Arriving for a long weekend playing golf with friends in Pinehurst, North Carolina, I learned there are 9 courses that compose the Pinehurst Resort golf community. I also realized that there are 9 letters in the word PINEHURST. So when my host surprised me by asking me to make some remarks at our final reception, I knew there was something to learn from those 9. Here’s what I shared…
9 Things You Can Learn about Pinehurst
P – P is for Patience. We live in an on-demand world where “now” isn’t fast enough anymore. Walking the fairways of courses #4 and #2 this weekend was a generous dose of much-needed patience.
I – is for Inspiration. Donald Ross’s magical layouts and Payne Stewart’s legacy. You feel the magic in the air as soon as you see the course. You breathe in the humid Carolina air and you immediately feel inspired. As they say, I-A-B-D-I-P; “It’s a beautiful day in Pinehurst.”
N – is for Next. There will always be another swing, another hole, another round, another day. Enjoy the good shots and forget about the bad bounces quickly. Just spit and move on!
E – is for Experience. When you think of the legends of the game that have walked these same fairways and greens (and waste areas), it’s hard not to respect the game for the magic it brings to those who enjoy it. If all that were here were a few golf courses, it would be amazing. Add in the history, the iconic clubhouse, the Cradle short course, the Thistle Dhu putting adventure, and the entire community of Pinehurst and you have a truly memorable experience. Golfers have made Pinehurst a destination for over 125 years.
H – is for Hope. As Andy Dufresne said in The Shawshank Redemption, “Hope is a good thing. Perhaps the best of things.” The word “hope” was uttered a few times over the last few days. “I hope I cleared that bunker.” “I hope we’ll be able to find that one. “I hope my ball stayed on the green.” And now the only thing left to hope for is, “I hope we’ll get to do this again next year.”
U – is for Uniqueness. Of course, every hole is different but even though they are on the same basic property, each course has its own character and feel.
R – is for Relationships. It’s the number one key to success. It’s why we are all here tonight. Thanks to Scott and Laurie and Paul, and all the team members for your incredible hospitality and organization. Keep building relationships, solving problems, and having fun.
S – is for Scenery. Never be too busy to take in. If you didn’t enjoy the morning sun rising through the pines, the birds singing in the Magnolia trees, and those crazy fox squirrels scurrying through the pine needles, you just weren’t paying attention.
T – is for Trust. It’s the most desirable trait people seek and one of the most important things to give to others. As you navigate your way around the courses here in Pinehurst, you quickly learn to trust the advice, direction, and guidance of your caddies.
That’s it. That’s nine little tips or ideas you can think of the next time you go to tee it up in P-I-N-E-H-U-R-S-T.