Anyone familiar with the history of the storied resort over the past quarter-century, which saw it rise from the dismal Diamondhead ownership to the glory days of two triumphant U.S. Opens under ClubCorp, knows the central role that the driven and dedicated Kocher played in that remarkable renaissance.
Considered by some to be a classic case of an iron hand in a velvet glove, Kocher could be as tough as she was charming when the occasion demanded. Though her former boss, Pat Corso, may have provided much of the vision, it was the engaging and energetic Kocher who, as No. 2, knew how to turn the vision into reality and preside over the maintenance of the resort's sometimes impossibly high standards of excellence.
Time passes and things change. Corso left the resort two years ago, replaced as president by Don Padgett II. ClubCorp has put itself up for sale, though Pinehurst won't be part of the deal. And now Kocher has announced that she is retiring.
She will be missed, and we wish her well. Pinehurst and all of Moore County owe her a debt for all that she has done to help make Pinehurst the jewel it is today.
