"This should be a place you have the Open," LPGA Hall of Famer Kathy Whitworth said. "it's a perfect venue. With the history of the area, the tradition, the quality of the golf course, it lends itself to an Open. This is the kind of place you expect for a U.S. Open."

U.S. Women's Open Championship Returns To Pine Needles in 2007

2001 U.S. Women's Open/Pine Needles Logo
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 Some casual followers of professional golf had never heard of Pine Needles when the USGA announced in 1991 that it was bringing the 1996 U.S. Women's Open to the venerable resort in Southern Pines. After all, it didn't have quite the cachet of other Women's Open venues of recent years such as Colonial Country Club or Baltusrol Golf Club.

Annika SorenstamPine Needles offered all the USGA needed. "People in the golf world know about Pine Needles," said Kendra Graham, USGA Director of Women's Competitions. "it's a hidden gem." Millions more know that now following a memorable week in late May/early June in 1996. So rapid was the interest from the state and community, so flawless was the execution and so vaunted was the golf course that the USGA announced after the last putt fell that it was returning with the Open in 2001. After the 2001 Open it was decided that the honor would return again in 2007.

We decided it would be a good idea to come back here," said USGA President Judy Bell, no relation to resort owner Peggy 1996 U.S. Women's open Kirk Bell. "This family and this community are passionate about golf. There's such a feeling for the game here. The people of this community and state embraced this event. That's a key with us.