Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Region Home to 9 of Top 20 Golf Courses in North Carolina

SOUTHERN PINES, NC – APRIL 5, 2007 – Out of nearly 600 golf courses throughout North Carolina, the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen area garnered 20 spots in the list of Top 100 courses in the state, published this month in Business North Carolina magazine. The rankings are compiled based on votes cast by the North Carolina Golf Panel, which consists of media members, club professionals and general managers, industry executives, notable amateurs and business executives. The rankings are designed to be appreciated by a broad spectrum of golfers.

The Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen region boasted 45% of the state's Top 20 courses, including: #1 Pinehurst No. 2; #3 Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club;#6 Country Club of North Carolina (Dogwood); #9 Forest Creek Golf Club (South); #11 Pinehurst No. 8; #12 Pinehurst No. 4; #14 National Golf Club; and #17 Country Club of North Carolina (Cardinal).  Donald Ross' legendary Pinehurst No. 2 course has held the top spot for twelve consecutive years.

Rounding out the Top 100 listing were: #23 Mid South Club; #29 Mid Pines; #32 Pinehurst No. 7; #47 Pinewild Country Club (Magnolia); #52 Tobacco Road Golf Course; #72 Legacy Golf Links; #84 Pinehurst No. 6; #87 Southern Pines Elks Club; #89 Little River Golf & Resort; #90 Country Club of Whispering Pines; and #95 Pinewild Country Club (Holly).

In a breakdown of regions, the Sandhills Top 10 are: Pinehurst No. 2, Pine Needles, Country Club of North Carolina (Dogwood), Forest Creek (South), Pinehurst No. 8, Pinehurst No. 4, National Golf Club, Country Club of North Carolina (Cardinal), Forest Creek (North) and Mid South Club.

In another category, Pinehurst No. 2 and Pine Needles also topped the list of Sandhills courses demanding premium approach shots. Forest Creek South was third, followed by CCNC's Dogwood and National.

Pinehurst No. 2's 17th hole topped the list of best par-3s in the Sandhills. The challenging ninth at National is second on the list, followed by the No. 3 signature hole at Pine Needles, the eighth at Pinehurst No. 8, and the 10th at Forest Creek South.

"As competitive as the golf/resort industry is today, the significant validation by this distinguished panel is welcomed and cherished," said Caleb Miles, President & CEO of the Convention & Visitors Bureau. "It certainly substantiates the strong work ethic and dedication of the thousands of employees in the golf and resort industry here in Moore County."

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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.