The History of Pinehurst

In 1895 Boston philanthropist James Walker Tufts purchased over 5,000 acres of land with a vision of creating a health retreat within a New England style village with a moderate climate.

To design his village, Tufts hired Frederick Law Olmsted, designer of Central Park in New York City. By the first year, Tufts had directed the completion of more than 20 cottages and the Holly Inn. The Carolina Hotel was constructed at the turn of the century and opened in 1901.

To provide entertainment for the residents, Tufts established lawn bowling, croquet, tennis, and in 1916 Annie Oakley opened the gun club.

The first golf course and clubhouse were built in 1897.  In the early 1900's Tufts hired Donald J. Ross, a young, unknown Scottish golf professional, to direct golf operations in his newly developed town of Pinehurst.  Ross redesigned course #1 and created courses #2, #3 and #4.  Ross remained in Pinehurst until his death in 1948.

In 1971, the Tufts heirs sold the resort and approximately 7,500 acres of land to Diamondhead Corporation. In 1984, Diamondhead Corp sold the resort to the Dallas-based corporation, Club Corporation, owed by Robert Dedman.  Club Corporation was sold in late 2007, with the Dedman family retaining ownership of the Pinehurst Resort.

Today the Pinehurst area is a top resort community, with over 40 fine golf courses and an incomparable lifestyle.

Long known as “The Golf Capital of the World,” the Village of Pinehurst area has hosted the 1999, 2005 and 2014 Men’s US Opens, the 1996, 2001, and 2007 US Women’s Opens, the 1951 Ryder Cup and the 1962 and 2008 US Amateur.   Donald Ross, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Ellis Maples and Gary Player are among the many course designers who have contributed to the rich golf history of the Sandhills.