Pinehurst, N.C. - Pinehurst Resort started the official clock to the 2005 U.S. Open - 356 days and counting until the nation's golf championship returns to its historic grounds.
Employees of the Resort gathered on the front lawn of the historic Carolina hotel to give a wave of welcome to the anticipated 45,000 international spectators expected to visit daily during next year's U.S. Open. The championship will be sited on Pinehurst's No. 2 course, June 16-19, 2005.
"We're ready, and we're thrilled to have it back after only six short years," said Beth Kocher, interim president and chair of the 2005 U.S. Open executive committee. "One of only three Open sites open to the public, we want everyone to catch the excitement. The fun starts here, with our employee team."
The United States Golf Association's general public ticket lottery for the 105th U.S. Open Championship at Pinehurst begins today. Registration information can be found at usga.org.
Pinehurst Resort, located in central North Carolina, is the home of many of golf's greatest moments, from Ben Hogan's first tournament win to Payne Stewart's fantastic finish at the 1999 U.S. Open. The site of the PGA Championship, Ryder Cup Matches, two Tour Championships, The U.S. Men's and Women's Amateur, the U.S. Senior Open and two U.S. Open Championships among others, its No. 2 golf course will remain open to resort and member play until May 30, 2005.
See pinehurst.com/usopen for corporate hospitality options, virtual tours of the No. 2 course and general facts on the championship's return to Pinehurst Resort.
For more information on the 2005 U.S. Open Championship at Pinehurst, contact Pinehurst U.S. Open Media Relations Chairman, Stephen Boyd, at 910.235.8499.