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PINEHURST, N.C. — The New Course at Talamore Golf Resort has been named the “Course of the Year 2018” by the Village of Pinehurst Area Chapter of the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA).

The prestigious award comes after a major restoration was performed on the golf course in 2016.

Not to be outdone, Talamore’s partner property across the street, the Arnold Palmer-designed King’s Course at Mid South, underwent a similar restoration and greens conversion along with numerous other club enhancements.

In all, these projects are among $6 million in capital improvements at Talamore’s four North Carolina and Pennsylvania facilities.

In 2016 — a quarter century after the renowned resort first opened — the green complexes on The New Course were converted from bent grass to Champion Bermuda and have received rave reviews. The New Course’s green complexes were restored to their original 1991 Rees Jones design by recapturing the greens surrounds, which had been encroached by native Bermuda grasses.

Last summer, the King’s Course — the only Arnold Palmer Signature course in the Sandhills — also installed new Champion Bermuda greens along with a host of other course renovations. Some greens increased in size by as much as 40 percent, as the many years of Bermuda encroachment were removed.

In addition to true rolling and lightening fast greens, the new strains of Bermuda are providing significantly better playing conditions year-round.

“The greens restoration is nothing short of a watershed event,” said General Manager Matt Hausser. “It’s incredible. All of the greens had shrunk to oval shaped. We now have fingers and approach areas that we never knew existed. The opportunity for many unique pin placements is making the courses even more fun and challenging.”

Talamore Resort’s anniversary changes had a broader mission than just greens conversion. Better course conditions, more playable layouts and more convenient golf cart access throughout the courses were all on the list. The New Course removed 75 bunkers from the original layout — re-contouring the areas to blend with the surrounding shaping, providing more forgiveness in the landing zones and around the greens — and added some new, signature sod wall bunkers. Also, the New Course now allows full cart access to all its holes with significantly enhanced access everywhere, and improved walk on and off to greens.

The New Course is being heralded as whole new playing experience. “Last year was an incredible year,” said Talamore Manager Tag Leon. “I’ve been here for 15 years and in the golf business all my life, and never seen anything like it. Members and guests are thrilled with the new experience.”

Talamore also received a major clubhouse renovation that included an expanded bar, enclosed rear patio and comfortable seating with a unique new old time, rustic feel.

The King’s Course at Mid South also performed a clubhouse overhaul, along with its course renovation. The back porch was enclosed to include a new bar with indoor and outdoor seating, and big-screen TVs for sporting events. The main floor received a full cosmetic overhaul with new furniture, flooring and a few other special touches to provide a unique and updated feel.  Club Members now have a dedicated Kids Area with Playstations, Nintendos, comfortable beanbag chairs and more.

“Our membership has grown in a lot of new directions over the past several years and the clubhouse needed to move with the times,” said Hausser. “Members will be able to visit the club and feel comfortable to enjoy their time while the kids can do their thing.” 

A new deck with pergola covered seating, outdoor living spaces with fire-pits geared up for “S’mores Night” are also in store. Upstairs at Mid South is the adult’s only Crow’s Nest, which boasts the finest views and bartending in the area. Comfortable seating indoors and out makes this the ultimate private club hangout out.

“In today’s society, clubs must create services that cater to members’ wide-ranging interests,” said Hausser. “It’s all about quality time with friends and family. The club is the center of their universe and needs to have the facilities to pull it off.”

Additional amenities

Alongside the Palmer and Jones centerpieces are a plethora of club amenities including pools at both properties, Jacuzzis, kiddie pool, tennis, basketball and even pickle ball. More than 50 member-only social and golf events adorn an active, year-round calendar at the clubs. Member Guests, Men’s and Ladies Day, the club’s famous Putt-Putt, Casino night, Pumpkin Painting, Guest Chefs, Chili cook off and more provide something for all ages and tastes.

Members can also enjoy seamless privileges with Talamore’s two highly renowned clubs in Pennsylvania — Talamore Country Club and Applecross Country Club by the Nicklaus Design group. Championship golf, exceptional private club dining, pools, fitness and great local accommodations make Talamore’s pair of Pennsylvania clubs a unique and fun experience for all members. Members have access to all club events so they can plan their trip around special events at all the Talamore clubs.

Learn more at www.TalamoreGolfResort.com.

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CONTACT:

Martin Armes
(919) 608-7260
martinarmes@nc.rr.com

Brad King
(336) 306-9219
king@bradkingcommunications.com