A New Mecca Of Golf |
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USGA |
“ The state ’ s passion for the game is complemented by a system of worldclass universities and a highly educated workforce that make it a hub for research , technology and innovation .”
— Mike Davis
MAKING MOVES
Having the satellite campus compelled the USGA to commit to holding its Annual Meeting on a permanent basis at Pinehurst starting in 2022 . Furthermore , with the current USGA Museum hamstrung by space restrictions , the new building will afford more opportunities to exhibit some of its 70,000 catalogued artifacts , one million photographs , 100,000 library items and 200,000 hours of video footage .
“ If you go in November for a visit and come back in April ,” said Annis , hypothetically speaking , “ things will change with new experiences .”
In terms of the USGA ’ s new Equipment Standards Test Center , Annis clarified that it must be operational by December 2023 but only when the New Jersey location can shut down . Smooth transition only . The old test center will eventually be demolished .
The USGA will also receive help getting it up and running . According to the Sandhills Sentinel , “ the Golden LEAF award to Partners in Progress will be used to purchase some of the more than $ 4 million in testing equipment that will be used by the new center in Pinehurst . This award is part of a larger project that leverages funding from the state as well as other public and private partners .”
As Davis prepares to leave the USGA by end of 2021 , executing the deal cements his legacy as a progressive thinker . Always a strong believer in advancing the game — whether through the Green Section , water sustainability issues , inventive course setup or outreach issues — at its core has been innovation .
“ The state ’ s passion for the game is complemented by a system of worldclass universities and a highly educated workforce that make it a hub for research , technology and innovation ,” said Davis . “ We will establish Pinehurst and North
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Carolina as a center for golf innovation , research , and science , advancing our work with leading university researchers in the state , championing sustainability in golf through advances in turfgrass , and more .”
There are other tangible benefits to the move , too . By staking its flag in Pinehurst , the USGA opened the door to reacquainting itself with other surrounding host clubs regarding other championships . According to the bill , a men ’ s major must be hosted every five to seven years with a $ 90 million impact per event ; a women ’ s major every 10 years ; and at least 13 other championships . Since 1955 , the USGA has held 33 championships in the state .
The Association , in conjunction with outside groups , did a U . S . Open economic impact study and estimated the region could see an estimated $ 2 billion boon .
Said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Anthony Copeland : “ The USGA ’ s plans for this significant new presence in Pinehurst elevates the Village ’ s reputation in the golf world and enhances North Carolina ’ s prestige as a destination for both businesses and tourists .”
RIPPLE EFFECTS
Besides the economic boon , other ripple effects could be felt .
For instance , the Donald Ross Society has annually made the Pinehurst-based Tufts Archives its largest grant beneficiary . Most of Ross ’ materials are preserved there .
“ The mission of the Donald Ross Society is all about promoting Donald Ross and his architecture ,” said society president Brad
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Becken . “ To the extent there is additional focus on him , this move is something we are in favor of . If you would ask most people who have some knowledge of Ross , they would single out [ Pinehurst ] No . 2 as his most famous work . And if we ’ re talking No . 2 , Ross definitely gets exposure .”
As part of the USGA agreement , the Moore County economic development group — Partners in Progress — identified a commitment to attracting golf companies and organizations to the region as a goal . Golf Pride , a standout club grip company , and U . S . Kids Golf have set up parts of their operations there already , as has the Carolinas Golf Association .
Now it ’ s full throttle ahead . The USGA recently hired an architectural firm to resonate the vision . The hope , by all measures , is to break ground by 2022 .
“ This is a win , win , win ,” said Annis . “ A win for North Carolina economically ; with having us there to attract more people as the ‘ Mecca of Golf ;’ of course for us and the organization ; and for Pinehurst Resort .
“ It was pretty simple for us to say , ‘ This is a place we need to be and a place where we need to have a permanent presence .’”
The famous Payne Stewart statue at Pinehurst . BELOW : A new equipment testing center will be a key aspect of Golf House Pinehurst .
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