Swing Low Sweet Charlotte

Known for NASCAR and banking, the Queen City also has some of the best golf courses in the US on its doorstep.

- Peter Swain

PINEHURST

WHERE 90 miles east of Charlotte.

WHY Although it’s a two-hour drive from Charlotte, Pinehurst is worth the pilgrimage for any keen golfer. This cathedral of golf has nine courses, three hotels and an historic clubhouse, making it the US equivalent of St Andrews.

Designed by Donald Ross in 1907 and restored in 2010, the iconic Pinehurst No 2 hosted the 1951 Ryder Cup, as well as three US Opens in the past 18 years. Snaking through pine trees with ultra-fast saucer greens and acres of hard-pan sand dotted with wiregrass, it’s a fiendishly difficult track. While too demanding for higher handicap golfers to score well on, for anyone with a sense of golfing history, walking the hallowed fairways is a memorable experience. The members’ favorite is the gentler Pinehurst No 8.

PRICE Advance tee times are reserved for members and resort guests. Pinehurst No 2: $270 in Dec-Feb rising to $340 in March and Nov, $360 June and Aug and $450 April-May and Sept-Oct; can be booked 24 hours in advance. Best walked with a caddie. All other courses can be booked five days ahead. Caddies $90, forecaddies (one per foursome) $30 per player. Titleist, Callaway or Taylormade club rentals $80.

HOURS Summer 7:00 AM to dusk, winter 8:00 AM to dusk.

FACILITIES No 2 is 7,588 yards par-72, with caddies or forecaddies recommended. There are a further eight 18-hole courses, academies, video swing analysis, driving range, short game area and an 18-hole short course.

MAX HANDICAP Handicap certificate not required.