Discover Wellness

Many people, even if you aren't a golfer, know of the famous and historic Pinehurst Golf Courses in historic Pinehurst, NC. What many people don't know is that I have had the pleasure of working directly with the most famous courses there, No. 2 and No. 4. For reference, in case you aren't familiar with No. 2, it is consistently rated the best Golf Course in North Carolina year after year, and number 29 in the list of the WORLD'S best golf courses (yes, I have references!).

In 2010, course No. 2 was renovated (a project that I participated in), to allow for a more sustainable approach to a typically high-input approach. We removed many acres of  thirsty Bermudagrass, and established vast bands of sandy native areas dotted with clumps of wiregrass and scattered pine cones and needles, dropped from the native long-leaf pines. Irrigation was reduced to a mere single row in the fairways to prevent grass from returning to the new sandy wastelands, and to encourage native and naturalized plants to grow. It has become a truly beautiful (and environmentally friendly) course. 

Last month, I was called upon by the management of Pinehurst to assist with the course design and "crafting" of a brand new course (No. 9), whereby I get to offer strategies on pollinator protection, implementing IPM, and how to allow for a similar approach to environmental protection that we applied to No. 2 and No. 4. 

Last week, Ryan and I spent a day offering ideas, identifying native and naturalized vegetation, and enjoying the fresh air while running around course No. 9 with the Pinehurst Associate Director of Agronomy and NC State graduate, Kevin Robinson. 

I am planning another trip soon, so if anyone has any interest in tagging along to talk native vegetation, golf sustainability, or just wants an excuse to spend the day outside learning about something new, let me know!

By Danesha