Case Study: Art Fore Golf
The Situation
In 2014, Pinehurst hosted unprecedented back-to-back U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open Championships. An estimated 40,000+ spectators attended the Championships daily to watch the world’s greatest men and women golfers compete for the Championship titles. As the Village of Pinehurst and surrounding communities began to ramp up for these events, there were opportunities to maximize the pre-event exposure for the area and to celebrate the fact that the U.S. Open Championships were hosted in Pinehurst.
The Opportunity
The goal was to create a promotion that created a buzz in the Village of Pinehurst in advance of the U.S. Open Championships, drives new business to area businesses and local merchants, and raises charitable funds for local, regional, and national beneficiaries.
The Solution
Created “Art Fore Golf,” which was an extraordinary indoor/outdoor art exhibit in the Village of Pinehurst. Individually painted and decorated golf balls were sponsored and displayed to delighted local residents, business owners, and U.S. Open Championship spectators alike. World-renowned artist Bob Timberlake was the honorary chairman for Art Fore Golf and painted the first ball, which was exhibited in Pinehurst beginning in late 2013. Net proceeds from the sponsorship and auction of each golf ball benefitted local and national charities.