PINEHURST, NC – The NEPGA just wrapped up another successful iteration of the now-annual Pinehurst Travel Pro-Am, with 39 teams making the trip from all over New England. Highlighting the trip was the unveiling of the brand-new Course #10 (affectionately nicknamed the Sand Mines, after its location atop an old mining facility from the turn of the century). Displaced sand from the mines was used to create features on the course that directly come into play, so while the course is new, players still connected to Pinehurst’s history while playing #10. Besides that, the lucky players got to experience the Major Championship historical significance of Course #2 (from a shorter set of tees than last year’s US Open, of course), Course #4, and Course #9.
While the first day of competition brought thunder storms to the area, the field was able to complete the first round, albeit with a delayed start on some soggy golf courses. It was all uphill from there, as the weather began to cooperate much better for the following three days. The competition was fierce throughout the week, with teams swapping the lead here and there – after four rounds, it was Winchester CC who brought home the trophies. Winchester’s squad featured PGA Professional Eric Barlow, with his amateur partners Ray Garrahan, John May, and Michael Clare.
While the golf courses at Pinehurst speak for themselves, there’s always more to do in the Village. Tournament players enjoyed an official skins game on the Cradle, Pinehurst’s par-3 short course which created such memories as two players making holes-in-one (but only one held up for a team skin!). Players also enjoyed putting around on Thistle Dhu (stylized from this’ll do), the 18 hole mini-golf putting course on the expansive practice green outside the main Clubhouse. Downtown Pinehurst Village offered some players many options for nightlife, while others relaxed in the evenings by the fire pits at the resort.
Great times were had by all, and the NEPGA is already looking forward to next year’s event, which will feature perhaps the best lineup yet: Course #2, Course #4, Course #8, and Course #10. We hope to see you there!