Pinehurst: Spa Experience Not Just for the Women

PINEHURST, NC (April 7, 2002) - Calling a $12 million, 31,000 square foot, state-of-the art spa an amenity could get you a lifetime membership in the understatement club. But when you are one of the world's most vaunted golf destinations, you can get away with it.

The Spa at Pinehurst officially opened its doors March 27 with a ribbon cutting ceremony fit for a king, or should we say queen. The opulent facility, with its myriad of exotic treatments, was designed to convince better halves from Syracuse to San Francisco that taking a trip to Pinehurst with their golf crazed husbands is the right thing to do.

"This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Pinehurst's history," said Patrick Corso, President of The Pinehurst Company. "When people think about Pinehurst, they likely think 'golf,' and with good reason. We offer one of the truly classic golf experiences in the whole world. But before golf took center stage at Pinehurst, our resort was founded as a healing sanctuary, and in many ways this spa represents and honors that vision."

Indeed, Pinehurst founder James Tufts always envisioned his retreat in the Sandhills of North Carolina as a refuge for weary northeasterners, and the spa's architecture actually incorporates elements from Pinehurst's first buildings.

The structures twin towers on the front façade were inspired by the original conservatory that once stood between the Carolina hotel and its east wing. And the spa's white washed wood and shiny roof mesh seamlessly with the Carolina, the nearby Holly Inn, and the famous golf clubhouse.

Tufts, however, could have never envisioned this:

Twenty-eight private treatment rooms for massage, facials and body treatments; a 3-lane lap pool; a full-service salon and image center for hair, scalp and nail treatments; a 1,300 square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center; men's and women's locker rooms with whirlpool, steam and sauna; and an expertly trained staff that has forgotten more about spa treatments than most of us can remember.

While most guys would rather be out knocking it around on the legendary No. 2 Course, or one of the resort's seven other world class tracks, Pinehurst is doing everything possible to let guys know that a half day spent "spa-ing" is nothing to be ashamed of. Gents can relax in a men's only whirlpool, partake in a lava rock massage, or procure a treatment targeted at golfing muscles.

The resort added a series of private Spa Suites that feature a private relaxation area that allow couples or small groups to access three separate treatment rooms, including hydrotherapy, massage and body treatment. The plush suites will feature hardwood floors, cush chairs and couches and views of the resort's famed landscapes.

"What we are providing guests here is a 'sanctuary within a sanctuary," said Corso. "Each step into our Spa represents another layer of insulation from the pressures and the cares of the outside world, beginning with your first steps into our lobby and culminating with the ultimate escape in these special Suites."

No. 7 Course to close this summer
for remodeling, No. 9 on hold …

The No. 7 Course at Pinehurst Resort will close this summer for a remodeling of all 18 holes. Rees Jones, commonly referred to as the U.S. Open Doctor, will perform the face-lift. Jones designed the original layout, which opened in 1986. Both Jones and Tom Fazio - redesigner of No.4 and designer of No. 8 - have essentially become the Resort's favorite sons.

No. 7 is located off the resort property, and has consistently been rated as one of the top ten golf courses in the state. The course is known for its unique fusion of links style holes and Pine Valley-esque feel. Unlike its siblings, No. 7 is a modern design, but contrasts nicely to Ross and Ellis Maples traditional layouts on No.'s 1, 2, 3 and 5. Pinehurst officials have not released the details on the expected duration of the project, however they have indicated that Jones will be making alterations from tee to green on all 18 holes.

Construction of the new No. 9 course has been put on hold until further notice. Pinehurst officials cite uncertainties in the golf and travel market as the primary reason for the delay. Rees Jones had been pegged to design the new No. 9 course on a 275-acre tract that was originally acquired by his father, Robert Trent Jones, and was owned by the Jones family for many years. The site is located on Highway 5 in Aberdeen, NC, a short drive from the Resort's main clubhouse.

Jones has designed or remodeled nine of Golf Digest's "America's 100 Greatest Golf Courses" for 1999-2000, including Pinehurst No. 7, which opened in 1986, and assisted in the restoration of Pinehurst No. 2, site of the 1999 and 2005 U.S. Men's Open Championships.

Pinehurst celebrates centennial of women's north and south amateur

The Centennial of the Women's North and South Amateur Championship will be contested at Pinehurst this June 24-28 on its No. 2 course. Inaugurated in 1903, it is the longest consecutive running women's championship in the sport's American history. It continues to serve as a rite of passage for many of the sport's prominent women amateurs who have gone on to successful professional golf careers.

This year's international field of 100 women includes such leading amateurs as Carol Semple Thompson, Page Marsh, Candy Hannemann, and defending titleist Meredith Duncan, who is exempt from qualifying this year. Duncan won 6 and 5 at last year's event on No. 2, beating Houston-native Mimi Epps on the 31st hole.