Hole 9 at Pinehurst Resort #4

Pinehurst, North Carolina
Par
5
Yardage
527 yds
Stroke index
5
Hazards
2 bunkers
Hole 9 aerial at Pinehurst Resort #4

Aerial source not provided

Green size: 23 yds deep × 33 yds wide

Scorecard yardage is for Orange tees. The aerial shows its labeled reference position; distance rings measure to the green.

Orange tees · Par 5 · 527 yards

The plan for No. 9

Hanse's angled cross bunker trades an easier left crossing against a better right-side approach angle.

Off the tee

Choose the side according to your own distance and dispersion. The architect's strategic choice is not a measured carry from today's tee.

Approach & recovery

A right-side finish can improve the next line past the greenside bunker. If that route does not fit the shot available, use the left side and accept the longer angle.

On the green

Work with the approach angle you earned. Keep the target inside the guarded edge instead of trying to recover the earlier distance decision with an aggressive flag line.

Watch for

  • Angled cross bunker
  • Greenside bunker
  • Split landing choices

Hole 9 Green Complex

Mapped green boundary

Green Surface

Green size: 4,363 sq ft

Dimensions
23y Deep × 33y Wide
Mapped green boundary

Course and tournament history

Historical context for the course and venue. Each entry identifies the event or course it describes.

  • Jack Nicklaus

    A great change of pace for any trip to Pinehurst

    Source →
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Frequently asked questions

Yardage reference: Orange tees · 527 yards.

What hazards should I watch out for on hole 9?

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Key hazards include: 2 greenside bunkers. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.

How big is the green on hole 9?

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The green is small and requires precision. The green is wider than it is deep, rewarding shots that find the correct tier. Expect challenging pin positions with limited room for error.

Research notes

  • Hanse describes an angled crossbunker: the left route crosses less sand, while the right route offers a clearer subsequent angle past the greenside bunker. This explains the design tradeoff, not a measured carry for today’s tee. (Gil Hanse explanation following the video)[1]
  • No. 4 reopened August 7, 2025 after a full greens reconstruction. Pinehurst says laser scans were used to replicate the surfaces and Gil Hanse signed off on the contours. A 2024 terrain model predates this work; geometric equivalence still needs review. (Paragraphs beginning No. 4 reopened, It wasn’t just ripping, and The first step)[2]
  • The architect’s episode notes place the 2018 rebuild alongside No. 2 and describe designing within Pinehurst’s larger identity. (Architect-published episode highlights; not audio)[3]

Sources

  1. No. 4 ninth-hole crossbunker — Gil Hanse explanation — Pinehurst Resorthttps://www.pinehurst.com/news/one-of-our-favorite-spots-on-the-new-no-4/
  2. Around the Greens in 80 Days — Pinehurst No. 4 Reopens — Pinehurst Resorthttps://www.pinehurst.com/news/no-4-reopens/
  3. Golf Advisor Podcast Ep. 17: Gil Hanse and Matt Ginella at Dornoch Cottage — Hanse Golf Course Design / Golf Advisorhttps://www.hansegolfdesign.com/news/golf-advisor-podcast-ep-17-gil-hanse-and-matt-ginella-from-the-dornoch-cottage-in-pinehurst/