Golf in Pinehurst

America has a multitude of incredible golf resorts but none of them can quite live up to the aura and attraction of Pinehurst in North Carolina, only a few hours' drive from Augusta.

The area is littered with over 40 courses, many of which have been created by some famous names, including Tom Fazio and Arnold Palmer. But the designer who takes all the plaudits in this area is Donald Ross, the Dornoch professional who worked under the tutelage of Old Tom Morris at St Andrews before making a name for himself in Pinehurst.

Ross arrived at the resort in 1900 and seven years later one of the most famous golf courses in the world was created, Pinehurst No.2, a course of majestic qualities that would have hosted more national championships had it not been so isolated in its location.

That said, the USGA brought the US Open to the resort in 1999 and the world's best will come back for the same championship in 2005.

Don't, however, spend all your time gazing at Ross' masterpiece as the Pinehurst area is covered with other remarkable gems. The Pit Golf Links, opened in 1985, is a great course, while the Club at Longleaf, Little River and the Palmer Course at the Woodlake Resort are all worth a look.