USGA – Building a Unified Vision for Championship Golf in North Carolina (Project Woodpecker)

Organization:

Moore County Partners in Progress

Amount:

$200,000.00

Program Area:

Open Grants Program

County of Applicant:

Moore

Year:

2020

Description:

This grant provides support to Moore County Partners in Progress (PIP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit economic development entity, to assist with the relocation of some of the United States Golf Association’s (USGA) operations from New Jersey to Pinehurst. Relocated operations will include USGA’s golf equipment Research and Test Center, a Museum and Visitors Center, and several USGA departments, including its Championship Operations. In addition to relocated operations, USGA will bring five U.S. Men’s Open Championships to the Pinehurst area, one every five to seven years, including one previously announced for 2024. Pinehurst will also be the host of two U.S. Women’s Open Championships in the next 20 years, and North Carolina will host 13 other championship events within the next 25 years. USGA will employ 50 full-time employees at the facilities in North Carolina, including 35 new positions and 15 retained positions. Golden LEAF funds will be used to purchase testing equipment for the Research and Test Center, which supports USGA’s role in establishing equipment standards for the game of golf. The total cost of the testing equipment is over $4 million. The testing center will be the site of 18 of the 35 new positions. The average wage of the 50 positions will be $80,000. Additionally, PIP projects a direct capital investment by the USGA of at least $25,000,000. PIP anticipates that the location of the Research and Testing Center and the relocation of some USGA operations to Pinehurst will encourage the location of other golf-related businesses to the area resulting in significant economic benefit to the region. The State has indicated it intends to provide $18 million for this project through special legislation, the first installment of which was $3.6 million approved in September.

Contact:

Ms. Natalie HawkinsPO Box 5885Pinehurst, North Carolina 28374(910) 246-0311

Areas Served:

Moore

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