The Pines Nears Completion of Major Renovation

The Pines in Elizabeth City, N.C., 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 golf course architect Tom Clark of Ault, Clark and Associates. The Pines’ renovation includes a complete makeover of all 18 holes. All greens have been rebuilt to USGA specifications and will boast A1/A4 bent grass, while the tees and fairways will feature a new hybrid of Bermuda grass, which is more heat-resistant.

All sand bunkers are new and have been lined to protect against erosion and discoloration. The practice facilities have also been completely renovated and will feature new target greens, fairways, chipping areas and a putting green. Other enhancements to the course include significant drainage improvements, an automated irrigation system, five additional ponds and a complete network of concrete paths and curbs. The Pines will be a par-72 track with four sets of tees that can play from 5,150 yards to 6,850 yards from the tips.

"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 Clark.

In addition to the golf course renovation, the clubhouse has received a complete renovation of the pro shop by Heritage Creations of Bend, Ore. The plans also call for a new contemporary pool to be rebuilt by summer 2006.

Bill M. Taylor is the new owner of The Pines after buying the club from its members last fall. Taylor, an entrepreneur in Hampton Roads, Va., who operates 13 McDonald's Restaurants and Blockbuster Video of Elizabeth City. Taylor has had ties to Elizabeth City dating back to the early 1970s. 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," said Taylor.

"We are very pleased with the course Tom Clark has designed,” Taylor continued. “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. 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, including 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, S.C., executed the course renovation along with project manager Steve Geller of Professional Properties Management. The Pines’ superintendent, Dean Farlow, was helped by assistant superintendent, Mike Kune.

The Pines is a semiprivate golf club offering golf and social memberships as well as daily fee and outing play. For more information about the course, call Becky Wright at 252/335-7245.