Pinehurst Wins the Three-Peat with Travel + Leisure Golf’s Best Golf Resort in America Award

VILLAGE OF PINEHURST, NC – SEPTEMBER 4, 2008 – Pinehurst Resort is No. 1 – again.

That news comes straight from the readers of Travel + Leisure Golf Magazine, who, for an unprecedented third time, voted the historic North Carolina resort as their top pick to take their next golf trip above any other in North America.

"It’s a testament to Pinehurst's consistent top-tier golf facilities, professionals, and service that Travel + Leisure Golf’s discerning, well-traveled readers have once again ranked it the No. 1 golf resort in the country," said John Atwood, editor in chief of Travel + Leisure Golf.

This is the second year in a row that the resort was chosen No. 1, and the third time in four years. The resort also received the honor in 2005. It has consistently ranked higher than such well-known locations as Pebble Beach Resorts, Kiawah Island Golf Resort and Bandon Dunes, all of which are listed in the list's top 10.

"We’re obviously proud of the entire Pinehurst team," said Pinehurst President Don Padgett. "With every event and championship, every guest and client, they do what's right to create a memorable experience for all who visit here. This is their award, a result of hard work and dedication."

The resort is featured in the September/October 2008 edition of the magazine, in which it was also given the #1 designation for "Best Resort for a Buddy Trip" in the Southeast. Coincidentally, Pinehurst recently launched its Buddy Trip of a Lifetime, which features unlimited golf, including a round on No. 2 with a caddie; a Putter Boy Trophy for buddy winners; group photos; private tips with a golf pro and more.

"So many elements go into an ideal golf vacation," noted the Travel + Leisure Golf website. "Above all, the courses must be exhilarating and the accommodations first-rate. But there are also less obvious aspects of the experience: skilled and engaging caddies, a state-of-the-art practice complex, a lively clubhouse bar stocked with history as well as craft beers and single malts. In our annual reader survey, we sought your discerning opinions not only on which resorts are the game's finest destinations but also on which ones excel at these and other details."

For more information or to make a reservation, see www.pinehurst.com or call 800-487-4653.

Located in the North Carolina heartland, world-renowned Pinehurst Resort is a 2,000-acre property featuring spa, golf, tennis, family, events and leisure recreation. Built in 1895, it has hosted such international events as the U.S Open Golf Championship, U.S. Clay Court Tennis Championship, and the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship. It continues to receive numerous awards for its exceptional accommodations, dining, meeting and children-friendly offerings, including an unprecedented three times being named #1 Golf Resort in the U.S. by the readers of Travel + Leisure Golf magazine, and the coveted Mobil Four-Star Spa recognition, the first facility so designated in a three-state region.

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Janeen Driscoll
Communications Manager
Pinehurst: Site of the 2005 U.S. Open Championship
910.235.8710 fax 910.255.3292
janeen.driscoll@pinehurst.com
www.pinehurst.com