But Peggy Kirk Bell, the person most responsible for the USGA's choice of Pine Needles as the venue for the most prestigious event in women's golf, could be a valuable resource for any of the players seeking the 56th championship.
Very few changes were required on the course that hosted the 1996 Open, as maintenance manager and course superintendent Dave Fruchte and his staff have worked tirelessly to perfect the layout over the past five years.
The only major differences are the shortening of the par-3 No. 5 hole, which created a severe logjam for players in 1996 when it played from almost 200 yards; the repositioning of fairway bunkers on the par-5 10th ; and the lengthening of the par-3 13th to just more than 200 yards.
Some other differences include the closer shaving of areas around the greens, giving players options of chipping or putting when just off the surfaces.
"Actually, I think the scores may be a little lower this year," Bell said. "Mainly because the girls are more competitive."
While Bell isn't playing, she knows what the course demands, and her guidelines for success follow in a hole-by-hole description of the preferred way to play each hole:
No. 1, 481 par-5 — Play to the left off the tee because everything kicks right. A lot of the players will reach the green in two shots, but they must play left again because the green rolls right.
No. 2, 413 par-4 — Hit to the right center because everything kicks left. The key is knowing that the green slopes away to the back and is fast going in. Better to play short and bump it in than to fly it in and roll off the back.
No. 3, 134 par-3 — Just knock it right at the pin.
No. 4, 360 par-4 — Keep it left of center off the tee. Shots to the right are blocked by trees, and there's a bunker to go over. It's an uphill shot, all carry.
No. 5, 175 par-3 — It's playing shorter with the tee moved up, which makes it easier, but the green is tricky and slick. Get the ball above the pin and it will roll off.
No. 6, 393 par-4 — Most will hit their drives over the hill, but shorter hitters will hit into the hill. Not that tough, but whatever you do, don't go right or you're in jail.
No. 7, 401 par 4 — Straight away, downhill into the green. The green breaks severely left and it can scoot on you.
No. 8, 327 par-4 — Long hitters can come close to driving the green. But for most, it will be a wedge in. There's no danger; just stick the approach in the middle of the green. There'll be some birdies here.
No. 9, 376 par 4 — Pretty easy par-4. But you'd better stay out of the rough, girls.
No. 10, 451-par 5 — They won't be able to carry the fairway bunkers as easily as in 1996, but most will be on in two shots. You'd better birdie this one.
No. 11, 367 par 4 — One of my favorites. You'd better stay left, and you must get the drive over the hill. Well-bunkered on both sides. The Donald Ross green will slip it into the bunkers.
No. 12, 351- par-4 — Gotta stay right here as everything goes left and will be in the rough. The green is slick, and this one will be a putting deal.
No. 13, 200 par-3 — Shouldn't have much trouble even from the new tee. Just a little longer.
No. 14, 401 par-4 — Normally a par-5. A pretty hole and a couple of trees have been taken out, making it play easier. Stay left of the fairway bunkers if you can't carry them. A lot of players will have only a 7-iron to the green, but they still have to be straight. Some sneaky Donald Ross breaks on the green.
No. 15, 409 par-4 — These last four-five holes are where the tournament is going to be won or lost. There'll be a lot of action around that area. Stay right of center, because the tee balls kick left. Hit the fairway and you should hit the green. But it's a tricky one.
No. 16, 177 par-3 — Again, it's the green. Not much trouble if you can putt. Short left or right and you're in a bunker.
No. 17, 429 par-4 — Must go down the left side or be in the right rough. Either draw the tee shot or hit something less than the driver.
No. 18, 411 par-4 — Not that tough, other than the green. If the USGA puts the pin on the back right … Good luck, girls. The collar has been shaved and a lot of approaches will be down in those little valleys.
So there you have it: The way to win a championship by the lady, herself. Both Annika Sorenstam and Karrie Webb spent a lot of time talking to Peggy Kirk Bell in recent practice rounds. Watch how they do this week.
