Pinehurst, Here He Comes

Joe headed out last night, at what was practically my bedtime, to drive through the night. I talked to him at 4:30 and he had just had an energy drink and was feeling good! Then I talked to him again about 30 minutes ago, just as the sun was coming up, and he said he had about a half hour to go.

So, by that estimation... he is likely to be pulling into Southern Pines, NC... about now.

And why has he taken this road trip???? He's playing next week in (drum roll)...

The 2008 PGA McGladrey Team Championship

"... it culminates with the National Championship at Pinehurst Resort (N.C.)

October 20-22, 2008..."

The 41-team, 164-player championship debuts with players from 32 states and a true melting pot of American golf. The field will compete on Courses No. 2, 6 and 8 through Wednesday.


For you golfers out there who may be interested, check this out ...
(otherwise, if you're like me and not a golfer, scroll down to the press release blurb and skip all this talk about course descriptions)!

About Course No. 2:

Donald Ross, 1907
Celebrating 100 years of championship golf, the legacy of Pinehurst No. 2 continues.
It is a challenge not because of its length, topography, unruly routing, water features or green size - but because of the combination of factors that have made thousands laugh and cry at the same time. Crowned greens. Carefully placed bunkers. Strategic layout that tests both the long and short game. It is golf the way it was meant to be played, "the fairest test of championship golf" ever designed by Ross, in his own words. It is also top 10 in the country, and site of more championships than any other course in the country, including the 2005 U.S. Open Championship. The US Open will return in 2014.


About Course No. 6:

George/Tom Fazio, 1979 (renovated 2005)
The Golf Club at No. 6, reopened in 2005 as a championship course. Renovations by Tom Fazio have increased shot values, developed all new putting greens and rebunkered the entire course - making it a strong addition to the championship golf set at Pinehurst. You'll find the terrain different here - rolling hills make for a test from the tee box. The back nine is one the most difficult anywhere. One thing rings true - it continues to be a favorite for those who love Fazio designs.


About Course No. 8:

Tom Fazio, 1996
No. 8 opened in 1996 to commemorate Pinehurst's centennial year. Fazio incorporated signature Ross features into the design of No. 8, including dips and swales around the greens, sloping greens and false fronts. The greens and tees are close together, making it a pleasure to walk. As the site of the PGA Club Pro Championship in 1997 and 1998, it is a proven championship course that daunts and delights all who play it. Located approximately 2 miles from the Main Clubhouse at the site of the former Gun Club, it is a celebration of a century of great golf.

From a recent press release:
On Monday, the 41 Section Champion teams will meet two of America's premier Tour professionals who are members of "Team McGladrey" – Masters Champion Zach Johnson and Chris DiMarco, a member of four consecutive U.S. Ryder Cup Teams.

Johnson and DiMarco will spend the day conducting a sponsor clinic and personally greeting the Section Champions.

The National Championship field will compete on three of Pinehurst's premier layouts, concluding play on Pinehurst No. 2, the site of some of golf's historic championships, including the 1936 PGA Championship, the 1951 Ryder Cup and the 1999 and 2005 U.S. Open. Pinehurst Course No. 8 was host of the 1997 and 1998 PGA Professional National Championship.


The practice rounds are played on Sunday, and the tournament starts on Monday.

I'll keep you updated with play-by-play results!