Pinehurst is surely on the map now. Six years ago, the residents opened their arms, hearts, and even their homes to visitors for this exciting week. Memories of Payne Stewart and his victorious venture still reign in our hearts. He was “special.”

Well, here we are again.

Flowers in grand array and shrubs and lawns manicured say “Welcome” once again. Spanking new signs on main roads direct the invited to parking areas and where to board shuttle buses. State troopers, in full dress, handsomely perform their appointed duties with their usual courtesy.

Hotels and their associates are starched and polished, warmly greeting happy travelers.

I was in Food Lion in Pinehurst Plaza last week, and they have installed a TV, high up, for shoppers to view “The Game in Play.”

Visitors surely must see our glow. Many come from our own home states, just as we once did, and then we returned and settled here.

Our local airport, Pinehurst/Southern Pines, is operating for the Open, and we are happy about that. We are hoping it will soon operate as it once did. We traveled much more then. Our hopes are high, and what a hole-in-one that victory would be.

So, dear friends, y’all come back.

Betty Stemmer