SCHAUMBURG GOLF CLUB is open year round. Because you can play the course outside or inside on the simulators all winter long. Do you need golf supplies for the outdoor season ahead, load up now in the pro shop. Schaumburg Golf Club is located at 401 North Roselle Road. See Schaumburggolf.com or call the shop (847)-885-9000.
THE GOG BLOG by RORY SPEARS, Director of Content and Creation for Golfers on Golf. Follow Rory on Twitter @GogBlogGuy or connect on LinkedIn or Facebook.
A work in progress. The Historic Carolina Hotel is getting better, with Rory Spears.
(Reporting from the Carolina Hotel in Pinehurst)
Pinehurst North Carolina is the home of American Golf. Donald Ross slept here, worked here and left his handiwork.
Golfers on Golf made it’s annual stop in Pinehurst, where it’s always a beautiful day. Even if it’s a little chili and some must rain fall.
Pinehurst has 10 golf courses, one of which helped spark a boom or short course or par 3 course building. But it’s safe to say, that number of courses, the perfect 10 might not stay that way for long. Options are on the table to add more courses, and they are being carefully reviewed.
Matt Massei is Executive Vice President of the Pinehurst Resort.
IN FACT-there have been so many improvements around Pinehurst in recent years, it’s almost hard to keep track of all of them. But you can without too much help.
Because those improvements aren’t just course renovations, they include off the course updates as well.
One of the biggest improvements happening right now, are the restorations to the famed historic landmark, the Carolina Hotel. The improvements are so amazing, that right now guests can’t even get the front door. But check-in has been moved while the lobby is sealed off. With workers moving forward as quickly as possible, it’s not hard for those in the Carolina dining room (home of the Best Breakfast in Golf) to hear some pounding and sawing from the work areas. But hey-the Ryder Cup Lounge is still open if you need something to eat or drink.
Executive Vice President Matt Massei joined Golfers on Golf for sit down talk, about what’s new, what’s coming, and how many more USGA championships are coming to town.
CLICK HERE to hear the full interview with Pinehurst EVP Matt Massei.
Massei started at Pinehurst as the head professional at what was the new course, Pinehurst 8 (Centennial) by Tom Fazio. But after a stint as Director of Golf, Massei move on for a couple stops. But he is now back fold working side-by-side with resort president Tom Pashley.
As a result, the shutdown of Course #8 this summer, along with improvements to the #8 clubhouse, are ones Massei will watch closely. The plan is to have all the course work done in just over 100 days, and back open for play around Labor Day weekend.
While Massei says the resort is excited about another back-to-back men’s and women’s U.S. Open’s in 2029. Massei is quick to remind you that the 2024 men’s U.S. Open will be here in just over two years. But even better news for golfers who enjoy getting a jump on buying logo wear from upcoming championships. There is a limited amount of caps and shirts for the 2024 U.S. Open, already for sale in the main pro shop.
The Crossing-The Cradle’s new halfway (almost) house.
When Massei looks out his office window, he has a great view of the Par 3-Cradle Course, and Thistle Dhu massive putting green. But part of the Cradle these days is the new halfway (sort of) house with restrooms out on the Cradle. The Crossing’s as it’s now called has become a hot spot for golfers and resort guests to just hang out. But who knows, one might even see a hole-in-one while enjoying the chairs and firepits next to the Crossing House.
So how hot is the Crossing. When it first opened, some t-shirts and hats were made. But you needed to buy one quickly, because they sold out immediately. So what else is happening. A new restaurant opens this week, plus the Pinehurst Resort could enter into an agreement with a local development to operate their golf courses.
IT’S ALWAYS A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN PINEHURST-and getting better by the year.