Far Hills, N.J. (Sept. 10) – The USGA Member Education Series – an exclusive opportunity for USGA Members to interact with USGA staff, volunteers and professional players who impact the game and USGA national championships – will debut Nov. 6-8, 2009, at Pinehurst Resort in the Village of Pinehurst, N.C.
The guest speakers at the first USGA Member Education Series event at Pinehurst will be USGA Vice President Jim Hyler, USGA Senior Technical Director Dick Rugge and LPGA Tour player Morgan Pressel, the 2005 U.S. Women’s Amateur champion. The weekend event also will include two rounds of golf, on Pinehurst’s No. 2 and No. 4 courses, two nights accommodations, meals and a welcome reception.
“We are pleased to be able to offer this exciting opportunity – one which will give our Members a chance to get to know the people of the USGA and gain a true insider’s perspective on how the USGA supports the game,” said Fiona Dolan, director of USGA Membership.
During the weekend, Hyler will lead a discussion entitled, “How to Challenge the World’s Best Players,” in which he will explain the process of setting up a golf course for a national championship. The unique combination of graduated rough, variable teeing grounds and drivable par 4s has brought to USGA championships a new level of challenge for the players and excitement for golf fans.
Rugge will discuss golf technology and how the USGA regulates clubs, balls and other golf equipment through rigorous research and testing.
Pressel will talk about her experiences competing in USGA national championships, including her dominating win at the 2005 U.S. Women’s Amateur, as well as her memories of playing Pinehurst No. 2 when she won the 2004 North and South Women’s Amateur. Pressel will also lead an instruction clinic prior to one of the rounds of golf.
Reservations can be made beginning Sept. 17 by calling 1-800-487-4653. A limited number of event packages will be made available to American Express® Cardmembers prior to Sept. 17.
The second event in the USGA Member Education Series is scheduled to take place in January 2010 at Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, Calif., site of the 2010 U.S. Open Championship. Sites and dates for future USGA Member Education Series events will be announced at a later date.
About the USGA
The USGA is the national governing body of golf in the USA and Mexico, a combined territory that includes more than half the world’s golfers and golf courses.
The USGA annually conducts the U.S. Open, U.S. Women’s Open, U.S. Senior Open, 10 national amateur and two state team championships. It also helps conduct the Walker Cup Match, Curtis Cup Match and World Amateur Team Championships.
The USGA also writes the Rules of Golf, conducts equipment testing, provides expert course maintenance consultations, funds research for better turf and a better environment, maintains a Handicap System®, celebrates the history of the game, and administers an ongoing “For the Good of the Game” grants program, which has allocated more than $65 million over 13 years to successful programs that bring the game’s values to youths from disadvantaged backgrounds and people with disabilities. For more information about the USGA, visit www.usga.org.
Contact:
Dave Fanucchi (dfanucchi@usga.org)
Web Address: www.usga.org
USGA Phone: (908) 234-2300
