With turtleback greens and sandy waste areas abound , Pinehurst No .
2 is a Donald Ross classic .
USGA
The Pinehurst , N . C . region has long been reverently described as a “ Mecca of Golf .”
In mid-September , the U . S . Golf Association helped galvanize the moniker more so after revealing strategical tactics profoundly affecting the futures of the organization , the Village of Pinehurst and the state .
As part of a multi-million-dollar deal teeming with incentives , the Association committed to building “ Golf House Pinehurst ,” a secondary satellite headquarters , by 2023 . Additionally , the USGA seized the moment in announcing tangential news that touched on other functions inside and outside the ropes .
Pinehurst Resort & Country Club , serving as a nucleus , stands to prosper as well . As part of the agreement , Pinehurst No . 2 — host of three previous U . S . Opens — will serve as an anchor site for the crown jewel championship in 2029 , 2035 , 2041 and 2047 . These were added to the 2024 U . S . Open that had already been on its calendar .
Upon further inspection , thrusting Pinehurst into an unofficial rotation affirmed the USGA ’ s unbridled confidence with the site . After all , 21 years have passed since Association officials went to Pinehurst cautiously optimistic — but not completely convinced — the Village could withstand the exponential streams of U . S . Open fans . A three-time host since , the Donald Ross design transitioned from petri dish experiment to Mount Rushmore-like course prominence with aplomb .
Outside the ropes , two buildings to be constructed near the historic sandhills property will house a new equipment-testing facility , innovation hub , museum / visitor center and offices . More than a million people visit Pinehurst a year , according to USGA Chief Brand Officer Craig Annis , alluding to the Association ’ s strategy to reach core consumers .
Said USGA Chief Executive Officer Mike Davis : “ Pinehurst Resort is an iconic venue that has long proven its ability to celebrate excellence , inspire greatness , drive innovation and embrace all who love golf , and we are proud to share these same ideals as we call it our second home . This is part of a forward-thinking approach by the USGA to expand our impact in golf , to be closer to golfers and our stakeholders , and to
“ Pinehurst Resort is an iconic venue that has long proven its ability to celebrate excellence , inspire greatness , drive innovation and embrace all who love golf , and we are proud to share these same ideals as we call it our second home .” — Mike Davis , USGA Chief Executive Officer elevate our championships to the best golf courses in a fan-favorite community .
“ Together , we will reinforce the region ’ s reputation as the ‘ Home of American Golf ’ and forge a new path for our organization , the game and North Carolina as we connect with millions of golfers , collaborate with innovators , and bring our vision for a thriving , sustainable and welcoming game to life .”
Speaking on behalf of the Dedman family , which owns Pinehurst Resort , Bob Dedman Jr . lauded the partnership .
“ The USGA and Pinehurst Resort have a deep and storied history of partnering to foster the game of golf and crown its greatest champions ,” said Dedman Jr . “ We are honored to be selected as the U . S . Open ’ s first anchor site , an unprecedented distinction and testament to Pinehurst No . 2 ’ s legacy and future as a championship test for the world ’ s greatest golfers .”
SEISMIC SHIFT
To contextualize the announcement , by USGA historical measures it would rate as seismic — a Richter scale rocker with far-reaching aftershocks . How did it all come about ? About five years ago a premise mushroomed into reality , coming 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 .
vsga . org J ANUARY / F EBRUARY 2021 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 19