"I have always loved Pinehurst," said Padgett. "As a golfer, and as an executive, it is a dream position. I'll undertake this new role with both pride and great care."

Padgett, 55, will leave his position as general manager of Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio to move to Pinehurst. A PGA Professional, he has more than 30 years experience in the golf and country club industry. Firestone is the fourth largest property of ClubCorp, and the site of many national tournaments, including three PGA Championships. The club will celebrate 50 years of championship golf with the running of the NEC Invitational later this year.

"Pinehurst has always considered the Padgett family part of our family," said Beth Kocher, executive vice president of Pinehurst. "We are thrilled to start a new legacy with Don, who I've known for more than 20 years, and who possesses the leadership and motivational skills to propel and promote the resort."

Padgett will report directly to Rich Beckert, ClubCorp's executive vice president-resorts. Beckert said he conducted an extensive national search of executives in the golf and resort industries to fill the position at Pinehurst.

"Don represents the top choice from hundreds of quality candidates," Beckert said. "His experience in the areas of golf, membership and service is unmatched. And his credibility in the game of golf makes him the ideal person for this assignment."

Beckert noted that, with eight golf courses including the venue for the 2005 U.S. Open Championship Pinehurst is a unique resort property.

"Don possesses the skills to elevate the resort to an even greater level of prominence in the industry," Beckert added.

Padgett's resume includes an extensive list of management and golf accomplishments. They include induction into the Ohio and Indiana Golf Halls of Fame, and the Bill Strausbaugh Award from the PGA in 1993, given for excellence in club relations. A 27-year member of the PGA of America, he graduated from Indiana University with a B.A. in marketing.

Padgett played on the PGA TOUR from 1972-1974. His competitive accomplishments include the Indiana State Open Champion in 1972 and 1975, Club Pro Champion runner-up in 1981, Ohio Open Champion in 1988, and Northern Ohio PGA Section Champion in 1981, 1984, 1987 and 1994. He was a member of the PGA Cup Team in 1976, 1981, 1982 and 1984.

Padgett will relocate to Pinehurst with wife Gabrielle. He has two grown children, Jennifer and Don Padgett III. He is the son of Pinehurst's past vice president/director of Golf and former PGA president, Donald Padgett, who passed away May, 2003.

For more information, call Pinehurst's communications department at 910.235.8710.

Pinehurst boasts eight championship golf courses, including the world-renowned Pinehurst No. 2, site of the 2005 U.S. Open Championship. Built in 1895, Pinehurst resort is located in the heart of North Carolina, about 70 miles southwest of Raleigh. The resort is member of ClubResorts, a wholly owned and operated division of ClubCorp, based in Dallas, Texas. ClubCorp, founded in 1957, owns more than 200 clubs and resorts worldwide and has approximately $1.5 billion in assets.