Triad Golf Magazine | June/July 2024

OPEN ANCHOR

U.S.

I remember my first trip to Pinehurst well. It was nearly 40 years ago. I was just out of school and working at a newspaper in Columbia, South Carolina. A colleague brought me along on a media outing.

Growing up in Middle America, I became a golfer in my teens but had never heard of Pinehurst, now sometimes self-proclaimed as “the cradle of American golf.” For about two hours, we headed north on a two-lane road, occasionally slowing down through small towns and speed traps. It seemed like a back road to nowhere. I didn’t see a single sign promoting or providing mileage to Pinehurst.

Suddenly, we turned a corner, and there it was: Pinehurst—or Aberdeen, to be exact. We continued up U.S. 1/501, then the only real commercial strip in the area, with a few dated supermarkets, local businesses, and restaurants, but none of the big-box stores and chain restaurants that now fill that corridor and several adjoining roads.

Our group played the then-new Pinehurst No. 7, a Rees Jones design meant to add a modern touch to the resort’s repertoire. We played the historic Pine Needles the next day. On the first night, we attended a Carolinas Hall of Fame banquet at the original Pine Needles ballroom in a lower level of the hotel. We later struggled through the darkness in the village to find the Pine Crest Inn bar, where only a few steps away, you could chip golf balls into a fireplace. I was blown away. Pinehurst was unbelievable—a golf oasis in the middle of nowhere. The area was all about golf.

Today, everybody knows about Pinehurst. Credit U.S. Opens—the fourth to be played June 13-16 at No. 2—for making Pinehurst synonymous with golf not just in the Carolinas but throughout the world.

I love the rolling hills and surrounding pines. I love the quaint, understated atmosphere of the village, and I’ve learned to enjoy the modern conveniences that have come with the area’s amazing growth. I even love the traffic circles that eliminate the need for stoplights.

The historic Pinehurst Village has managed to keep most of its charm. The church bell at The Village Chapel still rings and chimes at regular intervals heard throughout Pinehurst Resort’s first five courses. The old hotels are still there, some added to the resort’s accommodation options.

I’ve been lucky enough to see Pinehurst’s national and international emergence, sparked by the Tour Championship in 1991-1992 and the Senior U.S. Open in 1995 before igniting with Payne Stewart’s victory in the 1999 U.S. Open.

Pinehurst Resort has adapted to changing times without changing its basic appeal. Most recently, the USGA built and occupied two new headquarters buildings, including a Golf Hall of Fame open to the public, next to the Pinehurst clubhouse.

Pinehurst is still Pinehurst. Just a lot more people know about it.

what’s

John Brasier | Editor + Publisher | john@triadgolf.com Dee Wilson | Advertising | deewilson54@gmail.com Stacy Calfo | Graphic Design | ads@triadgolf.com

PINEHUR ST PINEHURST e nte rs enters

PINEHURST enters THE USGA ‘ANCHOR’ ERA

T H E U S G A ‘A N C H O R’ E R A

THE USGA ‘ANCHOR’ ERA

Pinehurst No. 2, Hole 7

The USGA has gone all-in at Pinehurst. As golf fans will see at the U.S. Open on June 13-16 at Pinehurst No. 2, the relationship between golf’s American governing body and Pinehurst Resort has become heavily intertwined.

To the right, a few hundred yards from N.C. 2 (Midland Road) to the main clubhouse on Carolina Vista Drive, the USGA has two new buildings: one for its operations and another for a fan-friendly “USGA Experience” and a new World Golf Hall of Fame.

Additionally, the USGA has committed to bringing four more Opens to No. 2 by 2047, along with a second Women’s Open to the course in 2029. A Women’s Amateur is scheduled for 2027, Boys and Girls Junior Amateurs in 2032, a Men’s Amateur in 2038, and another Women’s Amateur in 2044.

For an organization that revels in its history, celebrating its 1,000th overall championship since 1895 in the quaint, traditional, golfcentric environs of Pinehurst makes sense. The first U.S. Open was played at Newport (Rhode Island) Country Club.

“When you fit, you can actually feel it,” said Fred Perpall, the president of the USGA, at U.S. Open Media Day in early May. “Showing up yesterday, it just feels like the USGA, U.S. Open, and Pinehurst fit together.”

“This place is golf-minded, and the vibe is all about golf,” said John Bodenhamer, the USGA’s chief championships officer.

The USGA hasn’t tried to hide its strong ties to Pinehurst. It has 65 full-time employees at its second Golf House (the original is in New Jersey), and it’s dubbed Pinehurst its “first anchor site” for the U.S. Open.

With the long-term deals to bring future Opens to No. 2 in 2029, 2035, 2041, and 2047, the USGA can work with Pinehurst to

improve the site for its biggest event. The USGA has assisted in paving service roads on the property, moving water and power lines underground, and eliminating the need for diesel fuel.

Structuring the tent village with concessions, memorabilia shops, hospitality venues, and media facilities will be much easier with years to plan and USGA staffers just across the street.

“We can do so much because we know we’re coming back,” said Bodenhamer.

“It allows us to think long-term,” said Pinehurst Resort president Tom Pashley.

The last U.S. Open at No. 2 was played in 2014, after a naturalist restoration of waste areas by architects Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. German Martin Kaymer shot 9-under-par that week to win by eight strokes. Michael Campbell of New Zealand won in 2005.

Payne Stewart won the first Open at Pinehurst in 1999, sinking a 15-foot putt on the final hole to beat Phil Mickelson. A statue of Stewart celebrating the putt stands just a few paces behind the 18th green.

Few other changes have been made in the decade since. About 13 yards of additional waste area have narrowed the fairway on No. 13. The first tee has been moved slightly left to allow for a secondary putting green. A few tee boxes have been leveled.

Pashley said No. 2 requires little tournament preparation. The course, which costs around $500 to play in peak season, is kept in pristine condition with Stimpmeter readings in the 13 range on the greens. Pashley and the USGA said they hope to have the putting surfaces rolling a tad faster for the Open.

For an organization that revels in its history, celebrating its 1,000th overall championship since 1895 in the quaint, traditional, golf-centric environs of Pinehurst makes sense.

top left: Payne Stewart won the first Open at Pinehurst. top right: Michael Campbell won in 2005. bottom: The 9th hole at Pinehurst No. 2

“We focus on firming up the course and making sure that it’s fast,” Pashley said.

Oh, but there is a significant change that should help ensure the desired playing conditions. The famous turtleback greens, crafted over decades by Donald Ross, now have new Champion Bermuda grass putting surfaces. The former bent grass surfaces required extreme diligence to maintain, especially in traditional mid-June heat and humidity.

“Now, you’ve got a heat-tolerant grass that you can firm up and cut down,” Pashley said.

The gnarly wiregrass, planted in clumps throughout the waste areas, has been replenished in the past year.

“Places had started to disappear,” Pashley said.

Perhaps the damage was done by golfers disappointed that their wayward shots had found it and frustrated at the prospect of trying to hack out of it.

“It’s the perfect rough,” said Bodenhamer. “The randomness means you never know what you’re going to get.”

“We wanted to have a penalty if you miss the fairway,” said Pashley. “There’s going to be that moment of anxiety when you walk from the tee to find your tee shot.”

Bodenhamer said the course would play between 7,300 and 7,600 yards -- the official distance is 7,540 yards from the back markers. Bodenhamer said Pinehurst has the ideal qualities the USGA wants in a Men’s Open site. No. 2 is a historic “cathedral of the game,” citing Pebble Beach and Oakmont, traditional regulars in the Open rotation, as other examples.

“We believe the ghosts of the past matter,” Bodenhamer said. “That matters -- where people win their U.S. Opens.”

Though most U.S. Opens produce only a few, if any, scores below par, Bodenhamer said that’s not a USGA priority.

“It does mean that we want the winner to get every club in his bag dirty,” he said. “We want to test every part of their game.”

Wyndham Clark, winner of the 2023 Open at Los Angeles Country Club, made a trip to Pinehurst No. 2 to play in early May. His first PGA Tour victory had been only a few weeks earlier at the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte.

For Clark, a 30-year-old from Colorado now living in Arizona, it was his first trip to the course since the renovations by Coore and Crenshaw. Clark’s assessment fit with Bodenhamer’s design. He said the layout required shots of various shapes and lengths.

“There’s not necessarily one iconic hole, but 18 great golf holes,” Clark told the Media Day gathering. “This golf course just has 18 amazing holes.”

The USGA has a few special plans for its 1,000th championship. Tracey Stewart, widow of the 1999 champion who died in a plane accident later the same year, will be in attendance with the couple’s children.

Tiger Woods, despite struggling physically since a 2021 car crash, was given a special exemption into the 156-player field. Woods won the Open in 2000, 2002, and 2008. He’ll receive the USGA’s Bob Jones Award for commitment to sportsmanship and respect for golf’s time-honored traditions on Tuesday night before the tournament. Ø

Pinehurst No. 2

a new classic in u.s. open history

Making its debut as a U.S. Open site in 1999, Pinehurst No. 2 has a shorter Open history than traditional venues such as Oakmont, Shinnecock Hills, The Country Club (Brookline), Oakland Hills, Merion, Winged Foot, Baltusrol, and Olympic Club. But like fellow relatively new Open venues Pebble Beach and Bethpage Black, Pinehurst No. 2 offers the egalitarian-oriented USGA the bonus of operating as a course accessible to the public.

Yet, No. 2 has established its place in Open lore, beginning with Payne Stewart’s dramatic victory in 1999 with a 15-foot par putt on the final hole. A unique Pinehurst particular is that Tiger Woods has been in contention twice (he missed the 2014 Open with a back injury) without winning.

Here’s a look at the past three Opens at No. 2:

1999 | Stewart drained his par putt on the 72nd hole to finish at 1-under-par 279 for the tournament, one shot ahead of Phil Mickelson. Tiger Woods, suffering a rare loss when near the top of the leaderboard, joined Vijay Singh in a tie for third, two shots off the pace. Stewart persevered despite driving into fairway divots four times during the tournament. Stewart died in a plane accident in October. The previous year at Olympic Club, Stewart had failed to hold a 4-stroke lead at the Open, dropping two quick shots after hitting into a fairway divot and getting a warning for slow play.

2005 | New Zealander Michael Campbell, four shots behind Retief Goosen entering the final round, roared back to win at even-par 280, by two shots over Woods. Tim Clark, Sergio Garcia, and Mark Hensby tied for third. Goosen, a two-time Open winner, shot 81 to drop out of the top 10. N.C. native Davis Love III tied for sixth with Singh and Rocco Mediate.

2014 | Martin Kaymer dominated the week, finishing at 9-under 271, winning by eight shots after shooting 65 in the first two rounds. A young qualifier, future two-time Open winner Brooks Koepka, tied for fourth. Kaymer was in his prime, having already won The Players Championship that year. Ø

1999 | Payne Stewart

2005 | Michael Campbell

2014 | Martin Kaymer

Zalatoris

BEST HOPE WITH LOCAL TIES

Listing the likeliest contenders isn’t hard to do entering the final days before the U.S. Open comes to Pinehurst No. 2 for the fourth time on June 13-16. Scottie Scheffler may be the most overwhelming favorite since Tiger Woods was in his heyday. Then there’s PGA champion Xander Schauffele, perennial major contenders Jon Rahm and Brooks Koepka, and young European stars Ludvig Aberg and aViktor Hovland.

But what about a local favorite? WinstonSalem native Bill Haas and fellow Wake Forest product Webb Simpson have fallen from former elite status. Harold Varner III, who joined the LIV Tour, would have to advance through qualifying. J.T. Poston is in the field but has never finished better than 30th in a major championship.

Then, there’s Will Zalatoris, an All-American at Wake Forest and popular young star. Though Payne Stewart’s dramatic Open victory in 1999 at Pinehurst would be difficult to equal, a Zalatoris victory might be as close as the USGA could get.

If nothing else, a Zalatoris victory would allow for a popular media narrative –Zalatoris’ consultations and comparisons with Tiger Woods last fall about their back surgeries.

“He’s a guy who has really helped me a lot, I guess, with the rehab of coming back from my surgery,” Zalatoris said.

Seemingly on the verge of becoming golf’s next superstar, Zalatoris was a surprise runner-up in the Masters, then verified his ascending status with runner-up finishes the

next year at the PGA Championship and U.S. Open. A back injury in early 2023 sidelined him for the rest of the year and left doubts about whether he could regain his previous form. After surgery in April, he returned to the Tour in January.

“I think the extra time helped off,” he said in January. “You know, I could have come back

in six months, but I took eight. It really gave me time to kind of really think about things.”

Still only 27, Zalatoris made a quick comeback this year, tying for 13th at the Farmers Insurance Open in late January and following up with a tie for second at the Genesis Invitational and a tie for fourth at the Arnold Palmer Invitational — the first two played on former major championship courses, the latter on Palmer’s former home course. He then tied for ninth at the Masters.

To relieve pressure on his back, Zalatoris said he’s tinkered with his swing. To improve his putting, he went to a “broomstick” putter similar to the one brandished by Lucas Glover in winning the 2023 Wyndham Championship.

Believe it or not, the young Dallas native has the best track record of any likely contender with strong North Carolina connections. Zalatoris hasn’t come close to winning in three tournaments since Augusta, but he’s made the cut each time, including a tie for 43rd at the recent PGA Championship.

Pinehurst No. 2 looks like a good fit for Zalatoris’ game. Though his short game is statistically below average on the PGA Tour, he’s 15th in accuracy hitting greens in regulation. Precise approaches are paramount at No. 2, where slightly off-target shots are repelled away from pins and off the turtleback greens. Ø

Will Zalatoris

Pinehurst No. 10

Take a closer look at this new gem, with possibilities for another course on the horizon

With nine other layouts, it wasn’t easy for Pinehurst Resort to continue offering something different in its repertoire. But Pinehurst No. 10 does indeed possess a special style and atmosphere not present in the resort’s other nine courses. Built on an 1,100-acre former quarry site off N.C. 5, nearer to Aberdeen than Pinehurst, No. 10 rolls up and down over natural and quarrymade hills and ridges, offering a collection of unique, sometimes blind shots to huge greens.

OK, No. 10 is Pinehurst—at least the naturallook Pinehurst that’s evolved over the past decade. There is little or no traditional rough along the fairways, which, if missed, leave players at the mercy of fate as to whether

the ball finds an open spot of natural sand or stops in the middle of gnarly wire grass. The tees, fairways, and greens are pristine Pinehurst.

Still, the differences are easy to note, beginning with the tiny, easy-to-miss entrance sign along Highway 5 and the gravel parking lot requiring a short shuttle ride to a temporary clubhouse with a food truck and a few tables just outside the back door. Architect Tom Doak’s design incorporated elements of the old quarry site, which includes a small portion (covering a few holes) of the former Pit Golf Links, open from the mid-1980s until 2010 in a totally new design. Pinehurst has confirmed that it plans to build a No. 11 course on the remaining land.

No. 10 measures 7,020 yards from the back tees and plays longer with several uphill landing areas. The white tees measure 6,439 yards, with the green 5,765. The scorecard also provides guidance for playing a combination of tees. From the blues, the rating is 74.1 with a slope of 142. The forward tees measure 4,985 yards.

As with all Pinehurst courses, navigating the putting surfaces is a major challenge. But No. 10 doesn’t have the classic Donald Ross turtleback greens that repel shots off the putting surfaces at No. 2. No, the vast greens of No. 10 feature tiers and shelves, leaving a three- or four-club distance to the pins on approaches from the same spot on the fairways. The greens are mostly open to

roll-up shots, though waste areas do creep up to the greens, leaving some shots that must clear deep lips from the hard, natural sand surfaces. Some contours funnel the ball toward the middle of the green, and several greens have raised edges that keep shots on the putting surfaces.

Also, unlike Pinehurst Nos. 2 and 4, which have both natural sand areas and traditional bunkers near the greens, No. 10 has only waste areas. So, players can ground their clubs and take practice swings as long as they don’t improve their lies. While Nos. 2 and 4 allow golf carts, though they can’t leave the cart paths, No. 10 must be walked. Push carts with drink holders and a place to put accessories are provided. Caddies are optional. Fitness should be a consideration when playing, especially during summer months.

No. 10 is challenging, but more playable (fun) than No. 2 or the hilly, pot bunker-protected No. 4, courses set up for top-level tournament competition. There are a few forced carries over sandy wetlands or ravines. There’s even a short dogleg right requiring a shot over a lagoon. But like the original Pinehurst courses, No. 10 can often be played without a lost ball. The most dangerous ball stealer is the short, par-4 No. 8, likely to become known as the course’s signature hole. The ideal drive carries a hill of quarry debris, leaving another blind shot over another mound to the green.

Doak’s layout offers a realistic opportunity for a good start. With the 489-yard par-4 sixth, the par-70 course turns harder. The par-4 ninth measures 468 from the tips, 10 is a 634-yard par-5, and Nos. 12 and 13 (a par-4) are both more than 500 yards. The par-3 14th measures 264 from the tips, 224 from the blues, and 213 from the whites.

Though a distinct challenge from tee to correct tier on vast greens, No. 10 doesn’t require the precise approaches and exact putting that can cause headaches on Nos. 2, 4, and 8. The new course combines elements of Nos. 2 and 4 with challenging, yet more playable greens complexes, succeeding in providing something Pinehurst-quality, yet unique at the resort. Ø

Pinehurst No. 10 | pinehurst.com/golf/courses/no-10

with 3 simulators offering 110,000 courses, a pro shop and PGA instructors!

Certified Callaway fitter and dealer. Try the new Callaway Paradym line here!

amateur individual

July 6-7 | Joe Wood Memorial Cedarbrook CC, Elkin. Medal play in flights. 336-835-2320.

July 13-14 | Danville Invitational

Danville GC, Va. Medal play in flights. 434-792-7225.

July 27-28 | The Triad Amateur Golf Classic

36 holes stroke play. Ages 16-over. High Point CC Willow Creek course. 336-869-2416.

Aug. 3-4 | Holly Ridge Charity Classic in memory of John Ridge and Jerry Davis, Holly Ridge GL, Archdale. Medal play in flights. Optional shootout on Aug. 2. 336-861-4653.

Aug. 3-4 | 63rd annual Chatmoss Invitational

Chatmoss CC, Martinsville. Medal play in flights. Also senior division. 276-638-7648.

JEFF BRUCE OF GREENSBORO, May 22, Iron Play

Par-3 Links. No. 15, 111 yards, wedge. Playing partners: Whit Wilkerson, Bob Williams. His fourth ace.

KEN CLUNAN OF REIDSVILLE, May 16, Iron Play

Par-3 Links. No. 9, 109 yards, 9-iron. Playing partner: Alex James. His first ace.

LEROY KAYLOR OF GREENSBORO, May 15, Iron Play Par-3 Links. No. 11, 105 yards, wedge. Playing partners: Alan Burgess, Philip Burns. His third ace.

BOB WILLIAMS OF GREENSBORO, May 4, Iron Play Par-3 Links. No. 3, 152 yards, 6-iron. Playing partners: Dan Bebo, Earl Waddell, Jack Whitley. His seventh ace.

JIM BLACK OF GREENSBORO, April 28, Iron Play

Par-3 Links. No. 5, 90 yards, wedge. Playing partner: James Black. His first ace.

Aug. 16-18 | 77th Forsyth Championships

Reynolds Park GC, Pine Knolls GC. Medal play in flights. The top 16 in the championship division will play a third round (course TBA). Limited to Forsyth County residents. Bobby Hege 336-416-3289.

Senior Individual

July 6-7 | Joe Wood Memorial

Cedarbrook CC, Elkin. Medal play in flights ages 55-over. 336-835-2320.

July 13-14 | Danville Invitational

Danville GC, Va.. Medal play in flights. Super Senior division also, depending on entries. 434-792-7225.

July 27-28 | The Triad Amateur Golf Classic

36 holes stroke play. Ages 55-over. High Point CC Willow Creek course. 336-869-2416.

RECENT ACES

HARRIET JONES OF GREENSBORO, April 26, Iron Play Par-3 Links. No. 3, 125 yards, driver. Playing partners: Nelda French, Dianne Linke, Rob Davies. Her first ace; has been playing 71 years.

CHRIS SCHELB OF SUMMERFIELD, April 24, Iron Play Par-3 Links. No. 2, 119 yards, 9-iron. Playing partners: Teva Schelb, Jen Schelb. His first ace.

JEFF JACKMAN OF SUMMERFIELD, April 17, Iron Play Par-3 Links. No. 9, 95 yards, sand wedge. Playing partners: Paul McKie, Joe Campagna, Dan Derby. His first ace.

JENARO JACKSON OF KERNERSVILLE, March 30, Iron Play Par-3 Links. No. 13, 92 yards, wedge. His first ace.

JERRY MCELHENNEY OF DANVILLE, VA., March 18, No. 17, 164 yards, 7-wood. Playing partner: Bob Scott. His second ace.

Amateur Team

Aug. 3-4 | Madison-Mayodan Rotary Four-Ball Invitational, Deep Springs CC, Madison. 336-4270950.

Sept. 21-22 | 13th Annual Fall Oak Hollow 2-Man Open, Oak Hollow GC, High Point. 2-man captain’s choice. 336-883-3260.

Sept. 28-29 | Tuscarora Two-Man Invitational

Tuscarora CC, Danville. Medal play in flights.  434-724-4191.

MIKE CLAYTON OF TIMBERLAKE, March 13, Goodyear GC. No. 17, 164 yards, 7-iron. Playing partners: Philip Gentry, Darryl Clayton, Jim West. His first ace.

SHAWN SLEEP OF WINSTON-SALEM, March 2, Maple Chase G&CC. No. 15, 146 yards, 9-iron.

CATHY PIERCE OF GREENSBORO, Feb. 19, Greensboro National GC. No. 16, 68 yards, wedge.

DAN GILES OF GIBSONVILLE, Feb. 3, Sanford GC. No. 11, 165 yards, 3-hybrid.

If you make an ace or double eagle let us know! You can fill out the form at triadgolf.com, email triadgolf@mac.com or call 336-280-3722.

NorthCarolina

Noah Connor

UNCG, REIDSVILLE GOLFER WINS N.C. OPEN

There were two major winners after the May 23 final round of the North Carolina Open at Starmount Forest Country Club. Recent UNC Greensboro graduate Noah Connor, who held a six-stroke lead entering the day, cruised to a three-shot victory despite a finalround 72 that included a 38 on the back nine. The Reidsville amateur finished at 11-under-par 202 for 54 holes.

Connor is now the reigning champion of the state open and the Carolinas Open, two of the Carolinas PGA’s most prestigious championships.

“I didn’t really do anything different than I had the last couple of days,” said Connor, who hopes to qualify and play in the U.S. Amateur this summer before turning pro. “I knew where I stood throughout the round, so I wasn’t ever worried or anxious about it.”

The other big winner was host pro Savio Nazareth, who birdied four of the final five holes for 68 to finish second with 205. As the low pro, Nazareth shined in front of his club’s members and collected the $5,000 first prize.

Plus, the tournament went off without a hitch, avoiding any type of weather problems that wiped out the CPGA Senior Open scheduled for Holly Ridge earlier in May.

After blistering the course with rounds of 66 and 64—the low rounds each day—Connor said he didn’t have as many birdie chances in the final round and wasn’t as successful on the greens. But he was never threatened, though Nazareth’s late charge cut significantly into the margin.

“I missed several putts of 6 to 8 feet,” said Connor, who doesn’t expect to try for a sweep of the CPGA’s three most prestigious events by playing in the S.C. Open in late June at Grande Dunes in Myrtle Beach.

Cornelius pro Nick Rencis shot Thursday’s low round of 66 to pull into a tie with pro Aaron Black of Indian Land, South Carolina, and amateur Alex Heffner of Harrisburg. UNCG golfer Sam Davidson of Asheboro and Gardner-Webb player Jack Royer of Greensboro tied for eighth at 209.

Connor sinking a birdie at the N.C. Open

Nazareth, a pro at Starmount for 19 years who shared the firstround lead, birdied 14, 15, 17, and 18. The highlight was a chip-in from about 20 yards at the par-3 17th. At 18, he hit a high cut from the right rough over trees, stopping it pin high, perhaps 40 feet from the pin, setting up a tap-in.

Nazareth said he fielded some good-natured texts crediting “home cooking” after his opening 66 but acknowledged that his knowledge of the course probably helped Thursday.

He said he stayed patient on the front nine, making one birdie and one bogey in an even-par 35, waiting for opportunities on the easier back nine.

“You still gotta hit the shots and make the putts,” he said. “I just tried to play safe on the front nine. Coming down the stretch 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18—I feel like they are birdie holes. Finishing the last three holes with three birdies in a row on 16, 17, 18 was pretty cool.”

For Nazareth, it was an outstanding—but difficult—week. In December, Starmount will close for several months for renovations.

“Trying to host an event and make sure that everything goes well is hard,” Nazareth said. “If you have a good staff, you kind of let them do their thing.” Ø

CONNOR TAKES AIM AT U.S. Amateur, PGA Tour

Noah Connor would have preferred to be in Southern California the week he won the N.C. Open. La Costa Resort’s North Course in Carlsbad, California, was where the NCAA Championship was held the final week of May. However, the Reidsville native failed to qualify at a 54-hole NCAA Regional at the University of Texas Golf Club, finishing in 38th place at 5-over 218 in the individual standings. The highlight of the week for the recent UNC Greensboro graduate was a 69 in the second round.

“I definitely didn’t play up to my potential,” he said. “I tried my best. I had one really good round. It was fun. The guys on the (UNCG) team are so close.”

With plans to try his luck as a playing pro, Connor would prefer not to return to defend his N.C. Open championship. He said he would remain an amateur throughout the summer—at least through qualifying for the U.S. Amateur, which will be held in mid-August at Hazeltine National near Minneapolis.

“It’s always been a dream of mine to play at the U.S. Amateur,” Connor said. “I wanted to give myself one more chance. After the U.S. Am, I’m going to turn pro and go to (PGA Tour) Q School.”

Connor grew up playing Monroeton Golf Club near his home. He later played at Pennrose Park and Greensboro National. Along the way, he believes he’s exceeded expectations, giving him the confidence to take a shot at a pro playing career.

“I know the statistics aren’t on my side,” he said, pointing out the small percentage of collegiate golfers that make it to the PGA Tour. Connor said he doesn’t want to wonder “What if?” years down the road.

“I’m just looking for chances here,” he said. “If I don’t make it, I’ll know I tried. Whatever happens, happens.” Ø

Noah Connor

Savio Nazareth

Nick Mathews REBOUNDS

BY STICKING

TO PROCESS

Nick Mathews is healthy, and so is his golf game. The Mebane native concluded an outstanding year at N.C. State by finishing in a tie for 15th at the NCAA Championship at La Costa North in Carlsbad, California.

Coming back from a slump of more than a year after suffering from pneumonia and bronchitis, Mathews said the keys to his emergence as one of the nation’s top collegiate players were his hard work and his trust that he was on the right path.

“I just love the game of golf and the process of making improvement,” Mathews said. “I kept working and reflecting on what I love, sticking with the process and the discipline, and I knew the results would come.”

Playing in only seven events in his first three years — he took two redshirt years after the health problems — at N.C. State, Mathews hadn’t experienced the level of success he had enjoyed earlier in his career. The Carolinas Golf Association Junior Boys’ Player of the Year in 2019, Mathews qualified for the U.S. Junior Amateur that year at Inverness in Toledo, Ohio. The left-hander won the Carolinas Golf Association N.C. Match Play title in 2020 and the CGA N.C. Amateur Championship in 2021.

But the illness in the fall of 2021 kept him off the course and off the practice tee. He lost 20 pounds. Faced with the challenge of coming back, Mathews said he dedicated himself to “striving for excellence in everything.” By last summer, he started to see results with strong finishes in regional events and was optimistic entering the fall season at N.C. State.

Mathews tied for second overall in the Wolfpack’s first tournament in a Michigan State field that included eventual national runner-up Florida State. Mathews followed with strong finishes in national fields — a tie for sixth at Duke, a tie for 18th at Arkansas, and a tie for 16th at The Williams Cup at Eagle Point in Wilmington. He led the Wolfpack in three of four fall tournaments and was 3-over-par for 11 tournament rounds, nine strokes better than anyone else in the Wolfpack lineup.

The resurgence continued in the spring, highlighted by his first career collegiate victory in mid-April in the Stitch Intercollegiate at N.C. State’s Lonnie Poole Golf Course in a field that included Duke and UNC Greensboro. After tying for 23rd at

the ACC Championship at Charlotte Country Club, Mathews’ strong season was recognized with an individual berth in the NCAA Regional at North Carolina’s Finley Golf Course.

At Finley, Mathews played perhaps the best he’s ever played, shooting 67, 66, and 65 to finish second overall at 12-under, only one shot behind UNC’s Austin Greaser, to earn the only individual spot in Carlsbad available at the regional. Working with Poole director of instruction Chase Duncan, his coach before he went to N.C. State, Mathews said he focused on improvement in his skills, rather than scores.

“We

just stuck to my swing DNA,” Mathews said.

“We

called it ‘refinement.’ I have a 1% motto.

How can I get 1% better?”

Those incremental improvements added up quickly. Duncan said Mathews developed additional shot options, abilities that helped him adjust to varying course conditions. In the NCAA Championships, Mathews used his ability to hit low-flight shots in firm, breezy conditions at La Costa North. Mathews shot 73, 77, 68, and 71 at La Costa to finish at 1-over 289. The clutch 68 allowed him to survive a cut for only players on the top five teams and the other top nine individuals.

Though Golf Channel cameras focused on the team battle, Mathews briefly pulled within three shots of the individual lead with a 33-foot putt for eagle at the par-5 second hole, his 11th hole of the day. He dropped back with bogeys on the next two holes before finishing with a birdie.

“It’s been a really impressive climb,” said Duncan, who also works with Mathews’ sister Emily, who plays at Virginia Tech.

Duncan pointed to Mathews’ spot in the World Amateur Golf Rankings, which had soared to No. 59 in the May 29 rankings. Duncan said Mathews has “above average” length off the tee, carrying the ball about 300 yards, no glaring weaknesses in his skill set, and confidence in his putting.

“I feel like everything is solid,” said the former N.C. State player and longtime Poole instructor. “He has a good level head on his shoulders. He’s become very well-rounded.” Mathews considers his wedge play and putting as particular strengths.

A finance major, Mathews plans to use his new amateur status to play in the nation’s top amateur events this summer, including the North and South at Pinehurst Resort, and attempt to qualify for the U.S. Amateur. In the next year, he hopes to rise in the PGA U program, which offers PGA Tour and Korn Ferry Tour access to top players who play four collegiate years. Ø

Kelvin Hernandez BOLSTERS THRIVING UNCG PROGRAM IN FRESHMAN SEASON

Kelvin Hernandez thrived as a rare outsider who blended in well in his first season at UNC Greensboro. The freshman from Puerto Rico came to Greensboro not only as the Spartans’ only player from outside of the state but also as the team’s only player from outside North Carolina.

At the conclusion of his first season at UNCG, Hernandez became the first Spartan player to qualify for the NCAA National Championship, held May 23-27 in Carlsbad, California. He did it in thrilling fashion, shooting 67 with three birdies in his last six holes in the final round of the Austin (Texas) Regional to grab the tournament’s only individual berth.

UNCG, playing in its seventh regional in the last decade, had a solid performance, finishing in a tie for seventh in a 13-team field. However, only Hernandez, who tied for third in the individual standings at 6-under-par 207, advanced to La Costa Resort North Course, where he shot 75, 80, and 80.

Sparked by a 5-foot eagle putt, Hernandez had grabbed a share of the first-round lead at Austin with a 67 and stayed in position with a 72 in the second round. Long off the tee, Hernandez earned the moniker “Mr. Chipinski” from his teammates by chipping in for birdie twice in the opening round and adding another in the second round.

In the final round, Hernandez couldn’t be sure where he stood in trying to qualify for Carlsbad. Players on the top five teams in the standings advance, with only the top player from a non-advancing team moving on. With constant jockeying of teams for Nos. 4 through 6, it was impossible for individuals to know who the competition was.

Playing in the No. 4 spot for the Spartans much of the season, Hernandez got hot at midseason after reuniting with Orlando-based coach Patrick Leahy, who evaluated video and communicated with the player via Zoom and phone. The stocky 5-foot-8 Hernandez is one of UNCG’s biggest hitters off the tee.

Kelvin Hernandez, left, with UNCG coach Terrance Stewart

“He’s an outstanding young man. Everybody on the team loves him.”

“Right now, I’m hitting the ball a lot better than I was a few months ago,” said Hernandez. “My game has been going good for sure.”

Making short birdie putts on 13, 14, and 17 after wedge approaches was more than enough for Hernandez to make up for a bogey on the final hole and grab the individual spot. Stewart didn’t tell Hernandez what score he needed but did advise him to make sure he stayed far right of a creek to the left of the green.

When he made his bogey putt, Hernandez heard his teammates yelling in celebration.

“That was the best tournament of his life,” UNCG coach Terrance Stewart said. “He’s an outstanding young man. Everybody on the team loves him.”

UNCG’s decision to host a tournament at Dorado Beach in Puerto Rico was a big factor in Stewart’s ability to recruit Hernandez, who began talking with Stewart during his junior year of high school and then was in attendance last year when the Spartans won their Puerto Rican event.

So, Stewart had an opportunity to meet Hernandez and his family in person. The coach said having first-hand knowledge about players is the reason his players are overwhelmingly from North Carolina. With men’s college teams able to offer only 4.5 total scholarships, Stewart said he wants to know everything he can about recruits.

“We don’t want to have any guesses,” said Stewart. “It’s really hard to find out the ins and outs of the player.”

“I just fell in love with (Stewart) and the program and the guys on the team,” Hernandez said.

UNCG wasn’t the only school to know about Hernandez, who made several trips to Florida and Texas with his mother to play

in junior events. Hernandez’s father, a physician, introduced his son to the game at an early age. But Hernandez said UNCG made a big impression. The closeness of the all-North Carolina team members also impressed his parents.

“They’re just great guys,” Hernandez said of his teammates.

Stewart said he knew Hernandez would be a “good fit” for his team.

The coach said he hopes to get a “sprinkling” of more Puerto Rican players at UNCG in the future.

Stewart accompanied Hernandez to Carlsbad, where the competition was held at Omni La Costa North.

“That’s definitely the next step for us,” Stewart said of a UNCG player qualifying for the championship. Ø

Lexington to reopen in august

Lexington Golf Club closed on June 1 to convert its greens to Champion Bermuda grass. The course is expected to reopen in early August, according to director of golf Dylan Dawson. Lexington is using a “no till” process that simply kills the existing turf and plants the new grass. Prior to the closure, multiple applications of herbicide were applied to prepare for the change. The pro shop and Common on the Greens event center will remain open during the transition.

The course, owned and operated by the City of Lexington, was built in 1938 by former Carolinas PGA president Dugan Aycock. The hilly par-71 course, known for good conditions and playability, measures 6,116 yards from the back tees. Ø

Fuller wins CGA Senior Amateur

Dale Fuller of Raleigh won the Carolinas Golf Association Senior Amateur at Holly Ridge Golf Links. Fuller shot rounds of 71, 69, and 69 for 7-under-par 209, securing a three-stroke margin over Daniel Nevue of Pinehurst. Paul Simson of Raleigh, a former U.S. Senior Amateur champion, tied for third with Tee Burton of Shelby and Jonathan Sielsky of Huntersville at 213. Marc Cox of Greensboro was the Triad’s top finisher in a tie for fifth at 215. Flooding caused by rain postponed the Carolinas PGA Senior Open, scheduled in early May at High Point Country Club’s Willow Creek course. The CPGA has rescheduled the 36-hole tournament for Sept. 4-5 at Willow Creek. Ø

Gibson

takes over at high meadows

Tommy Gibson one of the Triad’s top players, started as director of golf in April at High Meadows Country Club in Roaring Gap. Gibson, a former Carolinas PGA Section champion and Mount Airy resident, had worked as an assistant at Old Town Club since 2016. He played at the PGA Professional Championship in late April at Fields Ranch at PGA Frisco outside Dallas, though he missed the cut. High Meadows was designed by George Cobb, whose other designs include Quail Hollow Club and Augusta National’s par-3 course. Ø

Davis Womble

Tommy Gibson

Common on the Greens event center

McIlroy wins fourth in charlotte

Rory McIlroy continued his dominance at Quail Hollow Club, shooting a 6-under-par 65 in the final round on May 12 to win his fourth Wells Fargo Championship by five strokes over eventual PGA Championship winner Xander Schauffele. McIlroy, who came back from a five-shot deficit to Schauffele over the final 18 holes, finished at 17-under-par 267 despite a double-bogey on the 72nd hole.

McIlroy broke away with an eagle at No. 10 after birdies at Nos. 8 and 9, then birdied 13 and 14 before chipping in for an eagle at 15. He was 8-under during this 8-hole spree, making the closing double-bogey no problem.

“I birdied 9 and then I just went on a run that for whatever reason I’m able to go on at this golf course,” McIlroy said. “Quail Hollow, Charlotte in general, has been really good to me over my career, and this is just another great day to sort of add to all the rest of them.”

The tournament was the last with Wells Fargo as the title sponsor, despite reports that Wells Fargo offered more than $20 million to keep its title sponsorship. As one of the PGA Tour’s “signature” events, the tournament offers a $20 million purse. Ø

Myrtle Beach Classic draws big crowd

Chris Gotterup won the inaugural Myrtle Beach Classic, played opposite the Wells Championship at The Dunes Golf and Beach Club. The 24-year-old Gotterup cruised to a 6-stroke victory at 22-under 262. Alistair Docherty and Davis Thompson tied for second. Blades Brown, a 16-year-old high school sophomore from Nashville, Tennessee, tied for 26th at 10-under.

Gotterup won $720,000 from the $3.9 million purse. The Dunes Club, which played host to the Senior Tour Championship from 1994-1998, began a 4-year contract with the Myrtle Beach Classic. The third round on Saturday had an announced attendance of 15,281.

“We are truly thrilled and humbled by Saturday’s attendance figures at the Myrtle Beach Classic,” Karen Riordan, president and CEO of Visit Myrtle Beach, said in a statement. “But we know that golfers, fans, and families love the beach, and this is our time to shine as The Golf Capital of the World.” Ø

Rory McIlroy | Photo: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Gotterup | Photo: Visit Myrtle Beach

Wake Forest Teams miss ncaa cuts

Defending women’s champion Wake Forest won the ACC Championship but failed to defend their NCAA title. Wake finished ninth in the NCAA Championships, which concluded on May 23 at La Costa Resort North in Carlsbad, California, missing the final cut to eight teams for match play by two strokes. North Carolina finished 27th in the 30team field.

Mimi Rhodes led the Demon Deacons with a tie for 10th place at even-par 288. Rachel Kuehn tied for 16th at 290. Macy Pate of Winston-Salem shot 299, Maria Lopez-Chacarra posted 301, and Brooke Rivers carded 312. Stanford went on to win the women’s team championship, while Adela Cernousek of Texas A&M was the medalist at 276.

Kuehn was the medalist at the NCAA Bermuda Run Regional, shooting 12-under 204 on the East Course, with Wake finishing behind Ole Miss and Texas. Pate tied for seventh at 6-under. Emily Mathews of Mebane, representing N.C. State, tied for 13th in a 64-player regional field at Tumble Creek Club in Cle Elum, Washington. Mathews missed earning the only individual qualifying spot for La Costa by three shots at 5-over 221. Teammate Morgan Ketchum of Winston-Salem shot 224.

The Wake men’s team had a similar fate the next week at La Costa, missing the initial cut to 15 teams, two strokes behind East Tennessee. Tom Harberer and Michael Brennan led Wake Forest at 6-over 222, missing the individual cut by three shots. Scotty Kennon shot 224.

A little further up the road, The University of North Carolina did advanced to match play at the NCAA Men’s Championship at La Costa North. The Tar Heels tied for third with Virginia for third place in the 72-hole stroke play competition at 11-over 1163, behind Illinois and Vanderbilt. The Tar Heels were the No. 4 seed in match play. Peter Fountain led UNC at 2-over 290. The Tar Heels lost to Florida State 3-1 in the quarterfinals. Ø

Badgett

second in 2a tournament

Sophomore Pennson Badgett of East Surry shot rounds of 72 and 68 to finish second in the Class 2A N.C. state championship at Stonebridge Golf Club. Badgett’s 140 total was five strokes behind Ty Willoughby of Seaforth, which won the team championship in a playoff over Pine Lake Prep.

East Surry tied for fourth as a team at 633, 39 strokes behind the top two teams, who shot 12-over-par 594.

Shockley Hiatt shot 112 for 27 holes to finish third and lead Mount Airy to a second-place team finish in the Class 1A state championship at 7 Lakes Golf Club. Brady Hall of East Wilkes shot 215. Brandon Bowman of Mount Airy posted 217.

With 477 for 27 holes, Mitchell beat Mount Airy by three strokes.

In 3A, Lincoln Newton of Oak Grove and Steele Fischer of North Davidson were the top finishers among Triad players at 4-over 148, tying for 18th at Longleaf Golf Club. Oak Grove finished fourth in the team standings at 610, 43 strokes behind champion Terry Sanford. Rich Wills of Stuart W. Cramer was medalist at 136.

Northwest Guilford placed eighth and Grimsley was 12th in Class 4A, which was won by Pinecrest at Pinehurst No. 9 with 14-under 274. Nolan Hagemann led Northwest at 150. Carson Bertagnole of Pinecrest shot consecutive rounds of 68 to win medalist honors at 8-under 136, one stroke better than Jake Lewis of Green Hope. Ø

Wake Women’s Golf Team with the ACC trophy.

East Surry’s Pennson Badgett

Pinehurst adds USGA EXPERIENCE, HALL OF FAME

The best way to beat the expected June heat during U.S. Open week at Pinehurst Resort might be a trip down memory lane. The USGA Experience and the newest edition of the World Golf Hall of Fame opened in May on the Golf House Pinehurst campus, across from Pinehurst Country Club, just a mid-iron from Pinehurst No. 2.

The United States Golf Association, on seven acres provided by Pinehurst Resort, has built twin, two-story (air-conditioned) buildings that opened earlier this year. The South building is home to 65 USGA employees and includes equipment testing facilities. The North building (yet to be completed when photographed in February), closest to the southwest intersection of Midland Road and Carolina Vista Drive, houses the USGA Experience on the first floor and the World Golf Hall of Fame upstairs.

Both are open to the public, and admission is free of charge during June. The USGA announced that it would have an unspecified admission charge in the future.

At the USGA Experience, America’s golf governing body displays its efforts to unify, showcase, govern, and advance the game. Designed by Luci Creative, the Science of Golf and Championship galleries feature interactive multimedia displays incorporating augmented reality, interactive touch screens, sculptures, and trophies. The Hall of Fame includes an outdoor deck overlooking Pinehurst Country Club.

The Hall of Fame, which moved from St. Augustine, Florida, and was housed behind the fourth green on Pinehurst No. 2 from 1974-1983, features the top players in the sport’s history in a locker room format.

The displays include:

¨ Johnny Miller’s clubs, ball, and champion’s gold medal from the 1973 U.S. Open at Oakmont, where he shot a record 63 in the final round.

¨ The shirt worn by Annika Sorenstam in the first round of the 2003 Colonial, when she became the first woman to play in a PGA Tour event since 1945.

¨ Compass, slide rule, and bifocals used by Donald Ross.

¨ Jack Nicklaus’ MacGregor golf bag from the 1965 Masters.

¨ Golf bag and clubs used by Lorena Ochoa to win the 2008 British Women’s Open, her first major victory.

¨ Spalding 2-wood used by Bob Jones.

¨ Wedge used by Seve Ballesteros to win the 1979 Open Championship at Royal Lytham & St. Annes, his first of five major titles.

¨ The 1922 PGA Championship trophy and the 1935 Masters champion plaque from Gene Sarazen, the first player to complete the professional career Grand Slam.