That scenario occurred often during 2003, as the North Carolina resort walked away with more than 40 top industry awards for excellence in a variety of fields.

The resort won more than 20 honors from magazines, trade associations and travel organizations for outstanding service and facilities, followed by the golf courses — led by Donald Ross’ No. 2 masterpiece — with more than a dozen accolades.

Not to be outdone, selectors singled out Pinehurst meeting facilities for three awards, tennis for two and the majestic new spa for one.

Pinehurst president and CEO Patrick Corso was singled out for distinction and recognition on four occasions for his Leadership.

“We are very proud of the many honors that came our way, and it tells us that we are doing a lot of things right and that our guests like what we have to offer,”said Pinehurst Communications Manager Janeen Driscoll.

A sampling of the recognition during the year was Four Stars by Mobil Travel guide; Four Diamonds for resort and restaurant by AAA; second best resort in the United States by American Airlines in-flight magazine; one of America’s top resorts by Golf, Golf Digest; Golfweek, Travel and Leisure Golf, Golf for Women, the Golfer, Tennis, the Robb Report and Insurance Journal magazines.

In addition to resort, food, service, golf, tennis and spa, Pinehurst was honored by three national meetings and convention publications with key awards for excellence of facilities and service.

“Can we keep this up?” Corso mused. “Most definitely. We have wonderful facilities and a great team in place to run the show. I think the best is yet to come.”