The Miller, McGowan and Tharani families announced the opening of Overhills, an 18-hole putting course designed by Kyle Franz and located at Southern Pines Golf Club.
“Overhills honors a timeless tradition of the game first developed by the forefathers of golf with Old Tom Morris at St. Andrews and Donald Ross at Pinehurst,” said Kelly Miller, president of Southern Pines Golf Club. “Here, Overhills putting grounds provide something for golfers of all ages and abilities to be challenged and enjoyed.”
“I was really inspired during my time at St. Andrews to create an experience similar to The Himalayas,” said golf course architect Kyle Franz, who restored all three of the resort’s Donald Ross courses: Mid Pines in 2013, Pine Needles in 2019 and Southern Pines in 2021. “Tom Morris’ design also inspired Donald Ross when he brought his own vision to Pinehurst in 1919. I have tried to capture that spirit in the landscape here at Southern Pines.”
Video from the Convention and Visitors Bureau Pinehurst, Southern Pines, and Aberdeen Area.
The name Overhills pays tribute to one of Ross’s greatest yet most mysterious works. The 1913 design quietly remained part of a Rockefeller family-owned estate for the bulk of the 20th century. Today, it lies dormant and overgrown on the property that is now Fort Liberty, 18 miles from Southern Pines Golf Club.
The 22,000-square-foot putting course will be open daily to members, resort guests and golfers playing Southern Pines Golf Club on a first-come, first-served basis. Amenities include solar lighting to allow play into the evening, music, speaker system and portable custom trailer for special events. The course will also be available for private events.
“We are incredibly grateful for Kyle and his vision here at Overhills,” added Miller. “Kyle, Dave Fruchte (director of golf course maintenance) and his team have done an incredible job creating a memorable and magical experience here at Southern Pines Golf Club.”
Overhills is an integral part of ongoing restoration efforts at Southern Pines Golf Club. The 1906 Donald Ross course was restored by Franz in 2021. Course-side cottages were recently approved by the Town of Southern Pines and are set for development in the near future. For more information, visit www.southernpinesgolfclub.com.
Courtesy photo/Contributed.
