Pinehurst No. 4: Gil Hanse’s Carolina Sandhills Reimagining
Pinehurst No. 4 pairs the Sandhills heritage of the resort with Gil Hanse’s bold redesign, using rolling ground, native sandy areas and strategic greens to create a course with its own identity.
Pinehurst No. 4 has a long history within the resort, but its modern identity was shaped by Gil Hanse’s redesign completed in 2018. The course sits in the North Carolina Sandhills, where rolling ground, longleaf pines and natural sandy areas create a distinctly Carolina setting. The result is not a copy of Pinehurst No. 2; it is a separate design with its own rhythm and character.
A new chapter in the Sandhills
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The original No. 4 dates to 1919, and the course has evolved through several eras. Hanse’s 2018 redesign brought the Sandhills landscape into sharper focus, revealing more native sandy ground and creating bold green complexes that reward creativity. It also helped establish No. 4 as a major part of the resort’s modern golf offering.
The course hosted the 2019 U.S. Amateur, a championship that brought national attention to the redesigned layout. Its appeal lies in the contrast between its natural landscape and the strategic demands of the holes: players must choose where to challenge a feature and where to use the safer route.
The ground and greens shape the strategy
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Pinehurst No. 4 rewards golfers who pay attention to the ground. Sandy areas can influence a recovery, while the rolling approaches and green contours determine how the ball releases after landing. A shot that finishes on the correct side of the fairway can open a much simpler approach than a longer drive from the wrong angle.
The course offers multiple tee options, but the resort’s published championship setup measures 7,227 yards at par 72. Players should select tees based on their regular carry distance and the kind of round they want, not simply on the longest number printed on a scorecard.
Pinehurst access is linked to resort stay
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Pinehurst’s current booking guidance lists No. 4 among the courses reserved for members and overnight resort guests. It is therefore important not to assume that a walk-up public tee time is available. Visitors should review the resort’s golf packages and reservation rules when planning a stay.
Because Pinehurst has multiple courses, a longer visit can offer a wider picture of the Sandhills golf tradition. Confirm accommodation, tee-time priorities, course maintenance and any package conditions directly with the resort before finalising travel.
No. 4 is not a substitute for No. 2; it is its own course.
Hanse’s redesign gives No. 4 a distinct Sandhills identity. Its strategy is built around natural ground, green contours and thoughtful positioning—not an imitation of the resort’s best-known course.
Check Pinehurst’s resort-guest booking rules
Pinehurst states that Courses No. 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 require membership or resort-guest status. Check the current golf packages, tee-time priority and lodging terms before planning No. 4.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
Who redesigned Pinehurst No. 4?
Gil Hanse led the redesign completed in 2018.
When was the original course opened?
Pinehurst No. 4 dates to 1919.
What is the par and published championship length?
The course is par 72 and measures 7,227 yards from the championship tees.
Can the general public book No. 4 directly?
Pinehurst’s current guidance says No. 4 requires membership or resort-guest status.
