VILLAGE OF PINEHURST, N.C. (March 16, 2006) – Pinehurst Championship Management Director Reginald Jones has accepted a position with the United States Golf Association, ending a 12-year career with Pinehurst Resort.
Beth Kocher, executive vice president of Pinehurst and PCM, will continue to oversee the division, announced the company today.
"We’re delighted for Reg," said Kocher. "He was instrumental in the success of both the 1999 and 2005 U.S Open Championships here. This opportunity is evidence of his skills, professionalism and dedication."
Jones will direct future U.S. Open Championships for the USGA in accepting the position. Reg, his wife Nicole and their three children will remain residents of Moore County as he makes the career move.
"I am excited about the opportunity to continue my career with The United States Golf Association. It was certainly a difficult decision. I appreciate all of the support our team has received that has made our championships so special." said Jones.
With a starting role as an operations intern at Pinehurst, Jones’ first taste of major championship work began in 1994 at the U.S. Senior Open. He became operations manager of the championship office in late 1994, then director of operations in 1996. Following the 1999 U.S. Open Championship, he became championship director, a title he holds until his departure.
Kocher and Jones will be planning the management transition of the 2007 U.S. Women’s Open Championship in the next two weeks. PCM will, under Kocher’s supervision, proceed with the operational contract of the event, to be held at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club next June.
Kocher added, "The experience level of the Pinehurst Championship Management staff is deep and strong. Everyone can be assured that the U.S. Women’s Open remains in very good hands."
"The Women’s Open is going to be a tremendous event, and as a USGA representative I will look forward to its unqualified success," said Jones.
"Reg Jones is one of those rare finds with an extraordinary combination of professional, organizational, and people skills that are critical to the success of the U.S. Open Championship. This was exemplified by the thousands of details, the management of volunteers, and the building of community cooperation and enthusiasm that Reg demonstrated during the two Open Championships at Pinehurst. As the USGA continues to strive to make the U.S. Open the best sporting event, we are excited to add Reg to the USGA’s U.S. Open Championship team," said Mike Butz, deputy executive director of the USGA.
Jones’ last day with Pinehurst Resort is April 30.
"It has been a privilege to be involved with Pinehurst and its many championships," said Jones. "I will miss being part of the organization, but no matter where I am, I will always be a Pinehurst disciple and continue to sing its praises," he said.
Located in the North Carolina heartland, world-renowned Pinehurst Resort is home of golf’s greatest moments, from the 1936 PGA Championship to the 2005 U.S. Open Championship. It will serve as the site of the U.S. Amateur Championship in 2008.
Contact:
Janeen Driscoll
910.235.8710
janeen.driscoll@pinehurst.com
