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North Carolina ‘Golfari’ just for women

If you hurry (and you’re a woman), you can be a better golfer by fall, thanks to a North Carolina resort that’s offering the first of several fall ‘Golfaris.’ In fact, the one August 24-27 is just for women and it’s just for beginners.

Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club has had more than 12,000 Golfari participants in the past 25 years, but their programs just for females have experienced unprecedented success, thanks to a low-pressure environment, hands-on instruction, personal attention for each golfer, and an emphasis on women-teaching-women the game of golf.

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The August 24-27 Ladies Only Golfari for Beginners, which is being repeated November 2-5, is ideal for those with no or little golf experience. The goal is to introduce women to the game of golf and provide a unique and friendly learning experience in an environment of encouragement and patience.

The resort, a long-time Pinehurst-area favorite, is an ideal place to learn and they have the ideal people to teach. Along with several family members, the resort is headed by LPGA charter member and hall of famer Peggy Kirk Bell. She also personally heads the golf instruction, along with long-time PGA Tour member Pat McGowan. Ms Bell and her family have been hosting visiting golfers at this resort, along with sister property Mid Pines, for more than 40 years.

“Regardless of your level of ability or experience, we focus on building a solid foundation and building from there,” said Ms. Bell. “Our belief is that every good golf swing incorporates the same time-tested and rock-solid fundamentals.”

A full teaching facility and two Donald Ross-designed courses enhance the on- and off-course experience, with the learning experience extending to meals and other social times. For women past the beginner stage, a regular Ladies Golfari is scheduled for September 4-8 that still has some spots open. In addition, Bell and McGowan also offer coed courses, clinics, and other multi-day schools.

Whether you choose to stay at the rustic lodge at Pine Needles or the southern-style inn at Mid Pines, you have access to swimming pools, newly renovated all-grass tennis courts, and delicious food. Offering a total of 184 rooms, the sister properties are situated across Midland Road from each other, with both offering a family atmosphere, a golf-intensive environment, varied dining, and an array of non-golf resort amenities.