Pinehurst Golf & Equestrian Blog

Darroll is a resident of Grande Pines and he loves it...so he started a blog to tell everyone why he loves it so much. He'll share with you what he loves about Grande Pines, Pinehurst, Moore County and all the amazing golf and equestrian activities that make it so wonderful.

Pinehurst No. 2 - The Home of the Oldest Amateur Tournament in the U.S.

2010-07-06

And the Site of Payne Stewart's 1999 US Open Victory

We are fortunate to live just around the corner from Pinehurst, the Home of Golf. Grande Pines is a 10 minute drive from Pinehurst and the storied Pinehurst No. 2, perhaps the best known of the classic courses that are on the US Open rotation. What is the history behind this world-renowned Donald Ross layout and the North and South Championship, the oldest amateur tournament in the US?

Pinehurst was founded by Boston soda fountain magnate James Walker Tufts in 1895 when he purchased 5,500 acres of land for approximately $1.25 per acre in the North Carolina Sandhills, with the vision of building a "health resort for people of modest means." He opened the Holly Inn that New Year's Eve. In 1898 Tufts and Dr. LeRoy Culver laid out a nine-hole course which became Pinehurst No. 1. Pinehurst’s first golf professional, John Dunn Tucker, was hired in 1899 to add an additional nine holes.

In December 1900 Donald Ross was hired by Tufts to direct golf operations at Pinehurst. Ross immediately started the redesign of No. 1 and the building of what was to become four additional eighteen-hole courses at Pinehurst. This included Pinehurst No. 2, which opened in 1901 as a nine-hole course. The additional nine holes were opened in 1907.

The Carolina Hotel opened on New Year's day, 1901 and Pinehurst became known as a winter getaway for people "up north." Riding, hunting, polo, lawn bowling, tennis, golf, bicycling, and archery were popular in Pinehurst’s early days and many remain so today. Annie Oakley, sharp-shooter and star of the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show, came to Pinehurst in 1916 with her husband, Frank Butler. Annie was in charge of the Pinehurst Gun Club, and gave shooting exhibitions at the Carolina hotel twice a week. Between 1916 and 1920 she instructed up to 125,000 men and women in the art of marksmanship.

Today, the Pinehurst Resort boasts eight world-class golf courses, three hotels, an award-winning Spa, a tennis facility, two beautiful clubhouses and more. Pinehurst No. 2 is consistently voted as one of the top golf courses in the world and has hosted the PGA Championship, Open Championships, a Ryder Cup, US Amateur Championships and the North and South Amateur. Pinehurst No. 2 is where the late Payne Stewart famously won the 1999 US Open, sinking a long putt on the 18th to beat Phil Mickelson by one shot.

In 1996, The Village of Pinehurst and Pinehurst Resort had the distinct pleasure of being given National Landmark status for their historical, significant role in U.S. golf history.

The North and South Amateur Championship, played this past fourth of July weekend, started at Pinehurst in 1901. The tournament, now in its 110th year, is the longest consecutive-running amateur golf championship in the United States. Past winners include Francis-Ouimet, Billy Joe Patton, Jack Nicklaus, Hal Sutton, Curtis Strange, Corey Pavin and Davis Love II.

The tournament began as a way to attract golfers to the five-year-old Pinehurst and to build publicity for this destination in the sandhills of North Carolina. The name of the tournament was crafted to enhance relationships between the two geographic areas of the US. Won in 2010 by Donald Constable, the North and South continues to attract the top amateurs in the game -- this is amateur golf at its very best!

The Pubs of Pinehurst

2010-06-09

I mentioned before that we love the locally owned pubs and restaurants in Pinehurst and Southern Pines. Many of them have that "neighborhood pub" feel with friendliness and great service as their hallmarks. Don't get me wrong, each of them also serves great food! But, walking in as a stranger and quickly feeling part of the gang is the real attraction.

Two of our favorites in Pinehurst are The Darling House and Maxie's Grill and Tap Room. Both are about seven miles from Grande Pines.

The Darling House is centrally located in the village and has a distinct Scottish pub feel. The architect did a great job squeezing in comfortable tables and a good size bar counter into an area that doesn't seem to be large enough for the bar alone! This makes for an intimate and convivial atmosphere. The owners, Steve and Liz Pattison, have put thought into every detail so that others can join them in their appreciation for Scotland and Ireland.

My favorite at The Darling House? A Guinness and a Guinness! Yes, the traditional pint of Guinness and the Darling House Guinness beef stew. A perfectly pulled pint and a delicious stew, seasoned in a broth of Guinness and served in a warm toasted bread bouille. Adele's favorite is Scotch Eggs -- de-shelled hard-boiled eggs, wrapped in a sausage meat mixture, coated in breadcrumbs, and deep-fried and served with a white wine Dijon sauce. Never tasted this dish? If you have the opportunity, try it!

Maxie's, while a little off the beaten path, but still walking distance from the village, is a relatively new establishment that has quickly built up a faithful clientele. 12 high definition large screen TVs make this a real sports lover's pub. Owned and managed by Maxie Gleaton, Maxie's offers up great pub fare with specials every day. Check out the soup specials -- Guinness Beef and Mushroom, Italian Sausage and Peppers, Beef and Chorizo Taco soup -- to name a few. Great salads (try the Spinach, Mandarin Orange and Shrimp salad) and multiple sandwich specials each day, including choices such as Roast Pork with Cajun Mustard Sauce and the Salami and Provolone Hot Bar sandwich.

Other Pinehurst pubs include the Carolina Hotel Ryder Cup Lounge, Mr. B's Lounge at the Pinecrest Inn, Dugan's Pub, Holly Inn's Tavern and the pub at the Magnolia Inn. All worth a visit!

The Trails of Grande Pines

2010-05-28

Many equestrian communities are challenged with maintaining a trail system and are often dependent on the cooperation of property owners due to easement issues. The result is either having to trailer horses to a central area in order to gain access to the trails, or crossing busy roads and intersections. Not so at Grande Pines!

15 Foot easements throughout the 750 acres ensures that the trails will always be there. All lots of 8 acres or more have a trail along at least one side of the property. Our lot is 11 acres and we have trails along three sides! Ride off the property straight onto a trail. No roads nor traffic to deal with. At Grande Pines trail riding or walking is easy and safe.

The trails are all cleared, but are intended to blend into the landscape. An adopt-a-trail program is in place and property owners were given the opportunity to name the trails. A trail map with the names is now available and will soon be posted at one of the trail heads along Grande Pines Vista, the main street through the community.

We have been enjoying our walks and rides along the trails -- you really are out in the country where the only sound is that of birds chirping in the forest. It also quickly becomes clear that we share Grande Pines with deer, wild turkeys, squirrels, rabbits, etc. Our dogs are forever chasing something, never with any success...

We love the trails. Early morning or late afternoon walks or rides are so relaxing. Always a great way to either start the day or wind down!

Grande Pines - Easy Access to World Class Medical Facilities

2010-04-30

Clearly, the availability of excellent health care is a key decision factor when considering relocation. This was no different when we first considered the Pinehurst area as a possible new home for the two of us and Del's mother, who lives with us. We read and heard a lot about the FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital and its status as one of the leading hospitals in the state. When we first visited the area, we drove through what has become a sprawling campus of Moore Regional facilities and specialty clinics like Pinehurst Medical Clinic, Pinehurst Surgical and Pinehurst Cardiology. The care that is received here and the technology and resources made available to patients is unmatched anywhere in North Carolina, and in many cases the country.

Little did we know that we would unfortunately have an opportunity to experience this world-class care first hand:

- Del's mother has failing eyesight and had previously undergone lens replacements in both eyes. Just before leaving California the lens in one eye slipped, leaving her with double and blurred vision. Specialists in California advised us that while repair was possible, it was a dangerous procedure because of her advanced glaucoma. After reading about Carolina Eye Associates, we decided to wait until we had relocated. The specialists at the clinic confidently took on this delicate procedure and completely restored her vision to where it was prior to the slippage. The quality of the care at the eye clinic was so good that it surprised us.

- While working with the horses at the barn, Del experienced a sudden and rapid increase in her heart rate. Medics from the local FoxFire fire station rushed her to Moore Regional. During the ambulance ride her heart rate at one time exceeded 200 beats per minute. I followed and witnessed first-hand the emergency personnel in full action. Fortunately, the diagnosis was positive and she was at home the same day with no ongoing problems to be concerned with. The professionalism and thoroughness of the emergency room staff was simply amazing. Hopefully we won't be back any time soon, but it is comforting to know that this type of treatment is just down the road.

- A few weeks ago I was diagnosed with a full tear of the rotator cuff in my right shoulder. Last week I had surgery to repair it at Pinehurst Surgical, a multi-specialty clinic comprised of eight specialty centers located in a state-of-the art facility. Dr. Ward Oakley did the surgery. I have unfortunately experienced other major surgeries at highly rated facilities in Southern California and in Houston, TX. I am happy to report that Pinehurst Surgical, in little Pinehurst NC, is more than comparable to anything that I have experienced. Throughout all of the treatment and pre-op prep work, I felt as if I was the only person being treated that day -- and the clinic was really busy! I left with the feeling that every person that worked with me truly cared about my well being.

It is perhaps unfortunate that we had to deal with all of this in our first few months of living in the Pinehurst area, but it sure makes us feel even better about our decision to make Grande Pines our home! The doctors, nurses and administrators across all of the facilities and practices in the Pinehurst area are all very special people. It is a blessing that a relatively small population can have immediate and easy access to world-class care.

Grand Pines -- Great for Horses!

2010-04-16

Grande Pines is horse heaven. Only 7 miles from Pinehurst, Grande Pines is located in an area commonly known as the Sandhills. This strip of ancient beach dunes is the evidence of a former coastline when the ocean level was higher, or the land lower. Amazingly, it is claimed that the beach deposits were formed principally during the Miocene Epoch, circa 20 million years before the present.

The result is that Grande Pines is basically a pine forest on a beach! The footing for the horses is excellent, making long trail rides a real pleasure. The Grande Pines trails wind through 750 acres of peaceful rolling hills. Pete Mace's vision in establishing 15 foot easements throughout the development will ensure that the trails will always be there. Every lot of 8 acres or more has a trail along at least one side, making for easy access.

Our property is a good example. We have 11 acres and trails on three sides of the lot. Saddle up at the barn and ride straight onto a trail! No traffic, no streets to cross, just miles of quiet, peaceful riding with the dogs following. This weekend we are kicking off a project to name the trails and signpost them. A great opportunity for the residents to get together and to name the trails that run by their properties.

In these photographs are our horses Apollo, a 20 year-old Arabian Thoroughbred, Lola a 8 year-old Tabiano Paint and Guinness, their faithful pony companion (and troublemaker!). We are hoping that Lola is pregnant after spending a few days earlier this month with a very handsome Palomino sire.

The weather is perfect at this time of the year. The golf courses are busy, with many of them fully booked. Amazing that you can have 43 golf courses in a small area and they are all busy -- but that's the attraction of Pinehurst! Golf, horses, great people, pleasant weather, laid back attitudes -- what more can I say...

Our First Spring in Grande Pines

2010-04-08

Wow! Before we moved here, we heard about the Dogwood Trees in the spring. We totally under-estimated the beauty and the number of trees.

They are spectacular -- and they are everywhere. Among the pine trees in Grande Pines, along the side of every country road, in all of the parks, lining village roads. Pink, red and white.

It seems that every house has at least one in the garden and I am positive that each of the area's 43 golf courses features a number of Dogwoods. The official state tree of North Carolina is proudly on display in the Pinehurst area! Visitors welcome...

The view on the left is of the railway line that runs through the middle of the Village of Southern Pines.

Steeplechase Racing in the Pinehurst Area

2010-04-03

Another super weekend in Grande Pines, another enjoyable event in the Pinehurst area. The Stoneybrook Steeplechase races have been an annual tradition in the area since 1949. Originally run at the Stoneybrook facility owned by the late Mr. and Mrs. Mickey Walsh, they now take place at the Carolina Horse Park -- just a short drive from Grand Pines.

This was our first time at the Stoneybrook races. The event showcases the versatility of the 25 acre Carolina Horse Park. Stoneybrook turns the park into a giant party! Tailgating at its very best. A large, festive, friendly crowd -- exactly what we expected.

For those wanting to go a little upscale, the Turf Club offered a prime spot at the finish line, good food and liquid refreshments. A beer garden and entertainment in the center of the track added to the fun.

The racing was serious and entertaining. Five races, four over jumps, were on the program. Organized by the National Steeplechase Association, all of the color and beauty of horse racing at its best was on offer. Beautiful thoroughbreds, with jockeys in colorful racing silks, putting their skills on show. The organization was superb and the friendliness of the people ensured a pleasurable day at the races. We'll definitely be back next year.

All round, a great day -- feeling good about living in Grande Pines!

Breakfast in Pinehurst -- a Short Drive from Grande Pines

2010-03-31

Aren't we always looking for a homely restaurant that serves great breakfast? Pinehurst has the answer.

One of the neat things about living in Grande Pines is the selection of locally owned restaurants and pubs in the Pinehurst area. Walk through Pinehurst Village or the village of Southern Pines and you quickly notice that there are no familiar restaurant names and NO fast-food joints. Granted, the two Interstates that run through the area have their typical share of well-known names (if you need the occasional burger/fries fix), but get into the villages and the residential areas and you will not find them.

This adds to the ubiquitous casual and friendly atmosphere in the area. What has amazed us is that the local pubs have an equalizing influence on their patrons. Walk into any bar and you'll find people from all walks of life sitting at the counter, enjoying a beer or a glass of wine. People greet you with enthusiasm and sincerity. Chatting with a stranger is an everyday occurrence.

Our favorite breakfast spot is The Track Restaurant at the Pinehurst Harness Track. This is perhaps one of the best kept secrets in the area. Serving breakfast to locals and to the harness racing community who spend their winter months training their trotters and pacers on three tracks, this tiny restaurant is well worth the visit. The breakfast fare is typical of any southern establishment -- except for the blueberry pancakes, a specialty of the house and yes, they are delicious! But, the food is not the attraction, as good as it is. You visit the Track Restaurant for the down-home atmosphere and the overall friendliness of the staff and the patrons. Don't miss it.

The Carolina Horse Park - Horse Heaven in the Pinehurst Area

2010-03-25

There is always something interesting and different happening in the Pinehurst area. This is one of the pleasures of living in Grande Pines. Over the past weekend we visited the Carolina Horse Park. What an impressive place! Located just 7 miles from Pinehurst, the Carolina Horse Park is a nationally recognized equine competition venue. It hosts three-day eventing, steeplechase, hunter/jumper, dressage, combined driving and pony club events. Occupying 250 acres of beautiful pine forest, it is the only facility of its kind in the mid-Atlantic region.

We visited on Day Two of a major Three Day Eventing competition. Day Two is Cross Country - what an experience watching these finely tuned equine athletes soaring over very challenging jumps, aided by remarkably skilled (and very brave) riders. The cost of entry -- free! Great entertainment value.

In early April, the Horse Park will be hosting the 58th annual Stoneybrook Steeplechase. This is one of the Pinehurst area's foremost social events. We are looking forward to another fun day at the Carolina Horse Park!

Grande Pines -- Where You Can Have It All!

2010-03-23

Back in 2007, my wife Adele and I decided that we wanted to move from California. At the time we lived in LaCresta, an equestrian community on the Santa Rosa Plateau near Murrieta and the Temecula valley. We had built our LaCresta home only 3 years earlier and were enjoying our retirement. Why the decision to move on?

Since moving our family from South Africa in 1986, we had lived in Potomac, MD, Southern California (Irvine), Houston (twice), the Netherlands and then back to Southern California, where we found ourselves having this discussion about relocating. We decided that we wanted to live in a rural community, away from the constant traffic of Southern California. We were also looking for a "village-like" feel, easy access to horse trails with traffic-free riding and finally, to be on the tee in no more than 5 minutes.

Tough order? Well, we found all of the above - and more, in the Pinehurst area of North Carolina.

Pinehurst has given us everything we asked for. We built our house on 11 acres in Grande Pines, a development in Foxfire Village. The Foxfire Golf Club is next door and we are only 7 miles from Pinehurst Village. Grande Pines is an equestrian community with miles and miles of great trails. Our three horses have settled in and love being in the wide open pastures. Our three dogs disappear as they go exploring in the forest, always returning -- exhausted, but clearly exhilarated.

Golf at Foxfire is on two Gene Hamm designed courses, both in great condition. If you want golf diversification, there are another 40 courses in the area! Truly the golf capital of the US.

Visit the Grande Pines website (www.grandepinesnc.com) -- I think you'll be impressed! Visit for a few days and the sincere friendliness of the people will impress you even more.

Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you......