A distinguished tradition of hosting amateur golf events will be extended next year when the 2010 U.S. Girls' Junior Championship is held July 19-24 at the Country Club of North Carolina.

It will be the first United States Golf Association championship held at CCNC since 1980, when Hal Sutton won the U.S. Men's Amateur there.

"We've been talking with the USGA for eight to 10 months about hosting the championship," said Jeff Dotson, director of golf and head professional at CCNC. "From the standpoint of our club, we have a pretty strong commitment to amateur golf, especially junior golf. We've hosted a lot of amateur events, including the National Big I, the Southern Amateur last year, the Southern Women's and the Carolinas Junior this past summer.

"From the USGA's perspective, they see that strong commitment to amateur golf and they know that the Dogwood is a great golf course. They're also aware of the reputation of the club and our members in conducting these events."

The Dogwood Course was designed by Ellis Maples and Willard Byrd. It opened in 1963 and was the first of two 18-hole layouts, opening in 1963. It was renovated a few years ago by renowned architect Arthur Hills.

The Dogwood, ranked among the top 10 best courses in North Carolina, is recognized as one of the most picturesque in the nation, with water coming into play on 10 holes.

CCNC has hosted six Southern Amateurs, seven North Carolina Amateurs and three Carolinas Amateurs.

The U.S. Girls' Junior Championship was first played in 1949 and is open to female golfers who have not reached their 18th birthday and have a USGA Handicap Index of no more than 18.4.

For more on this story, see Friday's print edition of The Pilot.