Known as the "Cradle of America Golf," Pinehurst showcases the game's history and grandeur like few places on earth. Many even consider Pinehurst's stature as a golfing destination without equal in the United States—exceeding storied locales such as Pebble Beach and Bandon Dunes—and on par with that of St. Andrews, Scotland, the birthplace of golf.
Against this backdrop, the
United States Golf Association (USGA) returns to the
Pinehurst Resort and Country Club and its storied Course No. 2 in the Village of Pinehurst for the 124th playing of the
United States Open. Most notable about this year's playing is that it marks the fourth U.S. Open and eleventh overall USGA event hosted by Pinehurst No. 2. It is the first since the USGA officially opened their Golf House Pinehurst and established the resort as its first anchor site for the U.S. Open. Eleven additional USGA championships are slated for Pinehurst over the next 25 years, including five U.S. Opens and the 2029 U.S. Women's Open.
As one can imagine, it's an exhilarating time within
Pinehurst and broader Moore County, including the communities of
Southern Pines,
Seven Lakes, and
Whispering Pines.
But as the world's golfing spotlight shines bright on the region and attendees from all corners make their way to this iconic event, understanding the logistics of parking and transportation becomes paramount. This guide aims to navigate you effortlessly through your parking options, ensuring a smooth start to your experience at one of golf's most celebrated tournaments in one of its most hallowed locales.
Traveling to Pinehurst
For the uninitiated making their first pilgrimage to Pinehurst, part of the village's charm is its seclusion amid the sandhills region of North Carolina. The resort is approximately 100 miles east of Charlotte and 75 miles southwest of Raleigh. Although Fayetteville is the closest city in the state to Pinehurst, just 50 miles east, non-residents will find far more travel options in the two former locations.
It's also worth noting that, with no major interstates directly serving Moore County (Interstate 74 skirts the county's western boundary), a series of U.S. and state highways form the last leg of the journey. All of the drives are gorgeous and best made during daylight hours. The best places to approach Pinehurst include NC-73 or NC-211 traveling from the west via I-74 or US-1 or US-501 traveling south from Raleigh or north from South Carolina.
Parking for the U.S. Open
Foremost for anyone attending the U.S. Open is that no general fan parking will be available on the grounds of Pinehurst Resort & Country Club or within the Village of Pinehurst. Local street parking, already limited within the resort's vicinity, will adhere to Village of Pinehurst ordinances and regulations. All other parking, resident or otherwise, requires a permit.
Recognizing the need for efficient transportation, the USGA established two large fan parking lots, each equipped with shuttle services to ferry fans to and from the action at Pinehurst No. 2 in less than 15 minutes.
Red Lot parking
The first of the two complimentary parking lots is the Red Lot, just east of the West End and Seven Lakes communities.
Accessed via NC-73, between McKenzies Mill Road and Beulah Hill Church Road, the Red Lot serves as the primary parking venue for fans approaching from the west via I-74 or US-24/27 East and from the north via Raleigh, utilizing US-1 South or US-15/501 South. Directions are straightforward and well-signed, guiding you seamlessly to your parking destination.
Blue Lot parking
Located south of Pinehurst on Sand Pit Road between W Baltimore Avenue and Roseland Avenue in Aberdeen, the Blue Lot serves those arriving from the west via the US-74 Bypass, the east from I-95, and the south via US-1 North or US-501 North). Like the Red Lot, the Blue Lot is easy to find, thanks to clear signage directing you every step of the way.
Shuttle service
Both Red and Blue Lots offer complimentary shuttle transportation, ensuring you reach the tournament grounds in less than 15 minutes. This convenient service lets you bypass parking worries and focus on the day's play.
Though specific times have yet to be released, past Pinehurst-hosted Opens have seen daily shuttle service, including Monday to Wednesday practice rounds, starting at 5:30 AM. The last shuttles depart the course at 7:00 PM or one hour after the completion of the day's round.
Accessibility
The USGA will provide accessible parking and lift-equipped shuttle transportation for individuals with disabilities. Reach out to the USGA Championship Office in advance for personalized parking instructions.
Additional transportation options
A designated drop-off area near the traffic circle off Midland Road (NC-2) will accommodate those fans using ride-share, taxi, or limousine service to the U.S. Open. The drop-off point is a short walk to Gate 6. Note that there's no parking or staging for vehicles in this area, so coordinating pick-up times is essential.
Discover the best of North Carolina's Sandhills region
More than a world-class designation for golf, the Village of Pinehurst and surrounding Moore County communities are among the country's most sought-after places to call home. The region is renowned for its shopping, dining, and plenty of non-golf pursuits, including a deep-rooted equestrian lifestyle.
As you prepare to witness golf's premier championship at its premier golf resort, what better time to explore Pinehurst's luxury real estate scene than now? Whether you're seeking a new home or acreage to build or are ready to sell a current residence,
contact Pinehurst and Southern Pines real estate expert Jamie McDevitt today to start your Sandhills real estate journey.
