Fifth Avenue of Golf

SOUTHERN PINES, NC – As you near the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area from the north, you'll notice the tall pine trees. They add a unique touch to an otherwise easy-driving approach. But turn off onto Midland Road and the whole world changes.

You'll be mesmerized by the four-lane road that's divided by towering evergreens. To the left, the road winds toward Southern Pines; to the right, Pinehurst. Let's turn right.

Do you realize that, besides traveling one of the most picturesque stretches of highway in the country, you're also on one of the most legendary — at least, for most golfers? Midland Road has been nicknamed the "Fifth Avenue of Golf" because of the multitude of courses by "name" golf architects. Who are your favorites? Donald Ross? Arnold Palmer? Rees Jones? Dan Maples? Jack Nicklaus? You'll find them all here on this stretch of road.

In addition, Midland Road has been designated a National Historic Landmark, recognized as the first four-land road in North Carolina.

On the left, you'll see Mid Pines Golf Club. Opened in 1921 and once owned by famed golfer Julius Boros, it sports one of the many Donald Ross golf courses in the area and perhaps the most beautiful finishing hole you'll find.

To the right is Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club. Perhaps you know it as the site of the 1996, 2001 and 2007 U.S. Women's Open Championships. Created in 1927, this Donald Ross-design continues to challenge pros and weekend golfers alike. Or perhaps you know it as the home of legendary Peggy Kirk Bell, LPGA member and considered one of the top golf instructors for women in the country.

Traveling on, you'll pass Knollwood Fairways, an enjoyable nine-hole tract by C.A. Pitts; Talamore, a Rees Jones-design initially made famous by its llama caddies; The Club at Longleaf, a Dan Maples-design built on the former site of an equestrian training facility; Midland Country Club, Mid South Club, the first Arnold Palmer course in the area; and The National Golf Club, 18 holes of straightforward golf by Jack Nicklaus. All in all, one of the heaviest concentrations of golf you're likely to ever see.

Soon you'll encounter the traffic circle, reminiscent of the "roundabouts" of Europe but easier for tourists to navigate. The circle also is a National Historic Landmark. Although it's less than 50 years old, it was recognized for serving as the entrance to Pinehurst. Plus, it was deemed consistent with Pinehurst's curving roads which were designed by the firm of Frederick Law Olmsted.

Winding around the circle, you'll continue on Midland Road. Although you no longer have the large pines in the divider (you'll notice they've been replaced by manicured grass), you'll catch a glimpse of yet another golf course — the renowned Pinehurst No. 2, site of the 1999 and 2005 U.S. Open Championships.

Soon the divider disappears and an enchanting two-lane road beckons you to continue. Midland Road ends not far from the second green of Pinehurst No. 2. Traveling this road, you'll span courses that opened in 1907 to 1993, all in the course of a few miles.

More than one-third of the area's 42 golf courses are accessible via Midland Road. So the Fifth Avenue of Golf isn't the end of the road for golf in the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area.

It's more like the gateway.

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The Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is an economic development organization and non-profit authority of Moore County, North Carolina. The CVB mission is to promote the area as a destination for visitors, meetings, conventions and tours. The CVB is funded primarily by a three percent hotel / motel room occupancy tax paid by visitors to Moore County.