The U.S. Open at The Los Angeles CC seems like yesterday, doesn’t it? Yet, faster than Wyndham Clark’s downswing, the next national championship is around the corner. Even better news? Unlike LACC, you can play this year’s host course. Where? Pinehurst.

No, not the tiny town 50 miles east of Fresno. Instead, it’s the golf-centric village of the same name in North Carolina, where the U.S. Open returns to Course No. 2 for a fourth time this June 13-16.

It’s also the place where a foursome of high-profile Southern Californians will have a chance to be the first area native to win a U.S. Open title since Tiger Woods nabbed his third title in 2008 at Torrey Pines. Collin Morikawa, who will be making his sixth U.S. Open appearance, has two top-5 finishes in the past three years. In seven U.S. Opens, Xander Schauffele has never finished lower than T14, with five top-10s. Patrick Cantlay is another Top-15 finisher in the past three years. And while Max Homa hasn’t experienced much success in three U.S. Open appearances, you never know.

All of them will need a smoking hot putter because the perched and fast greens at No. 2 are as challenging as they come. Then again, the fairways aren’t exactly LACC-width either, and pesky wiregrass sprinkled throughout sandy waste areas is rarely friendly. Payne Stewart, Michael Campbell and Martin Kaymer have claimed the previous U.S. Opens played at Pinehurst.

It’s expensive walking in the footsteps of golf history ($400-plus to play No. 2, and you have to stay at the resort to book a tee time), but there are nine — yes, nine — other courses to choose from at Pinehurst, making a journey across the country from Southern California well worth it (especially in the fall, when the air is crisp and the turf firm).

There’s plenty of buzz about the resort’s newest course, No. 10, which opened for play in April 2024.

“Number 10 starts out fairly gentle, then it starts going into the old quarry works where it gets downright crazy for a little bit, then the course gets up on the hill and there’s a beautiful, sweeping view,” course architect Tom Doak has said. “All of the holes coming in are challenging, even when you move down into the gentler terrain. It’s a dramatic golf course; more than I originally thought.”

Especially the par-4 eighth, where a mogul-filled fairway will provide some memorable approach shots.

Gil Hanse, who renovated the North Course at LACC and more recently the North Course at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, deftly revamped No. 4 at Pinehurst in 2018. With multiple elevation changes and some cool, multi-hole views, you may enjoy this layout a lot more than No. 2. Hanse also designed The Cradle, a forerunner to the happy onslaught of short courses around the country.

With holes from 56 to 127 yards, plus a refreshment stand overlooking the course, it’s an ideal way to end a day.

You can lay your head down in one of 400 rooms around the Village, where popular choices include the stately but modern Carolina Hotel and The Manor, a touch more low-key but recently and elegantly renovated. From either you can stroll around the local boutique shops, grab some BBQ and a cold beer at the Pinehurst Brewing Company, or taste one of the world’s greatest desserts — blueberry peach cobbler — at The Tavern restaurant in The Holly Inn.

“It’s been a whirlwind over the last several years preparing for 2024,” said Pinehurst Resort President Tom Pashley. “The Carolina Hotel has seen numerous enhancements, with a complete renovation of the guest rooms, lobby and corridors. We’ve tripled the size of the lobby coffee shop and added the stylish new Carolina Vista Lounge and outdoor fire pits. The historic hallway in our Resort Clubhouse is totally renovated with new trophy displays and three distinct multimedia experiences. Bob Dedman, our owner and CEO, likes to say, ‘Always Pinehurst, always better.’ We’re very excited to share all with new and returning guests this year.”