PBS North Carolina Announces the New Special 'It's a Beautiful Day in Pinehurst'
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PBS NORTH CAROLINA ANNOUNCES THE NEW SPECIAL ‘IT’S A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN PINEHURST’
Premiering June 11, the special goes behind the scenes of the renowned golf resort, the site of this year’s U.S. Open.
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC, 6/6/2024 — PBS North Carolina announces the premiere of It’s a Beautiful Day in Pinehurst, a new special that explores how a golf resort in North Carolina’s Sandhills became a world-renowned destination. Hosted by award-winning television journalist Dwayne Ballen, the hour-long program uncovers the stories, people and traditions that make Pinehurst and its surrounding communities beloved. In addition to revisiting Payne Stewart’s triumphant 1999 U.S. Open win over Phil Mickelson, It’s a Beautiful Day in Pinehurst features a tour of the World Golf Hall of Fame with revered basketball coach Roy Williams.
It’s a Beautiful Day in Pinehurst premieres Tuesday, June 11, at 9:00 PM, on PBS NC, as well as online and on the free PBS App.
“All eyes will be on Pinehurst as the best golfers in the world come to North Carolina for the U.S. Open in June,” says David Hurst, PBS North Carolina senior producer and correspondent. “Pinehurst is the Home of American Golf, but there’s so much more to this resort and region than its scenic golf courses. It’s a Beautiful Day in Pinehurst offers a rare glimpse into what makes it a North Carolina treasure. I hope the stories inspire our viewers and encourages them to experience Pinehurst in person.”
In the special, host Dwayne Ballen explores both the resort and the village of Pinehurst from dawn to dusk. In addition to learning more about the tremendous historical, cultural and economic impact of golf on the area, he meets with the people who work behind the scenes to keep Pinehurst’s traditions alive.
Ballen also visits Pinehurst’s iconic No. 2, a course designed by legendary golf architect Donald Ross and completed in 1907. Later, he tours the newly opened USGA Experience and World Golf Hall of Fame with retired North Carolina Tar Heels coach Roy Williams.
“This place has an effect on you,” says Ballen. “What Donald Ross created, however, wouldn’t exist without the support of a very strong and vibrant service class, many of whom were Black. It’s a Beautiful Day in Pinehurst uncovers and celebrates the important contributions of often overlooked figures who have made a lasting impression.”
Although Pinehurst has seen some ups and downs over the years, it has stood the test of time. Today the area enjoys a thriving tourism scene, with nearly 40 golf courses within a 15-mile radius. It’s a Beautiful Day in Pinehurst explores landmarks and businesses near the resort, including the historic equestrian facility Pinehurst Harness Track; Old Sport & Gallery, which specializes in golf art and memorabilia; and the Pine Crest Inn, which opened in 1913.
“While Pinehurst’s rich history makes it a special place, it’s the people who truly inspire,” says David Hurst. “The passion and talent of these individuals, past and present, have helped turn Pinehurst into the global destination it is today. I came away deeply moved by them and their stories, and I know our viewers will too.”
Acknowledgments
It’s a Beautiful Day in Pinehurst was produced by Shore Road Productions. Itis made possible with support from Pinehurst-Southern Pines-Aberdeen CVB, Pinehurst Resort & Country Club and Mary Louise and John Burress.
About Host Dwayne Ballen
Dwayne Ballen is an award-winning television journalist and sportscaster. His résumé includes CBS Sports, the Golf Channel, Fox Sports Net and ESPN. Recent interviews with Michelle Obama, Peyton Manning, Magic Johnson and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy have garnered him considerable recognition. Ballen is also the author of the book Journey with Julian, which provides an intimate look into his family’s life with his eldest son, who is autistic. He resides in Durham with wife Marina and sons Julian and Jared.
About Pinehurst Resort & Country Club
Pinehurst Resort & Country Club has welcomed guests since 1895. Nestled in the historic Village of Pinehurst in North Carolina, Pinehurst consists of nine 18-hole golf courses, a 9-hole short course and an 18-hole putting course. Pinehurst No. 2 has consistently been ranked as one of the top courses in North Carolina and among the best in the United States, and was recently named a USGA Anchor Site with 5 U.S. Open Championships scheduled through 2047. In addition, Pinehurst has three hotels, villas and condos, six full-service restaurants, a craft brewery and smokehouse, a bourbon bar and a luxury spa. To learn more, visit pinehurst.com.
About Pinehurst-Southern Pines-Aberdeen CVB
The Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) for the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area is proud to represent a world-class golf resort destination. Located in Moore County, North Carolina, the CVB is the county’s official destination marketing organization, and develops and implements strategies that enhance the economic and brand value of tourism to the benefit of visitors and residents alike. In 2022, Moore County ranked as the tenth highest tourism economy in North Carolina, generating $750 million annually in visitor spending. Tourism is the second largest employer in Moore County with more than 6,600 people working in the industry that supports a multitude of local businesses inside the Home of American Golf. To learn more, visit homeofgolf.com.
About PBS North Carolina
As North Carolina’s statewide PBS network serving the country’s third largest public media market, PBS North Carolina educates, informs, entertains and inspires its audience on air, online and in person. Through its unique partnership of public investment and private support, the network includes in-person engagement, digital-first social and online content delivery and four over-the-air channels: PBS NC, the North Carolina Channel, Rootle 24/7 PBS KIDS channel and the Explorer Channel. Its transformational events and content spark curiosity and wonder for all North Carolinians. Additionally, PBS North Carolina serves as the backbone for North Carolina’s state emergency services. To learn more about PBS North Carolina, visit pbsnc.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
-PBS NC-
Media Contact
Allyson Meade, Marketing & Communications
PBS North Carolina
press@pbsnc.org