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Welcome
Career by Carrie Frye Photography by Katherine Clark
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he warmest welcome in golf—established in 1986 and still going strong—comes in the jubilant hello and bright smiles of the two revered front door attendants, Larry Goins and Frolin Hatcher, at the historic Pinehurst No. 2. Like the lush greens, Rolex clock and golf statues, Goins and Hatcher are known landmarks. If you have walked the path to the clubhouse, arrived on the bus from the Carolina Hotel or driven up for valet service to play a round or have a meal, you have most likely been on the receiving end of a cheerful, “Hey, how are you?” delivered by both Goins and Hatcher. This pair works in tandem, hoisting golf bags, greeting guests, parking cars and golf carts and pointing those overcome with excitement to be at the renowned course in the right direction. Hatcher has spent more than 50 years in some form of hospitality at Pinehurst Resort, but 49 of those have been at his current post at No. 2. “It doesn’t feel like 50 years, and I don’t feel like I’m 75 years old either,” says Hatcher, laughing. “Once you get into it, the time just goes by. I think this is the ideal job for me. I love people, and keeping them smiling, that’s our deal.” Six days a week from 6 o’clock in the morning until 1 o’clock in the afternoon, making people smile is their dual objective, although it is yearround for Goins, while Hatcher prefers to take the winter season off. “Spring is here if I am here,” Hatcher says, smiling. “I am not coming back until the weather is warm.” “I usually take two weeks off in January and February, but this may be the last winter I work, maybe,” Goins adds, “but spring has sprung if Frolin is back.” In the early 1960s, Hatcher was in his 20s and just beginning his hospitality career at the resort when an encounter with a fellow employee changed his course. CONTINUED PAGE 44
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OutreachNC.com | APRIL 2017