The Legacy of Sand Greens
Donald Ross’s original greens for Pinehurst No. 2 lacked one critical component—grass Only a dozen years old yet already a burgeoning golf mecca, the Pinehurst Resort saw its reputation soar soon after Donald Ross expanded and redesigned Pinehurst No. 2 in 1907. Dozens of golf ’s most influential figures praised the layout in reverential terms. […]
A Chat with Putter Boy
After holding the same pose for 112 years, it’s no surprise golf’s eternal child has become a little bent One of the game’s oldest living statues, Pinehurst’s iconic Putter Boy turned 112 this year. Despite his advanced age, the lad’s mind remains sharp—indeed acerbic—and he was gracious enough to grant LINKS Magazine a rare interview […]
13 Years Later: Bill Coore Reflects on the Restoration of Pinehurst No. 2
Of course they were honored—which golf course architect wouldn’t be? Of course they were humbled—again, would anyone whose vocation in life was to build, renovate, and revive great golf courses not question if they were up to the task, if only for a moment? And yes, of course they were a little nervous about the […]
Top 10 Courses that have Hosted Majors and PGA Tour Events
Many clubs relish the opportunity to host significant professional championships. An elite few completely embrace the role. Over the past century, a handful of venues have added to the lore of the game by doing double duty, hosting at least two major championships and a minimum of 12 PGA Tour events. Most names on the […]
Golf’s Greatest Reveals
A round of golf usually includes some memorable moments—a birdie at your nemesis hole; a sensational sunset; a good laugh with playing partners. Or, perhaps, an incredible and unexpected view that stops you in your tracks. An article about the best reveals in golf could be a dangerous thing, though. Common to the most exceptional […]
5 of America’s Top Golf Course Landmarks
When one thinks of golf course features, chances are that fearsome bunkers, lurking water hazards, and unique green complexes come to mind first. But sometimes a golf facility has a manmade landmark that’s instantly recognizable, eminently memorable, and—for many golfers—obligatorily Instagram-able. Outside the U.S., there may be no better example than the Swilcan Bridge at […]
The 10 Most Influential American Designs You Can Play
For connoisseurs who chase after inspired and historic golf architecture, there’s a short list of courses that are indispensable must-plays if you’re to acquire a proper education. Admittedly, Pine Valley, National Golf Links of America, and Cypress Point would be on any such list—but their gates are locked to most of us. Likewise, the list […]
Top 10 Donald Ross Courses You Can Play
Donald Ross strongly advocated golf as a game of the people. Many of Ross’s finest layouts were sketched with the common man in mind as public and municipal. He also designed dozens of outstanding resort courses across the length and breadth of America. Here are 10 classic Donald Ross courses that you can play. 10. Manakiki […]
The Most Underrated Holes at Famous Courses
Each year when Masters week approaches, the golfing world transfixes its attention on Augusta National Golf Club. Golf enthusiasts picture the fairways and greens of Amen Corner or perhaps the club’s idyllic 16th hole. Similarly, when other widely acclaimed courses like TPC Sawgrass or the Old Course at St. Andrews come to mind, they conjure […]
Golf’s Ultimate Tests of Patience
In the first in a series about the attributes that are central to the design, challenge, and joy of the game’s most cherished courses, we identify the “Ultimate Test of Patience”: Pinehurst No. 2 Anyone who warms to the mention of golf’s greatest courses cannot help but engage in the time-honored grill room discourse on […]
