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National Golf ClubGolf Course Review by: Bill Satterfield (2011)Quick FactsDesigner: Jack Nicklaus in 1989 Cost: Private Contact Information: Tom Parsons, Director of Golf – (910) 295-5340 Course Website: Official Website - Visit National Golf Club's official website by clicking on the link provided. Directions: Get here! - 1 Royal Troon Drive, Village of Pinehurst, NC 28374 Photos: See additional photos of National Golf Club Accolades: Ranked in the Top 25 in North Carolina on Golf Digest’s 1999-2000 Best in State rankings. Signature Hole: 5th - 439 Yard Par 4 
5th Hole at National Golf Club (439 Yard Par 4)
What to Expect: Jack Nicklaus has been involved in course design since the 1960s and has shown distinct architectural characteristics during different periods of his career. Early on in his career Jack developed the reputation of designing courses that were too hard for the average golfer with demanding tee shots, length, and shot making skills. Holes often worked left to right and required a strong aerial game; features he favored due to the power fade Jack played with his driver and his ability to generate significant height on his approach shots. In the 90s, Jack started to soften his style a bit and it leading into this transitional period that he designed the National Golf Club in Pinehurst. Often thrown in the same category of difficulty as Pinehurst #2, National Golf Club features strong holes that require the golfer to be fully tuned up heading into their round. For example, the beautiful 2nd hole is just shy of 200 yards with the green sitting directly behind a pond with no bail out area, except long I suppose. Thanks for the warm up Jack (haha)! That being said, low handicappers generally appreciate Jack’s demanding style more than high handicappers and embrace the thrill of hitting challenging shots. The private club features an impressive white clubhouse, an undulated front nine, and one of the best par 5s in the Carolinas (#10). Homes are found at various locations throughout the course, but are tucked behind bordering trees and thus rarely become a factor to contend with. Mature trees line the fairways and plenty of sand comes into play; two things you would expect while playing in the Sandhills of North Carolina. Overall, the course is a solid challenge and probably underrated in many of the publications you can find today. By the Numbers:
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Mike Sutorius (Platt Electric Supply, Pocatello)