Many people on this site are mistaken in assuming that Coore and Crenshaw are American icons. Their work, which fascinates me, is construed by business people as appealing to a small, esoteric niche. Perhaps that's changing, but not (yet) in the eyes of those worried about larger national marketing.
The folks who make decisions at Pinehurst are appealing, or trying to appeal, to a broad range of taste. I don't happen to agree with them. I think the better way to go - as with cable TV - is narrow-casting, not broad-casting, and I urged them to adopt a more unusual approach and go out on a limb with names who do not have work in the Pinehurst area. But they have opted differently.
Rees Jones' course, no. 9, is all cleared and ready to start construction once the green light is given. The Nicklaus Course is routed but work hasn't begun at all. The site for these is a 500 acre parcel about 3 miles south of the Pinehurst Resort, adjacent to The Pit. The decision to hold off work was made prior to Sept. 11, and I suspect the Pinehurst Company is waiting for a better business cycle before resuming. The land is spectacular, esp. for no. 9., and offers ideal elevation changes and natural rolls.