The Sandhills area of North Carolina, in the 1920's, was a bustling resort enclave with golfers from the Atlantic Seaboard and points beyond visiting to enjoy its Donald Ross-designed courses and soothing way of life.  Ross, a native of Dornoch, Scotland, came to America in 1899 to forge a career in golf – a game in its infancy in a new land.  Throughout his career, Ross would design nearly 400 golf courses and become one of the preeminent course architects in the history of the game.

 PEGGY KIRK BELL SELECTED AS ONE OF “AMERICA’S 50 BEST WOMEN TEACHERS” BY GOLF DIGEST MAGAZINE

SOUTHERN PINES, NC, July 13, 2012 – Peggy Kirk Bell, owner of Pine Needles and Mid Pines Resort and LPGA pioneer, has been named in Golf Digest’s 2012 list of “America’s 50 Best Women Teachers”. 

The list is generated on votes from over 1,600 female Class A PGA of America and LPGA Teaching and Club professional members along with teachers who rank for “Golf Digest’s Best Teachers in Your State”.   All of the professionals recognized offer lessons to the public. 

Ranked 5th on the list, Bell has long been recognized for her efforts in golf instruction.  She has received honors including LPGA Teacher of the Year, LPGA Master Teacher, a member of the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame and in 2004 was inducted into Golf Magazine’s World Golf Teachers Hall of Fame.

Mrs. Bell, as she’s still fondly referred to, started her women’s only golf schools in the 1960s naming them “Golfaris” after describing her lessons as a “safari of golf”.   These week long golf schools offer women of all experience levels instruction from PGA and LPGA professionals, on-course playing lessons, meals, lodging and nightly entertainment.  Mrs. Bell and her family offer the Ladies Golfari as well as an Adult Golfari for both men and women and a Youth Golfari.

Pine Needles and Mid Pines Resort, owned and operated by Peggy Kirk Bell and her family, is a premier golf resort located in Southern Pines, NC.   The resort offers two classic Donald Ross golf courses as well as two lodging facilities equipped with full service restaurants, an outdoor pool and renovated fitness center.  Pine Needles has been host of the 1996, 2001, and 2007 U.S. Women’s Opens. 

For more information about Peggy Kirk Bell and Pine Needles and Mid Pines Resort, visit www.pineneedles-midpines.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Graham Gilmore

Director of Golf  

Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club

Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club

1010 Midland Road

Southern Pines, North Carolina 28387

910-692-7111

2012 MID PINES JUNIOR INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT

Southern Pines, June 26, 2012 - A field of 50 Junior Golfers from North and South Carolina teed off Saturday, June 23th in the 29^th Annual Mid Pines Junior Invitational Golf Tournament at Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club in Southern Pines, North Carolina.  This very popular junior tournament, which annually attracts a strong field of junior golfers, is played over two days and 36 holes on the Donald Ross designed Mid Pines layout, a course that is valued among the best in North Carolina. 

Erick Mitchell from Winston-Salem, NC won the Boys 17-18 Division with a score of 69-68-137.  George Kilgore from Raleigh, NC finished second with a score of 71-76-147.   Preston Banks Cole from Greer SC, Dylan Stephens from Boiling Springs, NC and John McFayden from Fayetteville, NC tied for third place at 148.

In the Boys 15-16 Division, Patrick Cover of Huntersville, NC finished first with a score of 67-76-143.  Stephen Saleeby of Raleigh, North Carolina finished second with a score of 71-73-144.  Court Settle of Raleigh, NC finished third with a score of 76-70-146.

Kevin Sowinski of Greensboro, NC won the Boys 13-14 Division in a sudden death playoff on the second hole over Zander McCall of Statesville, with scores of 156.  Hardy Hogan of Raleigh, NC finished third with a score of 73-84-157. 

In the Boys 11-12 Division, Fulton Smith of Pinehurst, NC finished first with a score of 84-78-162.  Jack Dunn of Raleigh, NC finished second with a score of 87-86-173..  

In the Girls 17 & 18 Division, Grace Glaze from Clemson, SC was the winner with a score of 79-76-155.   

A complete scoring summary is attached.

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LPGA Foundation Partners with Peggy Kirk Bell Girls’ Golf Tour

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., June 6, 2012 – The Ladies Professional Golf Association announced today that the Peggy Kirk Bell Girls’ Golf Tour will become an “Approved Tour” of The LPGA Foundation and the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program.

LPGA-USGA Girls Golf provides an opportunity for girls ages 7 to 17, to learn golf, build lasting friendships and experience golf in a fun, supportive “girls only” environment, preparing them for a lifetime of enjoyment with the game of golf.

The mission of the Peggy Kirk Bell Girls’ Golf Tour is to ensure the future of the game by providing a “girls only” tour that will help to actively increase participation and interest in girls golf and to enhance the life skills of girls through golf.

"The Peggy Kirk Bell Girls’ Golf Tour was an obvious choice for the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf program to align with as their mission and ours are strategically compatible," said Nancy Henderson, President of The LPGA Foundation.  "This alliance is a wonderful opportunity for our members to participate in a competitive, yet nurturing tournament environment.”

2012 is the sixth season for the Carolinas-based tour, which has experienced unprecedented growth in its first few seasons, making it the largest girls’ only tour in the country.   

“As a pioneer of women’s golf instruction and a Charter Member of the LPGA, I am honored to have the Peggy Kirk Bell Girls’ Golf Tour associated with the LPGA. As the honorary chair of the PKBGT, it has been exciting to watch the tour grow and provide opportunities for girls to learn and play the game.” said Peggy Kirk Bell, a recent honoree at the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup.  “We need to get more girls in the U.S. playing the game and the alliance of the LPGA and PKBGT will continue to grow the game for generations to come.”

The LPGA Foundation will provide LPGA-USGA Girls Golf members with the opportunity to apply for financial assistance to compete in PKB Girls’ Golf tournaments.  Following the philosophy of the program, grants will be awarded to girls based on their commitment to and participation in their programs and communities rather than solely on their performance on the golf course.

“We recognize that there are many girls who may never dream to play on the LPGA Tour, but the competitive experience they can gain by playing on the Peggy Kirk Bell Girls’ Golf Tour will demonstrate how golf can take them places they may never imagine they could go,” added Henderson.

About the PKB Girls’ Golf Tour
The Peggy Kirk Bell Girls’ Golf Tour is the largest girls golf tour in the country, offering junior girls ages 12 – 18 a venue to develop, compete and be recognized.  Founded in 2007, the tour is supported and maintained by the LPGA-USGA Girls Golf programs of Greensboro, NC and Winston-Salem, NC.  Administered by the Triad Youth Golf Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation, the PKBGT operates affordable, high level competitions in the Southeast region.  Utilizing unique methods including “girl’s only” tournaments and yardage based divisions instead of age, the tour focuses on player development and connecting players to collegiate opportunities.  With a schedule full of top-ranked and university courses on the schedule, the tour prepares junior girls’ for the next phase in their golfing career. Tour membership includes over 400 players from 13 states in the last two seasons.  The PKBGT is headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina.  Follow the PKBGT on the web at: www.pkbgt.org and www.facebook.com/girlsgolftour.

About the LPGA
About the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association)
The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950, the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 1,700 members representing 29 different countries. With a Vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women’s golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while dedicated LPGA Teaching and Club Professionals (T&CP) directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management. The Symetra Tour consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. Follow the LPGA on its television home, Golf Channel, and on the web via: www.LPGA.com, www.facebook.com/lpga.official, www.twitter.com/lpga, and www.youtube.com/lpgavideo.

The LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla.  For more information, visit www.lpga.com.

Media Contact:  Diane Cody, diane.cody@lpga.com

GOLF.com Features Pine Needles and Mid Pines

GOLF.com's feature "Ask Travelin' Joe Passov" highlighted the Pinehurst area on his November 29 video as he answers a viewer's question about which courses to play on their visit to the Sandhills. 

While he discusses the renovations of Pinehurst No. 2, he also recommends our two Donald Ross classics, Pine Needles and Mid Pines. 

Check out the video posted on GOLF.com!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 9, 2011

From:  Graham Gilmore
            Director of Golf   
            Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club
            Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club
            1010 Midland Road
            Southern Pines, North Carolina 28387
            910-692-7111
          
2011 Mid Pines Hickory Open Championship

Southern Pines – A field of 88 competitors from 18 states as well at Toronto, Ontario, France and Sweden, teed off Saturday, November 5th in the 8th Annual Mid Pines Hickory Open Championship at Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club in Southern Pines, North Carolina.  This has become one of the most popular events using clubs primarily from the 1920’s and where players dress in plus fours and ties.  The event is played over the first weekend in November on the Donald Ross Designed layout, a course that is valued among one of the best in North Carolina.

Fred Muller from Frankfort, MI won the gold medal in the Donald Ross Division (Gross Division) with a score of 77-80-157.  Kelly Miller of Southern Pines, NC finished second and won the silver medal with a score of 85-73-158 and Roger Andrews from Jenks, OK finished in third place winning the bronze with a score of 79-79, 158. 

Richard Schmidt from Southern Pines, NC won the gold medal in the Julius Boros Division (Net Division) with a score of 136.  Jonathan Broga of South Riding, VA finished second and won the silver medal with a score of 147 and Richard Grula of Winter Park, FL finished in third place winning the bronze medal with a score of 149.

Rusty Wells from Pinehurst, NC won the gold medal in the Skip Alexander Division (Gross Senior Division) with a score of 161.  Ken Holtz of Sun City, AZ finished second and won the silver medal with a score of 167.  Bill Turville from Thornhill, Ontario won the bronze medal with a score of 170. 

William Tanner from Scotland won the gold medal in the Old Tom Morris Division (Senior Net Division) with a score of 135.  During the prize presentation Will was not recognized as the winner of this division and congratulate him on his fine playing during the event.  Jim Hollon of Evansville, IN finished second and won the silver medal with a score of 137 in a scorecard playoff over Jim Davis of Grand Rapids, MI.  Jim finished third and won the bronze medal.

Bill Engelson & Jonathan Broga won the gold medal in the Bobby Jones Gross Division.  The Bobby Jones Division is a Father/Son Team Better Ball Competition played on the final round

Barbara Kopec from Niceville, FL won the gold medal in the Peggy Kirk Bell Ladies Division with a score of 192.  Tien Panigel won the gold medal in the Peggy Kirk Bell (Net Division).

Pine Needles hosted a Foursomes Competition on Friday, November 4, 2011 for the Mid Pines Hickory Open Weekend.  We had 20 teams compete using a true Alternate Stroke format. 

Dennis Joy and Chuck McMullin finished first in the Gross Division of the Foursomes Competition and  David Ellis Rick Woeckner came in second place.  John Duffy Charles Mitchell Jr. finished first in the Net Division and Richard Grula and Brian Schuman finished in second place. 

The 9th Annual Mid Pines Hickory Open will be played on November 2-4, 2012.

September 20, 2011

Interview with Peggy Kirk Bell
featured in the September/October 2011 edition of the Virginia Golfer

In this month's issue of the Virginia Golfer, Rhonda Glenn (Manager of Communications for the USGA), sits down with golf legend Peggy Kirk Bell to reflect on her past accomplishments and her feelings of turning 90 in just over one month.

Click here to read the full interview.

August 29, 2011

CAROLINAS GOLF ASSOCIATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:
Jack Nance, CGA Executive Director
Phone:             910-673-1000     
E-mail: info@carolinasgolf.org

CGA Address:                                                    
Carolinas Golf Association
PO Box 319
West End, NC 27376
 
Web Site: www.carolinasgolf.org
E-mail: info@carolinasgolf.org
Fax: 910-673-1001

CAROLINAS GOLF ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES PLANS TO BUILD CAROLINAS GOLF HOUSE AT PINE NEEDLES

WEST END, NC -- The Carolinas Golf Association (CGA) has announced plans to build a new center, Carolinas Golf House, in Southern Pines, N.C.
The CGA has acquired land on the Pine Needles Resort property. Carolinas Golf House will be headquarters of the CGA and also will house the Carolinas golf heritage museum and the Carolinas Golf Foundation.  The museum/headquarters building will be 13,000 square feet.
Founded in 1909, the CGA is charged to promote and protect golf in the Carolinas by providing competitions, education, support and benefits to golfers. The CGA is the second largest amateur association in the country. With its 102-year-old legacy, championship traditions and commitment to the future of golf, the CGA has been a steward of the game in the Carolinas for over one hundred years.
The CGA offers membership services to more than 168,000 golfers at CGA clubs.  These include: an extensive tournament program for golfers of all ages and abilities, an agronomy program, a quarterly magazine mailed directly to members, USGA handicapping service, USGA course ratings, Rules of Golf and handicap system education, handicap licensing and certification along with USGA outreach programs. The CGA also serves as a vital link for the USGA to golfers in the Carolinas.
The CGA’s sister organization, the Carolinas Golf Foundation, was created in 1977 and raises and donates money to Carolinas golf-related causes focusing on junior golf, turfgrass research and scholarships.
Carolinas Golf House will be built on a tract of land adjacent to the conference center at Pine Needles. In addition to providing a building site to the CGA, the partnership with Pine Needles allows the CGA to have access to meeting and banquet facilities at the resort.
Carolinas Golf House will provide office space for staff, conference rooms, and a museum display area showcasing the history of golf in the Carolinas. The Carolinas Golf House design allows easy access to the Pine Needles reception center and will be complemented with a new courtyard.
The CGA, founded in Charleston, S.C., has been headquartered in Seven Lakes, NC, near West End, NC since 1991, moving at that time from rented space in Clemmons, NC.  “After moving here 20 years ago, Seven Lakes and Moore County have embraced us,” notes CGA Executive Director Jack Nance.  “Simply, we have run out of space in our current office building.
“Carolinas Golf House, however, is more than a new office building for our staff.  It will be a focal point for the game.” he said.
“We have talked for years about building this,” noted CGA President Walter Todd of Laurens, S.C. “We have wanted a way to display the history of the game in the Carolinas.  Now we will be able to portray accurately the ideals and traditions of golf.”
“This is the first time in 102 years that we have taken on such a project, and it is overdue,” Nance added.
“We are excited about the CGA keeping its home and headquarters in this area and more thrilled that the Association selected Pine Needles/Mid Pines for its future home,” Pine Needles President Kelly Miller said.  “This is the first property the Bell family has sold since acquiring Pine Needles in 1953.  While we waited 58 years to do so, we think we have the right partner in the CGA.”
The Carolinas Golf Foundation, which will also be housed at Golf House, has donated more than $1.5 million in 34 years to over 50 golf-related programs including the First Tee and disabled golfer programs.
For further information, please visit www.carolinasgolf.org and www.settingthecourse.org to get updates on Carolinas Golf House progress.