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By Chad Maulsby

The spirit of golf. What is it and what does it mean? If you want to find out, there's only one place to go in this country, Pinehurst, North Carolina. In this town there's golf, and then there's everything else.

Pinehurst was founded in 1895 by James Tufts, whose vision was to create a peaceful, small-town escape for vacationers. A few years later, a well-known golf architect named Donald Ross was tasked with designing a top-notch course in the area. Considering Pinehurst No. 2 is considered one of the best golf courses in the world 100 years later, I'd say he has succeeded.

The greatness of Pinehurst No. 2 is in the brilliant subtlety of its design. While the scenery is striking with each hole lined by towering pine trees, there are no breathtaking views of the ocean or 200-foot manmade drops in elevation like some of the newer courses. It's the variety of shot options that will keep you entertained here. As my caddie Eddie Mac says, "You gotta have 'imaginality' to play this course!" Meaning it takes both imagination and original shot-making to survive the tough greens of the course they call "The Deuce."

If you love golf and its history, you must make a trip to Pinehurst and play this historic course. You'll be walking in the footsteps of almost every great player in the game. And nothing beats walking up to the 18^th green where Payne Stewart won the '99 US Open with one of the most dramatic 19-foot putts ever. They call it "One Moment in Time" — and when you're there you feel a part of the magic.

19^th-Hole Tips
This wonderfully small, quaint town is focused solely on golf. In other words, if golf isn't your passion, this probably isn't the town for you.

• Practice your short game at the Pinecrest Inn
  There's actually a "chipping board" in the bar and the local patrons gather here for beer and indoor golf.

• Eat a hearty breakfast before at the Track Restaurant
  This is a tiny little diner where all the golfers go before taking on the course at Pinehurst. Best part: The meals are under five bucks!! Call 910-295-2597 for more information.

• After you finish the famous No. 2 course, there are seven other tracks to choose from
  If 18 holes doesn't satisfy your golfing appetite, there are a total of eight courses at the Pinehurst resort.