VILLAGE OF PINEHURST, N.C. (June 27, 2006 ) -Beth A. Kocher, executive vice president of Pinehurst Resort and chair of the 2005 U.S. Open Championship at Pinehurst, has announced plans to retire on July 1.
"I have come to a point in my life when I want to spend more time with my family and pursue other interests," said Kocher, 62, whose daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter live in Florida. "I have had a wonderful career with ClubCorp and at Pinehurst, but it’s time now for me to do the things that I have never had time for in the past."
Kocher began her career with ClubCorp more than 30 years ago when the Dallas-based company purchased Inverrary Country Club in Florida, where Kocher was serving as manager. She subsequently transferred to Pinehurst as an executive vice president in 1984 after ClubCorp purchased the historic resort and announced plans for its renovation.
"We owe Beth an incredible debt of gratitude for her work in helping to return Pinehurst to a leadership role in the world of golf," said Robert Dedman Jr., chairman of the board of directors of ClubCorp. "She has worked tirelessly for more than 22 years at Pinehurst, and her dedication and sense of mission have made all the difference in the rebirth of the resort and country club."
When Kocher and husband Brad arrived at Pinehurst in 1984, the resort and its golf courses, including famed Course No. 2, had fallen into disrepair under the previous owners. Brad, vice president of golf course maintenance at Pinehurst, set about restoring the golf courses, while Kocher directed renovations of the Carolina Hotel and the entire resort property, culminating in the 1999 and 2005 U.S. Open Championships at Pinehurst.
"Beth’s career has spanned the entire period of time involved in the rebirth and now preeminence of Pinehurst," said Donald Padgett II, president of Pinehurst. "She was a leader of the first team that began the essential renovations in the early days of the rebirth and continued through as Pinehurst has gained international recognition during the past decade."
In addition to her work for Pinehurst, Kocher is a community leader, having served on the Village Council Long-Range Planning Committee, Board of FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, Moore County Partners in Progress, Sandhills Children’s Center and Habitat for Humanity. She and husband Brad will continue to live in Pinehurst.
"I know that I am leaving the resort in very capable hands of a talented management group, and I look forward to following their continued success," Kocher said. "For me, I am excited about becoming a bigger part of my granddaughter’s life as she grows up, traveling and enjoying life."
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Located in the North Carolina heartland, world-renowned Pinehurst Resort is home of golf’s greatest moments. Built in 1895, it is a timeless destination featuring an award-winning Spa, family programs, extravagant events and fine dining on its 2,000-acre property.
Contact:
Janeen Driscoll
910.235.8710
janeen.driscoll@pinehurst.com
