Enhanced by Donald Ross, the historic No. 1 golf course started it all at Pinehurst Resort
VILLAGE OF PINEHURST, N.C. -- Each golf destination had to start somewhere, and for the village of Pinehurst, it began with Pinehurst No. 1.
The golf course officially dates back to 1898, when it was built by Leroy Culver. But the initial course was altered and enhanced when Donald Ross moved to the resort in 1900.
Today, the course has three sets of tees and plays as long as 6,093 yards and a par 70. The course begins with a downhill, dogleg left par 4 that plays across the street from Pinehurst's equestrian club. It finishes with a small par 3 that plays back towards the clubhouse.
No. 1 is one of five golf courses at the main clubhouse at eight-course Pinehurst Resort.
![The first hole at Pinehurst Resort's No. 1 course is a downhill par 4.](/photo-galleries/images/small/37154.jpg)
Pinehurst No. 1 golf course - No. 1
The first hole at Pinehurst Resort's No. 1 course is a downhill par 4.
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![The Equestrian club plays along several holes at Pinehurst No. 1.](/photo-galleries/images/small/37155.jpg)
Pinehurst No. 1 at Pinehurst Resort - Equestrian
The Equestrian club plays along several holes at Pinehurst No. 1.
Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf
![Most holes at Pinehurst No. 1 are framed on each side by tall, Carolina pines.](/photo-galleries/images/small/37156.jpg)
Pinehurst No. 1 golf course - pines
Most holes at Pinehurst No. 1 are framed on each side by tall, Carolina pines.
Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf
![The fourth hole at Pinehurst No. 1 plays a par 5, 466 yards from the back tees.](/photo-galleries/images/small/37157.jpg)
Pinehurst No. 1 golf course - hole 4
The fourth hole at Pinehurst No. 1 plays a par 5, 466 yards from the back tees.
Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf
![Pinehurst No. 1 plays 6,093 yards from the blue tee box.](/photo-galleries/images/small/37158.jpg)
Pinehurst No. 1 golf course
Pinehurst No. 1 plays 6,093 yards from the blue tee box.
Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf
![The tree-lined fifth hole at Pinehurst No. 1 plays 167 yards.](/photo-galleries/images/small/37159.jpg)
Pinehurst No. 1 golf course - hole 5
The tree-lined fifth hole at Pinehurst No. 1 plays 167 yards.
Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf
![Donald Ross modified and extended the original Pinehurst No. 1 course when he arrived in 1900.](/photo-galleries/images/small/37160.jpg)
Pinehurst No. 1 G.C.
Donald Ross modified and extended the original Pinehurst No. 1 course when he arrived in 1900.
Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf
![The eighth hole at Pinehurst No. 1 is a gentle par 4.](/photo-galleries/images/small/37161.jpg)
Pinehurst No. 1 golf course - hole 8
The eighth hole at Pinehurst No. 1 is a gentle par 4.
Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf
![The 10th hole on the No. 1 course at Pinehurst Resort is a 410-yard par 4.](/photo-galleries/images/small/37162.jpg)
Pinehurst No. 1 golf course - hole 10
The 10th hole on the No. 1 course at Pinehurst Resort is a 410-yard par 4.
Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf
![Water is a factor on the par-3 11th hole at Pinehurst No. 1. The hole plays a beastly 222 yards from the back tee box.](/photo-galleries/images/small/37163.jpg)
Pinehurst No. 1 golf course - hole 11
Water is a factor on the par-3 11th hole at Pinehurst No. 1. The hole plays a beastly 222 yards from the back tee box.
Brandon Tucker/TravelGolf