Changes likely for North & South Amateur

Pinehurst Resort and its famed No. 2 course are facing a logistical traffic jam in the summer of 2014. With the men’s and women’s U.S. Opens being played in consecutive weeks, Pinehurst’s men’s and women’s North & South Amateurs, which typically fall within weeks of the national Opens, would seem to be under assault. Tournament director Brian Fahey, with a nod to the North & South tradition, has some options. “I can’t imagine we wouldn’t have them,” Fahey said. “Both are a very important part of our tradition here.” The tournament dates, especially for the men’s North & South, likely will change. This year, as has been the case in recent years, the men’s North & South will take place during the first week of July (3-7). The women’s event is slated for mid-July. In 2014, the men’s and women’s Opens will be played June 12-15 and June 19-22, respectively. Fahey suggested two possible adjustments for the 2014 amateur events: Later dates and using one or more of the seven other courses at the resort. “I’m sure we’ll look at possibly different dates (in 2014),” Fahey said. “Maybe push them back a little. We may put more focus on some of our other courses and utilize them for tournament play in the amateur events.”