A pin on the practice green reminds us of Pine Needles' proud past, and future, as host of the U.S. Women's Open.

"Roughing it" isn't a requirment on the Golfari, but fun is.

Sometimes the costs associated with golf can create an exclusive atmosphere; however, at programs like Peggy Kirk Bell's Golfari at The Pine Needles & Mid Pines in Southern Pines, N.C., the exclusivity ends there. At the Golfari that Found in America's Emily Hache attended, she experienced firsthand the passion that drives most golfers and, more importantly, a genuine enthusiasm for introducing new players to the sport and helping experienced players to get more out of it.

A Safari of Golf

• When Emily's husband Rob first saw the $1500+ price tag for five days of golf, he and Emily felt like they might have a hard time recommending the Golfari as a good value. But, they soon learned that it was one of the better vacation values around.
  
  
  
  • All meals are included as well as snacks and soft drinks on the course.
    
  • All instruction and all of the golf you'd care to play is included.
    
  • Accommodations are first rate as is the instruction--with over 20 top instructors lending their talents to the Golfari.
  
  
  
• Ladies' Golfaris are offered in February, May, and September each year and run for five days/four nights.

• An Adult Golfari is held every June and is open to both men and women. It runs for six days/five nights.

• Beginners Golfaris are four days/three nights and are held in September, November, and February.

• There are two Youth Golfaris held in July. They are open to golfers ranging in age from 10-17 years old.

Anyone Can Do It

• Golfari participants are divided into eight groups based on their experience, ability and handicap. Each group spends the week learning together and golfing together.

• Beginning students learn the rules and etiquette on the golf course in addition to the fundamentals of playing the game. Because the beginners are grouped together, the "intimidation factor" is reduced, and players have more fun.

Just the Golf, Ma'am

• Each day includes a half-day of instruction and a round of golf, in addition to unlimited access to the resort's four-hole practice loop and unlimited driving range balls and time.

• There are several practice greens and areas to practice your short game, trouble shots and bunker shots.

• Clinics over the course of the week include full swing, putting, chipping, pitching, trouble shots, bunker shots, fairway woods, and the mental side of the game.

• Also included is a video analysis of your golf swing put onto a VHS tape for you to take home.

What to Bring and Wear

• Golf attire is unlike that of any other activity. When visiting a golf course, it's a good idea to wear a traditional golf shirt--collared, 3-4 buttons, and a pair of either long shorts (hitting just above the knee) or comfortable pants, and casual-but-not-sneakers shoes or golf shoes. Avoid wearing jeans, athletic shorts, sweat pants, tank tops or t-shirts, especially those printed with slogans.

• On the golf course, you should always bring a sweater, especially on chilly spring mornings, a visor, sunglasses, sunscreen, a golf glove, water bottle, and, of course, a towel.

• If you're planning to attend a Golfari, bring your address book or PDA and a stack of business cards. You'll probably want to exchange addresses with the people you meet, your cart partner and the other players in your group, and the resort cannot provide that information for you.

Contact Information

Pine Needles & Mid Pines
Midland Road
PO Box 88
Southern Pines, NC 28388
910-692-7111
Fax: 910-693-4324
Toll Free: 800-747-7272
reservations@pineneedles-midpines.com, www.pineneedles-midpines.com