On a recent trip to the Sandhills, I had the great fortune of playing Pinehurst #9, formerly the National, for the first time. The staff greeting was warm from the moment we drove through the gate, and even on the entryway, one could tell the round would feature some heavily rolling topography.

As mentioned by previous reviewers, the course favors those players with a left-to-right shot type. However, even with all of the dogleg rights, there was strong diversity otherwise, including a mix of wide/narrow, types of hazards, how the holes fit over natural landforms, and what side of the fairway was optimal. At first glance, the putting surfaces seemed rather small, but because the greens were bentgrass, I found them to be quite receptive. The oblong shapes and severe tiers on the putting surfaces added interest not just when putting, but also on the approach shots.

Many holes at #9 are standouts, including:

• #4: After emerging from three very narrow opening holes, the vista at the fourth is a warm welcome to anyone who sprays the ball like me! The tee shot, though flanked by a pond right, provides quite a bit of width. Furthermore, players can use the naturally contoured slope on the left to run balls back into the fairway. The approach shot is marvelous. Two bunkers bisect the ideal landing zone diagonally. While there is more room to the left, this side provides a horrific angle into a difficult, perched, L-shaped putting surface. The best play is ideally on the right side, and if possible, over the first fairway bunker.

• #5: Playing up and then down a hill, the caddy paired with our group encouraged us all to cut off as much of the corner on the dogleg right fifth as possible. If you can hit a drive over the trees, tee shots can pick up an additional 20-40 yards. This may not be desirable, though, as you can end up on a downhill lie playing uphill to a very shallow green, right over a hazard.

• #6: The green at the par four sixth is a stunner, with a large front tier, and then a massive downward slope to another tier in the back. Depending on pin location, the ideal shot here may be a low runner or a very high-flighted wedge.

• #7: The first hole with natural, sandy waste area is a wonderful reminder about where your round is being played. The best shot from the tee is arguably with a metal or long iron to a much wider landing area; the left side provides a superior angle into this narrow green complex. However, playing downhill, it can be tempting to hit driver. While you can gain a distance advantage and set up a birdie, the landing zone pinches and you may just as easily end up in wiregrass blasting out over more waste area.