"A Women's Golf Pioneer Reflects On Her Contributions"

Peggy Kirk Bell, who has nurtured the nearby Pine Needles resort since 1953 when she took ownership, has hosted the U.S. Women's Open and was a bit peeved when Pinehurst No. 2 got this year's second half of back-to-backs.

John Paul Newport caught up with the 92-year-old and wrote his weekly WSJ column about Bell.

This was fun (thanks reader John):

On Tuesday about a dozen former Women's Open champions played a round at Pine Needles, with Bell viewing some of the action from her cart. The previous week Lucy Li, the pig-tailed 11-year-old charmer from Northern California who is the youngest ever to qualify for a U.S. Open, practiced at Pine Needles and had lunch with Bell several times.

"She's phenomenal. She didn't miss a shot," Bell said. "I told her she had the skill to win here this week." That is not going to happen but the generation-spanning marvel of their friendship is a pleasure to ponder: A woman who took lessons from Tommy Armour, the 1927 U.S. Open champ and an influential early instructor, encouraging a girl who, when she is 24, might well be a contender for the 2027 Women's Open.

Comments

[No Longer]

Pinehurst is a big corporate resort trying to milk every penny from you while you are on the property. Pine Needles - Mid Pines makes you feel like the guest of a good friend who is trying to make sure that you have a good time.....thanks to PKB.

[NC]

Truly a living legend. As kind and genuine a person as you could meet. And two terrific, fun golf courses.

[Hod]

Thanks for posting.
I remember the first time I played Pine Needles. I walked off in the glow of having just played the course that remains my favorite North Carolina course, and then ran into Peggy Kirk Bell in the clubhouse. She was all over me like a beloved aunt, full of fire and easy laughter. She creates great days.

[KS]

+1 No Longer

[V60golfrrrrr]

Oh my the mid pines inn is kinda of a run down smelly dinosaur of a hotel. The drips on my head from the rain storm as I sat at the bar was quite astonishing. Someday it will be restored probably by the pinehurst corp. it can't charge you like pinehurst cause it's kinda of a dump

[ol Harv]

V60, it's called charm and character. I'd love to see it restored but guess how much it would cost then? A dump is the Best Western in Southern Pines.

[Carl Peterson]

There's charm and character, no doubt. But, in my experience, the inn also has mildew and layers of dust.

[Johnnnycz]

My favorite grand old lady of golf. PKB is one of a kind. Always engaging and yes...like your favorite aunt that everyone wants to be with. And she's got quite a trained eye for the art of getting the ball into the hole.


What's a little mildew at Midpines when u can walk accross the street and hangout and enjoy the Lodge at Pineneedles?

[The Pro from Dover]

All of the accolades offered up for PKB are well deserved. She is a wonderful lady. I must agree however, the inn at Mid Pines is in poor condition and in need of some major renovation. Not sure you will see it during PKB's lifetime however.