Elizabeth City, NC -September 21, 2005 – The Pines in Elizabeth City, formerly Pine Lakes Country Club, is nearing the completion of an extensive renovation. Currently in the grow-in phase, the course is anticipated to open in late December.
The renovated course was designed by award-winning golf course architect Tom Clark of Ault, Clark and Associates. Having worked throughout the world on over 350 courses, his more acclaimed courses in the area include The Woods Course at Kingsmill Resort, Cypress Landing in New Bern, The Dominion Club in Richmond and the recent renovations of Bide-A-Wee in Portsmouth, Sleepy Hole in Suffolk, and Cedar Point in Suffolk.
The Pines renovation includes a complete makeover of all 18 holes. All greens have been rebuilt to USGA specifications and boast A1/A4 bent grass, while the tees and fairways feature a new hybrid of Bermuda grass, which is more heat resistant. All sand bunkers are new and have been lined to protect from erosion and discoloration. The practice facilities have also been completely renovated and feature target greens, fairways, chipping areas and a putting green. Other enhancements to the course include significant drainage improvements, automated irrigations systems, five additional ponds and a complete network of concrete paths and curbs.
"The Pines will have the feel of Pinehurst with elevated greens and challenging chipping areas surrounded by towering pine trees. This course will quickly become the gem of northeastern North Carolina," said Tom Clark.
In addition to the golf course renovation, the clubhouse has received many improvements including a complete renovation of the pro shop by Heritage Creations of Bend, Oregon. Plans call for a new contemporary pool to be re-built by the Summer of 2006.
The Pines will be a par 72 championship layout with four sets of tees and can play from 5150 yards to 6850 yards from the championship tees.
Bill M. Taylor is the new owner of The Pines having bought the club from its Members in the Fall of 2004. Taylor, an entrepreneur in Hampton Roads who operates 13 McDonald’s Restaurants and Blockbuster Video of Elizabeth City, has had ties to Elizabeth City dating back to the early 1970’s. He opened his first restaurant in Elizabeth City almost 35 years ago and has been a member at the Club for 25 years.
"It is so exciting to see The Pines reach its true potential. I have loved this Club and this area for so long and I am delighted to be part of such a tremendous improvement for the Club and Elizabeth City," noted Taylor.
"We are very pleased with the course Tom Clark has designed. The elevated bent grass greens, larger chipping areas, wider fairways combined with the improved high tech irrigation and drainage and other changes will make The Pines an outstanding golf experience for the low handicappers and those new to the game," commented Taylor. He added, "The grow-in is looking great and the beautiful weather is really helping to complete the final phase of renovation. I am confident that the area golfers will enjoy this course for many years to come."
The course originally opened in the mid-1940’s and was designed by Fred Findlay, one of the more esteemed golf course architects of his time. Findlay designed many notable Virginia courses to include Farmington Country Club and Keswick Hall in Charlottesville, The James River Course at The Country Club of Virginia in Richmond, Bide-A-Wee in Portsmouth and Boonsboro Country Club in Lynchburg.
Malphrus Construction Company of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina executed the course renovation along with project manager Steve Geller of Professional Properties Management. The Pines golf course superintendent, Dean Farlow has a great support team with Mike Kune, Assistant Superintendent.
The Pines is a semi-private golf club offering golf and social memberships as well as daily fee and outing play.
For more information, contact Becky Wright at 252.335.7245.
Contact:
Becky Wright
The Pines
252.335.7245
thepinesatec@earthlink.net
Jeff Fleishman
Golf Business Advisors
757.229.0845
jeff@golfbusinessadvisors.com