Our U.S. Open hot takes + fun facts from media day
Fore! Raleigh Mag took to the green at Pinehurst Resort for the U.S. Open media day May 6 ahead of the 124th U.S. Open championship in June—its fourth year at Pinehurst No. 2 (see also: 1999, 2005, 2014) and 38th in NC.
Our MO on the green? Sinking putts and taking names (!). We spent the day hitting the links at the famous Donald Ross-designed Pinehurst Course No. 2, which opened in 1907 and was later restored in March 2011.
During the exclusive event, we feasted our eyes on the 18-inch-tall 8.5-pound U.S. Open trophy, met last year’s winner Wyndham Clark, and heard from the USGA president and CEO (and other USGA reps) and the CEO of Pinehurst. Talk about a great day—by par!
We also got schooled on the course and the U.S. Open—already scheduled to return to Pinehurst No. 2 in 2029, 2035, 2041 & 2047! Here, our top takeaways and fun facts. May the course be with you!
⛳️ The first U.S. Open took place in 1895.
🏠 The USGA recently made Pinehurst an anchor site for their office, making this year’s championship the first they’re hosting from “home.”
🏌️ Anyone can enter the championship, whether you’re a professional or amateur golfer, with the final qualifying round taking place in June. All those who make it receive at least $8,500.
🐅 Fifteen-time major champ Tiger Woods will be competing in this year’s U.S. Open!
💸 While the 2024 purse has yet to be announced, 2023’s was $20 million, and the winner took home $3.6 million (!).
🌱 This year’s course saw some slight changes: The greens were changed to championship Bermuda greens; hole 13 was narrowed to be more difficult; tees were leveled; and mounds more wire glass was planted.
🛠️ Through 2029, ~$1 million is committed to the local community college’s gap skilled labor program, which will foster jobs keeping up with the golf course, maintaining the landscaping and more.
HOW TO WATCH
The 2024 U.S. Open broadcast schedule is as follows:
Planning on taking a swing at or getting away to Pinehurst for the U.S. Open—or just because? We rounded up where to eat, stay, play and what to do when you’re not taking your shot (or watching). See all of our recs here.
New happy hour activity found—and sparking a golf revolution.
If you thought golf was only for the business bros, think again. Taking over happy hours at 15 courses across the Triangle, Spark Golf is teeing up a new type of greenway play that’s social and approachable for everyone from Tiger Woods-level golfers to first-timers on the fairway.
“We set up Spark to be more fun and social than competitive,” explains co-founder and CEO Charlie Klaus. “Our average golfer is not a very good golfer—we wanted to bring the fun, accessible vibe [you get at places like Topgolf] to the green grass golf course.”
The league—which boasts 200,000 members and 2,000 courses spanning the country (and Canada!)—has relaxed rules to set golfers up for success. Think nine-hole games, gimmes within a putter’s length and playing out-of-bounds—with a bit of friendly competition still sprinkled in, natch.
Sparking up a golf revolution, the league seeks to expand golf games on the greenway as a stress-relieving hobby for all, redefining the sport’s stereotype as an exclusive activity found solely in swanky country clubs.
“If you look at traditional golf leagues, they are typically closed—and the general public can’t just walk up and play,” notes Klaus. “[Spark] is public, social and organized—and it’s fun!”
The social swings tee up weekdays after 5pm, stacking up as an above-par way to blow off a bit of steam after the office. And for those seeking to expand their personal and professional roster—there’s natural ops for that too. Essentially, a hole-in-one way to spend an evening. … Catch ya on the course? spark.golf
An iconic event returns to Raleigh this year, but with a new name and a new location.
Missed the PGA Championship? There’s a local op delivering a whole new way to par-tee (!). The Rex Hospital Open (formerly dubbed the Rex Classic) is debuting its new name—UNC Health Championship—and new location at the Raleigh Country Club this year June 1–4.
“The new name aligns with our brand, UNC Health,” says Alan M. Wolf, director of news and media relations for UNC Health. “We are the state’s health system, with facilities, providers and clinics across North Carolina. This type of fun family-friendly sporting event fits with our mission of improving the health and well-being of all North Carolinians. The UNC Health Championship presented by STITCH begins a new era of professional golf in Raleigh.”
To tee up some history… the championship’s roots date back to more than three decades, when Rex Hospital trustee Greg Poole Jr. began raising money for the hospital, with the help of LPGA pro-golfer Dianne Dailey. The tournament, which began as an LPGA event at North Ridge Country Club in 1988, is now among the top Korn Ferry Tour events in the country. How’s that for a hole-in-one?!
While the Rex Hospital Open has been held at the Country Club at Wakefield in North Raleigh for the past 18 years, the new location at recently renovated Raleigh Country Club brings a new set of challenges to competitors—with an enhanced viewing experience for spectators to boot. Not to mention proceeds will continue to benefit UNC Health and local community partners.
“We worked closely with our partners at McConnell Golf (owner of Wakefield and Raleigh Country Club) and the PGA Tour to identify the best venue for the new UNC Health Championship,” Wolf explains. “Designed by renowned architect Donald Ross and operated by McConnell Golf, Raleigh Country Club is ranked among the top 20 golf courses in North Carolina. Its proximity to Downtown Raleigh and a more central location in Wake County also provides greater accessibility for spectators from across the Triangle.”
To wit, there’s a lot at stake at this year’s tournament. The Korn Ferry Tour features 156 professional golfers converging from around the country and the world—both young, up-and-coming professionals striving to reach the PGA Tour as well as competitive, seasoned professionals that have lost their PGA Tour status and are vying to return.
Additionally, many players have local ties, including Ben Kohles, who grew up in Cary and has won two tournaments on the Korn Ferry Tour this year (translation: he is likely to make the PGA Tour next year!), and Ryan Gerard and Carter Jenkins, both of whom played golf at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Each day of the tournament offers additional entertainment for attendees (see below), and throughout the four-day event, Empire Eats will also be treating attendees to menu faves from The Pit, Raleigh Times, Gravy and Sitti. “The UNC Health Championship offers affordability, entertainment and accessibility—a prime opportunity to engage with tomorrow’s golf stars,” says Wolf.
“The setting is perfect for fans of all ages,” adds Wolf, “including those who may not know much about the game of golf but enjoy volunteering, socializing outdoors and supporting local charitable events.” Sounds pretty on par with a weekend well spent.
Photo courtesy of Brian Strickland
Tee-rific Activations
May 30: Kids Clinic—Kids 18 and under (and their parents) will have a unique opp to watch the player practice rounds on a closed course.
June 1: Local Love Day (presented by United Healthcare)—Various community partners will be at the fan area to share info about their programs and services.
June 2: Canes Day—All season ticket holders will gain free entry to the golf tournament.
June 3: Wear UNC Health Blue Day—Show support for health care workers, and stop by the UNC Health tent to meet some of the Tar Heel Paws and Furr Friends therapy dogs.
June 4: Heroes Day (presented by First Citizens)—Active military and fire and rescue personnel will gain free entry to the tournament.
We’re on pines and needles for a luscious getaway in the heart of “Horse Country.”
Saddle up and swing by Southern Pines—we can assure you it’s worth the day trip (or weekend!). Once you’ve rolled into town… take a scenic stroll along the railway that stretches through downtown while you satiate your shopping fix at boutiques and cute, quaint mom-and-pop shops.
A mere hour-ish hop from Raleigh—and not to be confused with its sister city Pinehurst (aka the “Golf Capital of the U.S.”), Southern Pines is home to a happening horse community and everything from stores and local breweries to restaurants on Broad Street to resorts (five-star shuteye, anyone?) and quaint bed and breakfasts, to name a few.
And if you’re “headed down South to the land of the pines,” no jaunt would be complete without a lil time carved out to take in the trees that earned the spot its name. It promises to be treemendous. … Here, our insider itinerary for your Southern Pines sojourn.
Pine Needle Golf Course
DO
Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club For a golf experience that’s a putt above, tee on up to this famed Donald Ross-designed course (ranked No. 2 in NC!), shaped to flow with the countryside—perf for both amateurs and athletes to get in on the action. May the course be with you… midpinesinn.com
The Country Bookshop You’re definitely going to want to *book* some time to peruse the shelves of this old-fashioned-esque bookshop in the historic downtown shopping district feat. selects for readers of all interests and ages. Or stop by for regular events, including author talks, book launches and more. thecountrybookshop.biz
Sunrise Theater The show must go on… and on it goes at this remodeled Southern Pines landmark of the ’40s, still popping with freshly dropped films, outdoor concerts and live theater performances. Lights, camera, action! sunrisetheater.com
Ashten’s Restaurant & Bar
EAT
Betsy’s Crepes Oh, crepe! No trip to the Pines would be complete without a stop at this iconic and classically cute brick-walled cafe known for its savory and sweet crepes—among other delish breakfast items. Keep it “Sweet & Simple” with butter, powdered sugar and cinnamon, or go savory with a huevos rancheros crepe. All crepe choices, if you ask us. @betsyscrepes_sp
Chef Warren’s Bistro Modeled after a turn-of-the-century French diner, this white-tablecloth resto will transport you to another era—in the best way possible. The open kitchen concept allows diners to get a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes culinary magic (pro tip: order the warm pecan pie for dessert), while a full bar and extensive wine list offer plenty to pair with the seasonal menu. Bon appetit! chefwarrens.com
Ashten’s Restaurant & Bar “Not new things but in new ways,” is the MO of this old English manor-style elevated eatery serving up globally inspired dishes from a Southern point of view via local ingredients—think fried pork loin with mushroom gravy and double chocolate salted caramel cake—by sisters Ashley and Quinten Van Camp. So, the perf perch for a romantic evening out, family supper or anything in between. ashtens.com
DRINK
Southern Pines Brewing Company “Rooted in community” since bowing in 2014, this frothy concept was brewed up by friends who met at Fort Bragg and bonded over a shared love for craft beer—then traded their uniforms for brewers’ boots, passports and pints. After traveling the world in pursuit of hoppiness, the trio established the brewery with a wide selection of brews, each made with a keen attention to detail. Cheers! southernpinesbrewing.com
The Bell Tree Tavern Legend has it that weary travelers in search of a drink would have to ring a bell hidden inside a hollowed tree in order to signal they wanted moonshine. And while the hidden bell is now no more, the aptly dubbed tavern still promises to sate your thirst with a menu chock-full of spirits, beer and wine—NTM great pub food, an outdoor bar and live music on the weekends (!). thebelltreetavern.com
Pine Scone Cafe “Everybody must get sconed” at this “home sweet scone,” where scones are, naturally, a must. Sweet and savory flavors include cranberry lemon, maple pecan and cheddar jalapeno—plus there’s a rotating seasonal scone of the month and sconewiches that’ll ruin every other sandwich for you going forward (worth it). Pair your meal with a handcrafted coffee or espresso drink and you’ve got a breakfast—or lunch—of champs. pinesconecafe.com
STAY
The Jefferson Inn Lemme upgrade ya. Snooze in style at this recently reno’d boutique hotel (read: yearlong multimillion dollar restoration!) … Meaning you can still experience the history and lifestyle of Southern Pines within the 15 luxe guestrooms and one-bedroom suites, but with the renewed modern opulence of 600-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets, custom-made down-filled duvets and pillows, and a tavern-style bar reminiscent of the early 1900s serving up drinks—natch—and live music. jeffersoninnsouthernpines.com
Duncraig Manor & Gardens Where are our manors? This restored estate house offers up the essence of wealth from the ’30s with lodgings that perfectly balance modern amenities and historical charm. You’re going to want to explore the pristine gardens, terraces, library and game room—and stop in Caroline’s Kitchen when hunger strikes. duncraigmanorandgardens.com
Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club This champion course (hello, USGA record four-time U.S. Women’s Open host!) is clearly on a roll—but the all-in-one retreat is more than just an award-winning golf course. Think popular restos and lounges, and premier lodging. Spend the day taking in the sunset from your porch, strolling the grounds, playing a game of tennis, or getting the par-tee started on the green (hey, when in Rome). pineneedleslodge.com
WEB EXCLUSIVE In Dave and Elyssa Nastalski’s household, humans aren’t the only ones following North Carolina’s stay at home order; their chickens are, too.
The downtown Raleigh Dogwood Country Club owners spent the first part of self-isolating building a grande coop for their five hens and two roosters modeled after the clubhouse at Augusta National, one of the most exclusive golf clubs in the world. They named it “Eggusta National.”
Elyssa and Dave knew they were going to need a coop for their chickens when they first got them in July of 2019, but they wanted to build it themselves and didn’t want it to be just any standard chicken coop.
“We were like, ‘if we’re going to do this, we’re going to do something neat,’” Elyssa says.
“Eggusta National”
Building something golf-related was a no-brainer for the pair.
“Golf is our life,” says Elyssa. Together they’ve started two golf companies—Dogwood Country Club and Dirty Larry Golf. Dave is a licensed PGA golf instructor and all of their wedding gifts to each other revolved around golf. Their chickens are also named after famous golfers: Arlene Palmer, Jackie Nicklaus, Tigress Woods, Bennie Hogan, Jeanne Sarazen, Gary Player and Phil Mickelson.
The Nastalskis had the goal of finishing the coop by what would have been the Masters Tournament—the weekend of April 12, though it was since rescheduled to November 9th through 15th.
Elyssa says the stay at home order allowed them to really dive into the project, giving them something to occupy themselves during the statewide shutdown of local businesses, including their urban country club.
“We like to flex our creative muscles,” Elyssa says. “We don’t do things in a standard way.”
