Month: September 2020

Ten Pinehurst Area Judges Determine Unique List; Final Hole on No. 2 Tops Rankings

PINEHURST, NC (September 28, 2020) – In partnership with the Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Aberdeen Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Global Golf Post published a list of the 18 best golf holes in the Pinehurst region. The multi-page feature appears in the September 28^th issue of Global Golf Post.

The task of picking 18 holes fell to a group of 10 voters with an extensive background in the game and familiarity with the region. The goal was to create a traditional par-72 course – four par-3s, four par-5s and 10 par-4s – chosen from both public and private courses in the area.

Global Golf Post publisher Jim Nugent commented, “We thought golfers would enjoy a compilation of the best holes across the Home of American Golf. We think it will result in some interesting conversations among the millions of Pinehurst fans around the world.”

Added Phil Werz, President and CEO of the Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Aberdeen Area CVB, “The famed Sandhills of North Carolina is fortunate to have so many highly rated courses that generate their own buzz. Why not drill down a bit more and have 10 Pinehurst golf aficionados identify their own best of the best, which produced a broad selection of particular favorite holes.”

For those who know the area, the list will likely have them nodding their heads in approval about many of the holes while raising their eyebrows at some others. For prospective visitors to the area, it’s a bucket list of sorts.

It’s no surprise that Pinehurst No. 2 has three holes on the list – the par-5 fifth (for decades considered one of the great par-4 holes in the world), the par-3 ninth and the par-4 18^th, where Payne Stewart struck one of history’s most memorable shots and poses 21 years ago at the U.S. Open.

Mid Pines, another Ross design recently updated by Kyle Franz, also has three holes on the list, its par-4 fourth and 12^th holes, along with the par-5 15^th.

Tobacco Road, one of the most inventive designs by the late Mike Strantz, is represented by its par-5 first hole and its demanding par-3 14^th.

The Country Club of North Carolina has one hole from both its Dogwood and Cardinal courses, while Pinehurst No. 4, Pinehurst No. 8, Pine Needles, Dormie Club, Legacy Golf Links, Forest Creek North, Mid South Club and Talamore each have one hole among the 18.

Golfers can voice their opinion, as well. In addition, they may win a bucket list travel package for two to Pinehurst that includes four nights accommodations (two each at Pinehurst Resort and Talamore Resort), six rounds of golf (Pinehurst No. 4, Pine Needles, Mid Pines, Tobacco Road, Mid South and Talamore) and a $500 gift card. PLEASE NOTE: This Sweepstakes ended on November 1, 2020.

Learn more at www.HomeofGolf.com/Best18.

About the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is the economic development agency responsible for travel and tourism promotion, product development, and visitor services for Moore County, NC. The CVB devises strategies to enhance the County’s tourism brand value and product to accommodate the next generation of visitors, thereby stimulating the local economy and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. In 2019, Moore County ranked as the 11^th largest tourism economy in North Carolina, generating $563 million annually in visitor spending, which supports the second largest employment sector in the county. www.HomeofGolf.com

About Global Golf Post:
Global Golf Post, founded in 2010, is the leading golf news brand in the world. Through its Monday digital edition and its new subscription site called GGP+, the brand practices “informed golf journalism.” The Monday digital edition is published 50 weeks per year and delivers a weekly recap of the completive game to a global audience of dedicated golfers. GGP+ delivers original, premium quality golf journalism that you cannot find anywhere else in an advertising free environment. Both platforms can be found at globalgolfpost.com.

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You may have heard the saying, “It’s a beautiful day in Pinehurst!” Well, if you aren’t fortunate enough to live in the Home of American Golf, you can now view our own window on the world here via our destination webcam!

The webcam is located atop the U.S. Kids Golf Academy at Longleaf Golf & Family Club in Southern Pines (it’s always a beautiful day there, too). The webcam is part of a partnership between the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) and WRAL-TV 5 in Raleigh, NC. The TV station can view the live camera 24 hours a day and typically will use it for the weather segments on WRAL-TV through the day and night. The camera has 360-degree view capability, so WRAL-TV can turn the camera in any direction to show the best view possible.

WRAL-TV is the #1 rated station in the Triangle market and has the largest weather team in North Carolina. The station has the potential to reach hundreds of thousands of viewers from Southern Virginia to the Outer Banks to the Sandhills. But, if you live anywhere in the world, you can visit the webcam from our website and prepare for your next trip to the Home of American Golf!

PINEHURST, NC (September 16, 2020) — Homewood Suites Pinehurst is placing the finishing touches on a $3.5 million hotel transformation project, which includes updated public spaces, renovated guest suites, outdoor patio and pool deck.

“We are excited to have completed our much anticipated renovation, where service is our ultimate amenity,” said Luis Rivas, General Manager, Homewood Suites Olmsted Village near Pinehurst.

A Concept 2 Design, based in Midlothian, VA, managed the renovation as it has done for several other Summit Hospitality Ltd. Hilton branded hotel renovations. Its instructions were to use the local Pinehurst aesthetic, inspired by the Sandhills landscape, and golfing and equestrian communities, as inspiration to incorporate into the custom elements of the design scheme.

The hotel provides a complement of services and brand amenities, including 100 Guest Room Suites, 1,674 square feet of meeting space, outdoor grilling area, outdoor swimming pool, outdoor putting green, 24-hour laundry facilities, 24-hour fitness center, 24-hour complimentary business center, complimentary Wi-Fi Internet access and complimentary shuttle services within 5 miles.

Homewood Pinehurst is also part of Hilton Honors, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 distinct hotel brands. Members who book directly have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi and the Hilton Honors mobile app.

Homewood Pinehurst is located at 250 Central Park Ave, Pinehurst, NC 28374. For reservations or more information, visit www.hilton.com or call 910.255.0300.

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PINEHURST, NC (September 9, 2020) – In an effort to expand its impact in golf and extend its mission to champion and advance the game, the United States Golf Association (USGA) will establish “Golf House Pinehurst” in North Carolina, to include a new equipment-testing facility, innovation hub, museum/visitor center and offices by 2023, and host five U.S. Open Championships in the golf-rich state by 2047.

The announcement adds four U.S. Open Championships to be contested on the famed Pinehurst No. 2 course – in 2029, 2035, 2041 and 2047 – to the already scheduled 2024 event. The decision accelerates the USGA’s strategy to stage its premier golf championship at America’s most iconic venues with greater frequency. By doing so, Pinehurst Resort & Country Club will serve as the USGA’s first anchor site for the U.S. Open.

“There is no better place for the USGA to plant new roots than the Home of American Golf,” said Mike Davis, CEO of the USGA. “Thanks to the vision of North Carolina, Moore County and Pinehurst leaders, we are taking a bold step forward and forging a long-term commitment that will elevate our championships, foster greater innovation in golf, and ultimately help grow the game.”

The plan, conceived over the last several years, came to fruition through a comprehensive economic development effort that involved representatives from the North Carolina General Assembly, the Office of the Governor, the Department of Commerce, Moore County, the Village of Pinehurst and economic development experts.

The total $25 million investment over the next several years includes the construction of two buildings to be located near the clubhouse on the historic Pinehurst Resort property, housing 50 full-time USGA staff members.

The campus will feature the USGA’s Equipment Standards Test Center – a laboratory dedicated to testing golf balls and clubs for conformance to the Rules of Golf. It will replace the current facility on the USGA’s Liberty Corner campus and enable significant new investment in advanced technology required to perform this global governance function.

Pinehurst will also serve as the USGA’s base for its work to advance the game of golf through innovation, research and science, in collaboration with some of the state’s leading universities.

A USGA Golf Museum experience will also be added, giving visitors a chance to delve into the association’s premier collection of golf artifacts and connect them more deeply with the game’s rich history.

Independent studies estimate that the total economic impact of the USGA’s long-term presence will exceed $2 billion to the state of North Carolina. More than one million visitors travel to Pinehurst annually.

In addition to the four newly scheduled U.S. Opens, the USGA will bring its other premier championships to the state at an increased rate, including, but not limited to, the U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Senior Open, U.S. Amateur, U.S. Women’s Amateur, U.S. Junior and U.S. Girls’ Junior.

The USGA, the Village of Pinehurst and Pinehurst Resort all celebrate their 125th anniversaries this year.

Additional Information
History of Championships and Tournaments
U.S. Open Connections Part 1
U.S. Open Connections Part 2
U.S. Open Connections Part 3

The Pinehurst Southern Pines Aberdeen Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is the economic development agency responsible for travel and tourism promotion, product development, and visitor services for Moore County, NC. The CVB devises strategies to enhance the County’s tourism brand value and product to accommodate the next generation of visitors, thereby stimulating the local economy and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. In 2019, Moore County ranked as the eleventh largest tourism economy in North Carolina, generating $563 million annually in visitor spending, which supports the second largest employment sector in the county.

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Non-Profit Foundation To Be Headquartered in the Village of Pinehurst

PINEHURST, NC (September 2, 2020) – The U.S. Kids Golf Foundation announced today that they are relocating their Norcross, GA-based non-profit foundation to the Home of American Golf, Pinehurst, North Carolina. The announcement was made by Dan Van Horn, Founder and President of U.S. Kids Golf. The golf equipment division of U.S. Kids Golf will continue to be headquartered in Georgia.

Pinehurst and the surrounding communities have been the host site for the U.S. Kids Golf World Championship and World Teen Championship for the past 15 years. This prestigious series of championships for kids ages 5-18 has evolved into the world’s largest junior golf championship with an annual field of over 2,100 young golfers from around the world.

“We are very excited to relocate and continue to grow our Foundation in Pinehurst, which has been the home of our World Championship since 2006,” announced Van Horn. “This move presents a wonderful opportunity to be part of the rich history and traditions that this community provides and will allow us the ability to further enhance our mission in growing the great game of golf.”

The U.S. Kids Golf Foundation was formed in 2001 to promote the game of golf to kids around the world and to provide competitive playing opportunities at local, state, national and international levels. Their mission “to help kids have fun learning the lifelong game of golf and encourage family interaction that builds lasting memories” gave birth to two distinct Foundation initiatives: Play & Learn and Tournaments.

The Foundation was the first youth golf organization to provide age and gender appropriate course yardage for kids’ golf competitions so that players beginning as early as five could make pars, birdies, eagles, and even hole-in-ones in tournament play. Additionally, U.S. Kids Golf Foundation mandated the use of caddies for players under eight years old and encouraged caddies for older players as critical support for the development of young golfers. Parents are provided with the proper education and coaching techniques as they caddie for their kids.

Their Tournament division conducts over 1,600 golf tournaments annually around the world, including Local Tour events, State and Regional Championships, International Championships, and their eminently competitive World Championships held annually in July and August on 13 different golf courses in the Pinehurst area. U.S. Kids Golf Foundation has over 25,000 junior golfers as active tournament players.

The Foundation’s Play & Learn initiative, which focuses on providing the best practices for guiding parents to bring their kids into the game, has led to the development of the U.S. Kids Golf Coaches Institute. This multi-tiered division provides unique training and education opportunities for parents, golf instructors, coaches, and kids to learn and teach the game and to maximize the enjoyment the game of golf provides.

To help parents find kid-friendly coaches, the Foundation created the U.S. Kids Golf Top 50 Award, recognizing the best coaches and teachers for their outstanding ability to teach the game to kids. Later they developed a continuing education program for golf professionals to learn and share best practices on instruction that led to the U.S. Kids Golf Certified Coach program. Certified coaches learn to leverage their expertise by incorporating an understanding of club fitting, game-based learning methods, scaled yardages for on-course play and coaching parents on the best ways to engage and motivate their kids while playing golf.

In 2015, the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation purchased Longleaf Golf & Country Club as a “Living Laboratory” for best practices in how a semi-private club can bring more kids and families into the game. The club name was changed to Longleaf Golf & Family Club, and the Foundation established the first U.S. Golf Academy on the property. The Academy currently serves over 600 players from the area and from throughout the United States.

“Longleaf has been an outstanding addition to our Foundation,” added Van Horn. “Our Academy has been very successful in introducing golfers of all ages to the game of golf, and the Longleaf golf course has allowed us the opportunity to enhance our original forward tee program into the Longleaf Tee System. This system has revolutionized the scaling of golf courses and makes the game more enjoyable for players of all skill levels.”

“We couldn’t be happier to see the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation decide to relocate to the ‘Home of American Golf,’” said Phil Werz, president and CEO of the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. “Golf is the fabric and DNA of our community, and they will be welcomed with open arms by everyone. Their commitment to growing the game of golf is truly inspiring, and we look forward to making them feel at home in our globally-recognized golf destination.”

The Pinehurst Southern Pines Aberdeen Convention & Visitors Bureau
The Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is the economic development agency responsible for travel and tourism promotion, product development, and visitor services for Moore County, NC. The CVB devises strategies to enhance the County’s tourism brand value and product to accommodate the next generation of visitors, thereby stimulating the local economy and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. In 2019, Moore County ranked as the eleventh largest tourism economy in North Carolina, generating $563 million annually in visitor spending, which supports the second largest employment sector in the county.

About U.S. Kids Golf
U.S. Kids Golf, LLC, is based in Atlanta and manufactures equipment and related golf products designed for kids. It was created in 1997 when Founder/CEO Dan Van Horn found that his children were losing their interest in golf due to not having the proper equipment.

In addition to more than 4,000 golf shops and retail locations in the United States, the company’s products also are available in over 75 countries worldwide. The vision of the U.S. Kids Golf Foundation is to provide kids and their families the opportunity to participate in the game of golf through instruction and competition. They believe that family interaction is critical in the development of young golfers and encourages parents to serve as caddies for their kids during tournaments and to develop positive coaching techniques.

For more information about U.S. Kids Golf, please contact Lane Andrews (landrews@uskidsgolf.com) at 770-441-3077, ext. 625.

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