Pinehurst Resort’s Sandmines expansion continues with No. 11 by Coore and Crenshaw

A new chapter for Pinehurst Resort is set to begin as construction on Pinehurst No. 11, designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, is scheduled to start later this year at the Sandmines property in Aberdeen, N.C. The course is expected to open for play in fall 2027, adding to the resort’s growing reputation as a leader in American golf, according to the resort.

The Sandmines property, a 900-acre tract five miles south of Pinehurst’s main campus, was once used for sand mining in the 1930s. This industrial past has left behind a landscape marked by spoil piles, ridges and reclaimed natural elements, providing a distinctive canvas for Coore and Crenshaw’s design. The duo, known for their philosophy of letting the land dictate the course, see the site’s “choppy, ridgy ground” as an opportunity to create a layout that is intimate, quirky and reminiscent of classic links in Ireland or Scotland — despite its inland location.

Pinehurst No. 11 will neighbor Tom Doak’s Pinehurst No. 10, which opened in 2024 and quickly earned accolades, including a top-15 debut in North Carolina’s golf course rankings and recognition as “Best New Course” by Golf Digest. While No. 10 is celebrated for dramatic elevation changes and expansive vistas, No. 11 is expected to offer a more winding, nuanced experience, with dramatic landforms and a focus on playability through natural contours. Pinehurst Resort president Tom Pashley notes that the two courses “complement each other so well by contrasting so much,” highlighting the evolving diversity of the Sandhills golf experience.

The expansion at Pinehurst Sandmines comes amid a broader renaissance for the resort, which has recently renovated several courses and facilities and welcomed the USGA’s new headquarters on site. The Sandmines area will soon feature a new 6,000-square-foot clubhouse, a restaurant and guest lodging, further enhancing Pinehurst’s appeal the largest golf resort in the U.S., with 207 holes upon No. 11’s completion. This growth not only cements Pinehurst’s status as a premier golf destination but also sets a benchmark for competitors in the resort golf industry, according to the resort.

As Pinehurst continues to shape the future of American golf, the addition of No. 11 reflects a commitment to innovative design and the preservation of unique landscapes. Stakeholders from golfers to industry observers will be watching closely as Coore and Crenshaw bring their vision to life at Sandmines — a project that promises to add another chapter to Pinehurst’s storied legacy.

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