Peggy Kirk Bell doesn't play a lot of golf anymore. She prefers to watch others enjoy the game.

But she's still very much a part of the Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club scene and makes her presence felt during resort activities.

This is especially true during the "Golfaris" that she introduced 44 years ago and which are still enjoyed by hundreds of golfers each year. In a letter sent out to students and potential Golfari members a few days ago, Bell wrote:

"It's time to start thinking about golf.

"If you are like most of our avid students, you probably would like to work on your swing, improve your game, and have a good time in the process. That's where we come into play.

"For 44 years now, I have been extremely proud of our unique golf schools which we call 'Golfaris,' and the key role we continually play in making golf schools popular, affordable and most of all, enjoyable.

"We have been pioneers in creating comprehensive golf instruction for both beginners, as well as the more advanced players and have specialized Golfaris for women, couples, individuals and youth.

'With a full schedule of Golfari schools planned for 2009, we would very much like to invite you and your family to be a part of our instructional program this year. We think it's an experience that you will treasure for quite some time."

The schedule is as follows:

Ladies Golfaris -- May 4-8, May 11-15, May 18-22, May 23-27 and June 1-5.

Adult Golfari -- June 14-19.

Youth Golfaris -- June 29-July 5, July 6-12, and July 13-19.

For information, call (800) 292-1623 or visit the Web site at www.pineneedles-midpines. com/learn.

"I personally look forward to having you join us this year and to helping you become a better player," Bell said. "Here's to better golf."

Pine Needles has reopened its golf shop, closed since a fire a few weeks ago.

Food is also being served again in the lounge area. The dining room will remain closed for several weeks.

Hospice Benefit: For more than 20 years, a remarkable golf event at Scotch Meadows Country Club in Laurinburg has raised funds to support Hospice of Scotland County.

Next Monday and Tuesday, golfers, sponsors, volunteers and other members of the community will again gather for the 23rd annual Eaton-Scotch Meadows Charity Tournament.

What began in 1987 as a way to keep a fledgling Hospice organization operating has grown into one of the area's largest fundraisers, thanks to the support of countless sponsors throughout the years.

Eaton Corp./Golf Pride division, headquartered in Laurinburg, has offered key support since the tournament's inception, and Scotch Meadows provides a wonderful venue for more than 200 golfers.

Since 1996, the tournament has raised at least $100,000 annually to help Hospice of Scotland County provide compassionate care to its patients, regardless of their ability to pay.

Last year, more than 70 individuals and organizations supported the tournament as Gold Grip sponsors, a commitment of at least $1,000. In all, more than 300 sponsors lent their support through the 2008 event, a remarkable achievement in a county of just more than 30,000 people.

The tournament also features a popular diamond raffle and a silent auction with more than 300 items, including the latest golf equipment donated by Eaton Corp./Golf Pride.

For information, e-mail david.hibbard@hospiceofscotlandcounty.org, or call 276-7176.

Senior 4-Ball: A field of 88 teams is scheduled to play in the 41st Carolinas Senior Four-Ball Championship, being conducted by the Carolinas Golf Association at Greenville Country Club in Greenville, S.C., Tuesday through Thursday.

Raleigh residents Paul Simson and Don Detweiler, who won last year on the Jack Nicklaus course at Landfall Country Club in Wilmington, are among the teams entered this year.

Simson and Detweiler combined to shoot 67-66-70 -- 203 in edging out Lex Alexander, of Chapel Hill, and Bill Boles, of Wilson, by a stroke.

Alexander is also back in 2009, but with a new partner, David Strawn, of Charlotte, whose credentials include a runner-up finish to Craig Stadler in the 1973 U.S. Amateur championship. Strawn has also won the last two N.C. Senior Four-Ball titles with Logan Jackson, of Winston-Salem.

The 54-hole tournament will be played on Greenville Country Club's par-71 Riverside course, which will be set up at 6,423 yards for the golfers, age 55 and older.

Little River: With its popularity as a stay-and-play facility growing, Little River Golf and Resort is teaming with Seven Lakes Country Club to offer a golf package that both hope will bring in more outside play.

The package offers three rounds of golf, two at Little River and one at Seven Lakes, two nights in one of the golf villas at Little River and two full hot breakfasts for $299 per golfer.

Little River, designed by Dan Maples, owned by Portugal-based Oceanico and managed by Troon Golf, and Seven Lakes, designed by the late Peter Tufts, are both listed among North Carolina's Top 100 courses.

For reservations or information, call (888) 766-6538.