Donald Ross on Thistle Dhu

As I mentioned in an earlier post, here’s a little history about the Thistle Dhu putting course at Pinehurst as it is written on the score card.

In 1895, James Walker Tufts founded Pinehurst Resort. Three short years later he introduced and entirely new and unexpected sport of golf to the resort. In 1919, James Barber, came to Pinehurst and built his home, Thistle Dhu. On the grounds of his home, no doubt inspired by his surroundings, he built America’s first miniature golf course. The story goes that upon seeing the completed home and course, he pronounced “This’ll Do”. It was later translated into Thistle Dhu and the name stuck. Donald Ross himself is pictured playing the course on front of this scorecard. The name returns nearly a century later near it’s inspiration and rightful home at Pinehurst.

Thistle Dhu at Pinehurst pays homage to the famed Himalayas putting course near the Old Course in St. Andrews, home to the St. Andrews Ladie’s Putting Club since 1867.

I had fun playing Thistle Dhu and you should give it a try when in Pinehurst. Happy Golfing from this average golfer!