The much anticipated Pine Needles Fitness Center has opened for exclusive use by its more than 200 members and resort guests of Pine Needles and Mid Pines.

The approximately 1,000-square-foot facility, located near the outdoor pool, boasts two treadmills, two elliptical trainers, a stationary bike and a recumbent bike for cardiovascular fitness. 

For strength training, the facility features four circuit training machines offering a total body workout, as well as dumbbells, balance balls and medicine balls.  In addition to these cardio and strength machines, the center also offers a stretching cage for flexibility, a critical component in an effective golf swing.

To round out the facility offerings, one wall is lined with mirrors, and televisions are also available for viewing.

“Our goal was to offer a fitness option for our members and resort guests, the majority of whom are golfers,” said Kelly Miller, president of Pine Needles and Mid Pines. “Therefore, our equipment selections focused on the specific fitness needs of the golfer. Golfers’ fitness tends to be more focused on core strength and flexibility in addition to cardiovascular health. 

“We wanted to ensure we created a facility that could foster that type of workout, and we’re also pleased to add value to the stay of our resort guests,” added Miller.

The Pine Needles Club will be working with a local personal trainer who has expertise in golf fitness to offer members a more personalized workout option.

For information about the new fitness center or membership opportunities at the Pine Needles Club, contact Kristin Klauder, membership coordinator, at (910) 693-3250, or e-mail her at membership@pineneedlesclub.com.

Writing Awards: Two golf writers who live in the Sandhills have been honored for their work by the Golf Writers Association of America.

Jaime Diaz won first and second place in the non-daily features category for articles in Golf Digest on Seve Ballesteros’ battle with cancer and a profile of NBA golf analyst Johnny Miller. Diaz also won third place for an article on the Tiger Woods scandal.

Jim Moriarty took third place in non-daily features with his article in Golf World on Nick Faldo, 20 years after winning the Masters and the British Open.

Tin Whistles: Luther Hutchinson posted a net 64 to win the Tin Whistles major championship Robbins Memorial Feb. 26 on the Pinehurst No. 5 Course.

John Reglar shot 65 to finish second, with Jay Clatworthy taking third in a playoff after he and Dick Johnston had tied with 67.

Johnson Gives: PGA Tour star Dustin Johnson, of Myrtle Beach, has donated $50,000 to his alma mater, Coastal Carolina University, through the Carolinas PGA Section.

The donation was made in support of Coastal Carolina’s Play Golf America University program as part of the 2010 Ryder Cup Outreach Program. The program is designed to teach and engage students in the game through PGA professional instruction and other golf programs.

The 2010 Ryder Cup Team made a $2.6 million donation in support of charities and the launch of the Ryder Cup Junior Golf Academy.

Contact Howard Ward at howardward@att.net.