In golf terms, Tim and Sally Gold have reached the 19th hole.

The proprietors of Burchfield's Golf Gallery in downtown Pinehurst are retiring and closing the business they have owned for more than a decade.

"We've been living the dream," Tim Gold said, "selling golf, talking golf and playing golf for a decade, but now it's just time."

A fixture in downtown since 1986, Burchfield's specializes in all things golf.

From books to photos and paintings to statues and sculptures to autographed memorabilia, the gallery has nearly anything a golf fan could want.

One of the store's most popular attractions, however, isn't for sale. Quincy, the Golds' 6-year-old terrier, is affectionately known as the gallery's guard dog and a favorite of delivery personnel and regular customers.

"He loves the UPS guys because they all give him treats," Sally said. "Anybody who comes in here in brown attire gets (lovingly) attacked," Sally says. "One thing is for sure, he (Quincy) is going to lose some weight when we retire."

The Gold's purchased the business from the Burchfield family in October 1998 after they relocated to the area from Delray Beach, Fla., where Tim was a Realtor and Sally was a certified public accountant.

Self-proclaimed golf-aholics, Sally said the couple visited Pinehurst twice before being won over by the area's charm.

"The third time we came back we were looking for a house," she said.

Originally located next door to Dugan's Pub, the store moved to its current spot on Magnolia Road, across from the Razook's building, in 2003 to be closer to Pinehurst Resort.

When asked about the reason for retiring, Tim cited age, the economy and other factors in their decision. But he finally acknowledged that "it's just time."

Gold didn't rule out the possibility of selling the business, if an offer was right, but added, "This is not a great time to sell any retail business."

Over the previous decade, the Golds say they have thoroughly enjoyed most everything that comes with owning their own business.

"We've met a lot of people and made a lot of good friends doing this," Sally Gold said. "I will really miss dealing with the people. But it is a constant responsibility. There is not really any down time."

Tim added, "The best thing about owning this business has been the fact that we have been living the dream of selling golf, talking golf and playing golf," Tim said.

They both remain active in the community. Tim is a member of the Board of Governors of the Pinehurst Civic Group and the Pinehurst Beautification Com-mittee. Sally is a member of the village Board of Adjustment.

The Golds say they plan to be out of the building by the end of the month.

From there, they say, things are wide open.

"We're looking forward to seeing what the future holds," Tim Gold said.