are different, the approaches are different and we wanted to take advantage of the landforms, which are much more dramatic than those on No. 2.”
The reimagination of No. 4 is the latest in a series of bold moves for one of the world’s most iconic golf destinations. The restoration of No. 2, acquisition of No. 9, the opening of The Cradle and an expansion of the 18-hole putting course Thistle Dhu are complete, as are restorative enhancements to Pinehurst No. 3. The Pinehurst Brewing Company will open this fall, located in the village’s historic steam plant.
“There’s never been a more exciting time to visit Pinehurst,” said Tom Pashley, President of Pinehurst Resort. “All of the recent changes and enhancements have resulted in a new energy level and fun factor that’s contagious.”
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