Governor Easley Presents Award To Peggy Kirk Bell

SOUTHERN PINES, NC – MARCH 26, 2007 – Local golfing legend Peggy Kirk Bell received the Governor’s Winner’s Circle Award, which was presented by Governor Mike Easley during the annual North Carolina Governor’s Conference on Tourism held at Sea Trails Resort Monday in front of an audience of over 500 people.  Mrs. Bell was cited for her family’s long standing commitment to the game of golf, including securing the third time return of the U.S. Women’s Open Championship to Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club in 2007.

Bell was also recognized for her contribution as a founding member of the LPGA, as a player and a long time supporter of women’s golf.  Mrs. Bell was accompanied at the luncheon by her daughter Bonnie McGowan, CVB President Caleb Miles and numerous other tourism leaders from across the state.

Earlier this month, Bell was named the recipient of the 2007 PGA First Lady of Golf Award, presented to women who have made significant contributions to the game of golf.  The U.S. Women’s Open will be held at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club from June 25 - July 1, 2007.  For more information about the 2007 U.S. Women’s Open Championship at Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club, please contact the Championship Office at (910) 235-8151, or via e-mail at info@2007uswomensopen.com or visit the championship web site at www.2007uswomensopen.com.

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The Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is an economic development organization and non-profit authority of Moore County, North Carolina. The CVB mission is to promote the area as a destination for visitors, meetings, conventions and tours. The CVB is funded primarily by a three percent hotel / motel room occupancy tax paid by visitors to Moore County.