NEED 2, How about U.S. Open tickets for the 2017 U.S. at Erin Hills coming in June, see usga.org/tickets. Ron Whitten-Michael Hurdzan-Dana Fry with US Open Trophy.       ______________________________________________________________________

  THE GOG BLOG by Rory Spears, Editor and Director of Content. Follow Rory on Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @GogBlogGuy and on the 18th of Pinehurst #8. At Right, Donald Ross would be pleased with the renovations to his work in Pinehurst.        _____________________________________________________________________

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You would have to think that Donald Ross would be happy with the new plan to redesign his course #4 at the Pinehurst Resort in North Carolina.

The renovation of course #4 is just part of the master plan that’s in place for the next few years in Pinehurst.

Pinehurst is running strong with the opening of “Deuces” the sports bar behind the 18th green of course #2 and a new big time pool. But the work didn’t stop there as announced today by the resort. The #4 course last renovated over 10 years ago by Tom Fazio, this time will be done by Olympic Course and Trump Doral Blue Monster architect Gil Hanse.

In addition to course #4 work, will be the addition of a short course that will run over 10 acres of property, with some of that land coming from holes on courses # 3 & 5. The plan includes restoring some original Ross characteristics on courses #1 and #3, and then improving features of Maniac Hill and Thistle Dhu.

“There’s unique character at Pinehurst because of the landscape Donald Ross found when he arrived in 1900,” said Bob Dedman, Pinehurst Owner and CEO. “Back then, he may have been a minimalist by necessity, but were making a choice to present our historic golf courses in a natural state similar to that era.”

This vision follows the plan brought to the famed Pinehurst #2 and the success it has had in the last five years since 2011. “The overwhelming positive feedback we have received on the work on Pinehurst 2 encouraged us to continue options that are a continuation of that effort,” said Dedman. “We think Gil Hanse with his timeless and natural design philosophy, is the right person for the project.”

Tom Pashley is the resort President at Pinehurst.

The course #4 plan by Hanse will start in fall of 2017, and reopen 1 year later in fall of 2018.

The core of his master plan centers around a landscape that will resemble Pinehurst #2, and will be complete with exposed sand and native wire grass, wider fairways and a natural topography.

“We think this approach will create a more authentic, visually interesting golf course and one that feels in tune with it’s unique surrounds,” said Hanse. “A playable artfully shaped and conceived golf course that derives it’s character and appearance from the traditional golf flavor of this region is what we aspire for our approach to Pinehurst #4.”

“Fun and skill development are the most important concepts behind the short course,” says Tom Pashley, Pinehurst Resort President and COO. ” Whether you’re an avid amateur, a beginning golfer, or on an outing with golf buddies or family, the short course will offer an experience that can be enjoyed by all.”

The changes to Maniac Hill the resorts driving range include adding natural elements that are seen on Pinehurst 2. Thistle Dhu the putting course will be moved and expanded.

For more information see Pinehurst.com or call (855)-235-8507. Pinehurst, where it’s always a beautiful day.