Golf Course Review by: Billy Satterfield
Rankings:
The Takeaway: Not nearly as heralded as No.2 at Pinehurst, No.7 shares its older brother’s demanding nature on approach shots with 13 of the 18 greens being elevated. The constant elevation changes test your game throughout the round and may chase off some higher handicappers. Grade C+
Quick Facts
Designer: Rees Jones in 1986 and Rees Jones
Cost: $185.00 - $285.00 (includes range and cart) Click for current rates
Phone Number: (910) 235-8540
Course Website: Official Website - Visit Pinehurst Resort No.7's official website by clicking on the link provided.
Directions: Get here! - Inverrary Rd, Pinehurst, North Carolina 28374 – UNITED STATES
Photos: See additional photos of Pinehurst Resort No.7
What to Expect: While No.2 will always garner the majority of attention at Pinehurst, No.4 is quickly becoming a favorite among patrons and each course brings something unique to the table. At No.7 it is all about the approach shots, specifically the fact that 13 out of the 18 greens are elevated. As such, No.7 becomes more of a player’s course that punishes players that struggle to carry the ball or hit it with enough height to get approach shots close to the pin locations. The course features more elevation changes than any other at the resort which leaves players constantly trying to adjust their yardages, particularly in the swirling winds routed by the trees. Carts are utilized to take on the terrain as walkers would be tested as much or more than a trip around Augusta National’s famously hilly grounds. On a side note, the house along the left side of the opening hole makes the clubhouse look like a caddy shack and is simply one of the most impressive residences in all of Pinehurst.
By the Numbers
| Tees | Par | Yardage | Rating | Slope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gold | 72 | 7216 | 75.5 | 143 |
| Blue | 72 | 6824 | 73.5 | 138 |
| White | 72 | 6347 | 71.6 | 130 |
| Green | 72 | 5709 | 68.7 | 121 |
| Red | 72 | 5183 | 66.9 | 115 |
| Yellow (Women) | 72 | 3833 | 63.1 | 108 |
Individual Hole Analysis
Signature Hole: 18th Hole – 600 Yard Par 5 – A rare downhill hole at Pinehurst No. 7, tee shots between 250 - 300 yards up the left side will find the longest bunker on the course. Tee balls that tumble up the right center will be in position to be as aggressive as you want to be on the second shot. A pair of bunkers protect the front of the green but there are unguarded areas where you can run an approach up onto the putting surface. With a pond behind the green and the clubhouse perched beyond it, the stage is set for a dramatic finish.
Best Par 3: 9th Hole – 191 Yards – A pond borders the tee box but shouldn't come into play on the concluding hole of the front nine. Large bunkers frame each side of the slightly elevated green so you'll need to carry your tee shot all the way to the front edge before letting it release towards the hole.
Best Par 4: 6th Hole – 479 Yards – The 7th plays slightly downhill to a fairway that is narrowed by a marsh on the right the further towards the green you get. Other than a narrow strip of land up the left side, the approach shot plays as a forced carry over the marsh to green protected by bunkers everywhere except in the back left. The green is only 20 yards deep so distance control is paramount to stay out of trouble and card a challenging par.
Best Par 5: 8th Hole – 543 Yards – A nearly 90 degree dogleg right, the tee shot calls for a ball that travels 270 yards from the back tee to find the elbow in the turn. From this position players are faced with a decision; layup short of the creek that fronts the green or go for the gusto and see if you can get your ball dancing on the green in two. If your game has been a bit unreliable up to this point then laying up short and wedging your third onto the green can still yield a birdie, but if you want a taste of glory then give it a rip and hope to avoid the bunker on the left and on the rear for your best chance to secure a score under par.
Birdie Time: 12th Hole – 525 Yard Par 5 – Don't let the octet of bunkers on the right side of the fairway here intimidate you. Take dead aim at the right edge of the solo bunker on the left and launch your tee shot over it to achieve the shortest route to the green and best angle for your approach shot. You'll want to take an extra green into the raised green, but a strong tee shot should leave you within striking distance of hitting this green in two. The green is relatively shallow but there is room on the left to bail out to if needed which will yield a nice opportunity to get up and down for birdie.
Bogey Beware: 15th Hole – 435 Yard Par 4 – Length and accuracy with need to combine for a successful tee shot here to a fairway that doglegs right, slopes right, and is pinched by trees on each side. Small water hazards sit on each side of the fairway 70 yards from the green and shouldn't come into play unless your tee shot found the forest and you are forest to punch out. The raised green has a quartet of bunkers surrounding it with only the front center portion devoid of sand; again putting a premium on accuracy. There is nowhere you can stumble and get away with it here, so you have to be on your game to walk away with a par.
