Pinehurst No. 5

Ellis Maples designed No. 5 in 1961 after studying under Donald Ross himself — and you can feel the mentor's influence in the routing. But where Ross courses at Pinehurst demand precision, No. 5 forgives. Wide fairways, gentle doglegs, and more water than any other course on the property. The par-3 14th — the "Cathedral Hole" — is framed by towering pines and a pond in a setting that feels like a church. The best choice at Pinehurst for mid-handicappers, families, and groups that want to enjoy the resort without getting demolished.