Sandhills Golf Association Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Contact Mike Floyd
910-295-6467
mike@sandhillsgolf.com

PINEHURST, N.C. (May 28, 2002) ‹ The Sandhills Golf Association will kick off a year-long celebration next month as it recognizes its 10 year anniversary of promoting affordable golf and golf package play in the Pinehurst, Southern Pines and Aberdeen area.

Formed in the spring of 1992, the non-profit organization was charged with increasing awareness of championship golf in the Sandhills region of North Carolina and correcting the misconception that the pastime was reserved for the elite. In the span of 10 years, the association has grown from 13 original courses to 18 courses. The association has also added 26 accommodation partners and golf travel providers.

"The focus of the SGA is to encourage golfers to visit once and experience what the region has to offer," says SGA Executive Director Mike Floyd. "We are here to dispel the myths that golf in this area is too expensive and there isn't anywhere to stay."

The work of the SGA has paid great dividends to surrounding cities and to Moore County. According to the North Carolina Department of Commerce, domestic tourism in Moore County generated an economic impact of $274.85 million in 2000, propelling the county's rank in travel impact from 11th to ninth out of 100 North Carolina Counties. Even though Moore County ranks 32nd in population, it generates more tourism dollars than nearby Cumberland County which hosts Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base.

The increased national advertising the Sandhills Golf Association produces has resulted in the region becoming one of the top retirement communities in the country. Since 1992, Moore County boasts a 26 percent increase in population, compared to 15.3 percent increase statewide. The increase in demand and revenues has resulted in additions to local hospitals, schools and park and recreation areas.

"The great thing about the SGA is that all of the money generated by our efforts goes directly back into the community," added Floyd. "With 19 of the top 100 courses in North Carolina calling the Sandhills home, we just have to get the people here once. After they see what we have to offer, they'll definitely return again and again."