Pine Needles Ranked No. 1 Course for Women

SOUTHERN PINES, NC – JUNE 15, 2007 – Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club has been named the No.1 course on Golf For Women Magazine’s list of Top 50 Courses for Women. The 1927 Donald Ross-designed course was ranked No. 2 in 2006.

The Top 50 Courses for Women in the United States will be announced in the July/August 2007 issue of the publication and include such renowned courses as The Boulders, Sea Island, the Greenbrier, and Reynolds Plantation.

"We are delighted to be ranked as the countries’ top course for women," said legendary teacher and LPGA Charter Member, Peggy Kirk Bell. "The ranking really is a tribute to the design genius of Donald Ross and the playability of his course. His courses layouts are enjoyable for the average golfer yet still challenging for the longer players. It’s a wonderful course for ladies with a variety of tees from which to choose."

"During the 2004 restoration, we added a 5th set of tees, offering golfers several playing options," said President, Kelly Miller. The yardages range from the Forward Tees at 4936 yards to the Medal tees at 7015 yards, with 3 sets of tees under 6000 yards. The Pine Needles course was closed to restore the shot values and course management challenges that were inherent in Donald Ross’s original Pine Needles design. The Ross Tees replicate the original design length at 6436 yards.

To be considered, a Golf For Women Top 50 Course must have at least one set of tees under 5,300 yards, and should have at least two under 6,000. A minimum of two tees must be rated for women. The course should have few forced carries from the forward tees, be in top condition and present a women-friendly environment, according to a magazine spokesperson.

Pine Needles has focused on women’s golf since the Peggy Kirk Bell and her late-husband, Bullet, purchased the course in 1953. Soon after the purchase, women’s tees were added and in 1960 they started their world renowned, women’s Golfaris golf schools. Since then, tens of thousands of women have experienced these unique schools, with their hands-on, women-teaching-women approach. Women-Only Golfaris are held in February, May and September. Adult and Youth Golfaris, in June and July, respectively.

Pine Needles has also been recognized as a championship course, especially for women. It will host the U.S. Women’s Open Championship for the 3rd time June 25 – July 1, 2007. In the two previous Opens at Pine Needles—1996 and 2001—won by Annika Storenstam and Karrie Webb respectively, only three players broke par over the layout which played to 6260 yards and a par of 70. The resort has also hosted the USGA Junior Girls Championship, the USGA Senior Women’s Amateur Championship, and the LPGA Titleholders tournament.

Peggy Kirk Bell and her family have owned Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club since 1953 and own sister-property across the street, Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club, since 1994. For information on attractive summer golf packages and specials, please visit www.pineneedles-midpines.com or call (910)692-7111.

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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.