I arrived prior to dawn’s first light. I found myself standing at the edge of Pinehurst 2 on the 18th hole, camera in hand and heart pounding with anticipation. The air was cool and crisp, and a sense of quiet serenity enveloped the landscape. I have been here before, nonetheless each visit is unique.

The first rays of sunlight painted the sky in hues of soft pink and lavender, known as the “Golden Hour” it is a photographer’s sanctuary. The towering pine trees stood tall and proud, their dark silhouettes contrasting beautifully against the pastel colors of the sky. The air was filled with the sweet scent of pine, as the ground crew massaged the greens and fairways.

With each passing second, the colors in the sky grew more vibrant, casting a warm and inviting light across the landscape. I adjusted my camera settings, making sure to capture every nuance of the scene unfolding before me.

As I composed my shots, I could not help but feel a sense of awe and reverence for the beauty that surrounded me. The light was majestic and warm as the clubhouse and Payne seemed to come alive.

As the sun continued its ascent, the colors in the sky shifted from soft pastels to warm oranges. The trees seemed to catch fire, their leaves glowing with an intensity that was almost otherworldly. I moved around the clearing, seeking different angles and perspectives to capture the dynamic interplay between light and shadow.

One shot caught my eye – as the sun continued to rise over the trees, the warm light consumed Payne and the sun created a star effect, as if Payne were shouting “I’m ready for another day!”

As the sun finally broke free from the horizon, casting its golden light across the entire landscape, I could not help but feel a surge of exhilaration. The beauty of Pinehurst 2 at sunrise was beyond anything I could have imagined, I was consumed by the warm golden hour light.

The memory of that sunrise at Pinehurst 2 will not fade anytime soon and the images I captured will last forever.