Why Pinehurst

The words of Leonard Tufts, the owner of Pinehurst Resort written 9 years after the resort opened.

This week’s newsletter was entirely written by Leonard Tufts in 1906. Excerpts come from Tufts book, Pinehurst, North Carolina.

Color commentary by Connor T. Lewis (in bold).

Come for the Golf, Stay for the Ozone???

“It is a well-known scientific fact that wherever the "Pinus palustris" or long-leaf pine grows in abundance the soil, the trees and their products are productive of what is known as ozone.

The region about Pinehurst was originally covered with great forests of the long-leaf pine and the Government scientists are on record as stating that in this section of North Carolina there is more ozone in the air than in any place east of the Rocky Mountains.

This accounts for the wonderful recuperative qualities of the atmosphere so noticeable to every one who visits the place. There is an entire lack of the enervating qualities found almost everywhere further south, and it is doubtful if there is any place in the United States where persons brain-weary and nerve-worn rally as quickly or make as rapid progress toward health and vigor.”

There Aren’t Alcoholics Here Or People With The Flu, Also Don’t Go To Florida Because Air Conditioning Wasn’t Available Yet!

“There has never been known in the region about Pinehurst a sporadic case of consumption, and for those suffering from the effects of grippe (what people used to call the flu), or from persistent colds, or from any other illness, the climate has remarkable regenerating and health-giving qualities. There is an entire absence at Pinehurst of the trying, penetrating cold of the North, and yet one never suffers from the enervating, muggy heat met with in Florida. It is the happy mean between the two extremes.”

If You Are a Drunk We Will Kick You Out and We Have No Idea How Disease and Viruses Seem To Work in 1906

“No case of malaria nor consumption has ever been known to originate here, and Pinehurst is the only village. in the country where consumptives are absolutely excluded. The total absence of chronic and infectious diseases and the perfectly healthful character of this resort make it especially delightful. Contagion is impossible and there is no danger to even the most delicate from exposure to the air, owing to its wonderful dryness.”

Why Golf In Pinehurst?

“Pinehurst climate is conducive to good golf, for there is a preponderance of

bright, clear days, and the air is wonderfully full of ozone and snap, without being cold. There are two separate golf courses at Pinehurst, one of eighteen holes, the other of nine, both admirable as far as topography is concerned, and kept in the peak of condition.”

“The work on the extension of the nine-hole course to make it another eighteen is now being pushed, and it is hoped that it will be ready for playing on this season. The eighteen-hole course is considered the best professional course in the country where winter golf is possible.

Each is sporty enough to please any one, and yet they are not tricky courses, with snares and pitfalls for the good player. The nine-hole course is entirely separate from the larger course and is equally popular. Each course has been so laid out that there are no holes crossing, and no inconvenience is ever noticed from overcrowding.”

Pinehurst Is Famous For It’s Greens, But Back In 1906 They Were Flat, Square and Sand.

“The putting greens are sixty feet square and are made of hard clay, absolutely smooth and even, and are freshly covered with a thin coating of fine white sand and smoothed over several times daily. Putting on them is a pleasure, as they are like billiard tables in speed and smoothness. A clock golf green located beside the Club House is a great attraction to both ladies and gentlemen, as it requires less exertion than either golf or tennis.”

Thank you for reading this newsletter and sharing it with your friends.

Until next time…

Yours in Golf History,

Connor T. Lewis