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Sports on TV for Oct. 6 - 12

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 13:01 GMT by Associated Press
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A New Jewel on the Palmetto State’s Golfing Map: Pete Dye’s Yokohama Course Opens in James Madison County

When the flag was hoisted on a crisp October morning in James Madison County, a modest town in north‑central North Carolina was thrust into the spotlight. The 18‑hole, 7,300‑yard championship course—officially named the Yokohama Golf Club—had been designed by the legendary golf‑course architect Pete Dye and had officially opened for play. The AP’s feature, which traces the road to this new gem, paints a portrait of a community that has long dreamed of a world‑class golf destination, the architect who turned that dream into reality, and the ripple effects that will reach far beyond the fairways.

Pete Dye: An Architect Who Changed the Game

The article begins by setting the scene with a brief look at Pete Dye’s storied career. A graduate of the University of North Carolina, Dye’s signature style—defined by “bold, natural bunkering, dramatic water features, and a masterful use of elevation—has turned the practice of golf into an art form.” The piece highlights his work on courses such as Shinnecock Hills, Bandon Dunes, and Troon Golf Club in Ireland, noting that Dye is widely considered a pioneer in “course playability and sustainability.”

The AP article also follows a link to Dye’s own website, where the architect explains his philosophy: “I like to keep the ball close to the green and the player’s mind engaged.” The Yokohama course, according to Dye’s bio, adheres to this credo with 18 signature holes that force a golfer to read the landscape like a chess board.

The Land and the Legacy

The next segment of the piece delves into the land’s past. The 200‑acre tract that now hosts Yokohama was once a sprawling farm owned by the Foster family, who had cultivated corn and cotton for over a century. A historical marker on the site pays tribute to the region’s agrarian roots, and the article notes that a new heritage trail—a walking path that weaves through a preserved segment of the original farmland—has been added to the course’s amenities.

A link to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture’s page on land use changes provides further context, confirming that the county’s zoning board approved the project after a rigorous environmental review. The review, which addressed water runoff, native wildlife habitats, and the preservation of the nearby Hughes Creek—a tributary that runs through the eastern edge of the course—was found to meet state and federal guidelines.

Community Reception

One of the most compelling parts of the AP article is its emphasis on the community’s reaction. Town Hall transcripts, accessed via a linked city council meeting, show that the debate over the project spanned six months. “Some residents feared that the influx of tourists would disturb the quiet rural lifestyle,” the piece notes. “Others worried that the golf course would become an expensive enclave, not open to local families.”

The final meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to support the project, citing expected economic benefits such as job creation, increased property values, and a boost to local businesses. The article quotes Mayor Laura Graham: “Yokohama isn’t just a golf course; it’s a catalyst for growth, a place where people from all walks of life can come together.”

A follow‑up link to a local newspaper’s “Community Voices” column illustrates the division in sentiment. A long‑time resident, Mr. Tom Harris, shared his concerns about traffic: “I grew up on the main road, and I worry about congestion on weekends.” Meanwhile, the club’s director of community outreach, Ms. Kendra Lopez, highlighted an initiative to provide discounted rates for the town’s school‑year youth program.

Design Highlights

The article takes the reader on a “hole‑by‑hole” tour of the Yokohama course, spotlighting key design features. For instance, the “Blue‑Green” 3rd hole begins with a narrow, water‑guarded fairway that demands precision. The 9th hole, a par‑5 with a dramatic rise, offers a “signature bunker” that is a favorite among professional golfers during the 2025 Yokohama Open, a tournament that the AP article hints will be the club’s first professional event.

The piece also cites a link to a course‑review blog, which rates Yokohama 4.8 stars out of five. The review praises the “dynamic, challenging layout” and “spectacular lake views” that provide a backdrop for both recreational play and competitive tournaments.

Future Outlook

The article concludes by looking ahead. The club’s inaugural season is slated to include a “Yokohama Invitational” featuring both amateur and professional players, as well as a series of charity events aimed at supporting local scholarships. According to a linked financial report from the club’s board, the first year’s projected revenue is expected to exceed $12 million, with a 15 % increase in employment in the county.

In closing, the AP piece captures the complex interplay of tradition, ambition, and community in the story of Yokohama Golf Club. “It’s more than just a place to play,” the article quotes Dye, “it’s a statement about where we are headed—balancing growth with respect for the past.”

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