PINEHURST, N.C. — The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) golf team kicked off preparations for the 2025 spring season with a practice weekend at the renowned Pinehurst Golf Club in North Carolina on March 15-16. With a strong performance last year behind them, the Hawks are leveraging this rare opportunity at one of golf’s most storied venues to refine their game ahead of upcoming matches.
Pinehurst, a historic golf mecca, boasts nine 18-hole courses, including the famed No. 2, which has hosted three U.S. Opens and is slated for another in 2024, according to the USGA. Its challenging layouts and pristine conditions make it an ideal proving ground. For CSM’s players, the weekend offered a chance to train on world-class fairways, sharpening skills in course management, short game precision, and driving accuracy.
Over two days, the team rotated through multiple courses, blending individual rounds with team drills. The sessions emphasized practical experience, with players navigating Pinehurst’s rolling terrain and fast greens in competitive yet collegial challenges. The setting tested their adaptability and focus, qualities essential for the season ahead in NJCAA Region 20 play.
Coming off a solid 2024, where CSM placed third in the regionals, per the team’s athletics records, the Hawks aim to elevate their standing. The Pinehurst trip, secured through coaching connections and college support, underscores their commitment. With the season opener weeks away, likely in early April based on past schedules, the team views this weekend as a springboard for success.
Players expressed enthusiasm for the experience. The chance to practice at a venue synonymous with golf excellence—home to the 1999 and 2005 U.S. Opens—added motivation. As they departed Pinehurst on March 16, the team carried sharpened skills and heightened confidence back to La Plata, ready to tackle a competitive slate.
CSM’s golf program, though small, has steadily built momentum. The Pinehurst outing aligns with broader trends in junior college sports, where access to elite facilities can boost performance, as noted by the NJCAA. For the Hawks, it’s a foundation for a season they hope will mark their rise in the region.
