N.C. course offers golf packages to dialysis patients

Southern Pines, N.C. – National Golf Club has become the first golf course in the country to offer golfing options for dialysis patients through a new partnership with DaVita, Inc., the largest independent provider of dialysis services in the United States.

“This unique partnership allows us to offer stay-and-play packages to dialysis patients and their families who otherwise would not have the option to travel to the Sandhills and enjoy all this area has to offer,” says Mary Smithson, director of membership and marketing at National. “Often we don’t think about the limitations that can be placed on kidney patients, so we’re excited to help out.”

Tom Gill, operational vice president of DaVita, explains, “This dialysis option has been developed by DaVita specifically for the golfer and/or those guests who enjoy the amenities offered in the Sandhills area.”

Dialysis patients who visit National will book their packages like other golfers. They will stay in the villas and cottages at National and can choose other area courses to play in addition to the Jack Nicklaus-designed course at National. While on property, these patients will be administered dialysis treatments by a licensed DaVita caregiver at a time convenient to their leisure time desires.

To kick off this new partnership, National Golf Club and DaVita are holding a drawing for two one-day tickets to the 2005 U.S. Open, which takes place June 16 through 19 in the Sandhills. Dialysis patients may visit www.nationalgolfclub.com to register to win the tickets. Lodging and transportation are not included.

For information on the stay-and-play options at National, call 877-722-6007, or visit www.nationalgolfclub.com.