About Us

Situated on a former dairy farm, Carolina Golf Club was the vision of Mrs. H. J. Dunavant.  Shortly after the passing of her husband in 1929, Mrs. Dunavant was inspired to transform the rolling terrain of the family farm into a championship golf course.  She hired famed Golden Age golf course architect, Donald J. Ross to design what became the first 18-hole public course in the greater Charlotte metro area.

In 1958, Carolina Golf Club became a private club when a group of regular patrons acquired the ownership rights and began management of the club.  The group replaced the original log cabin clubhouse located near what is now the 14th green with a mid-century modern design on the hilltop overlooking today's 18th green.  After operating for nearly 50 years as a private facility, that minimal design changes or alterations to the course, the club acquired 43 acres of adjoining property in 2004 and embarked on an ambitious four-phase renovation and restoration master plan.

The club hired architect Kris Spence, noted for successful Donald Ross restoration throughout North Carolina to lead the project and Bradley Klein, noted author and Ross historian to evaluate Spence's plan for Ross authenticity.  From 2005-2007, the club constructed two holes on the newly acquired land, renovated two holes to form the large practice range and short game area enjoyed today, and constructed an earthen dam to create the large lake that serves as the course's irrigation reservoir.

In 2008, Carolina Golf Club was closed for eleven months while the fourth and final phase of Spence's master plan was implemented.  Over 1000 trees were removed to make way for rebuilt greens, tees, and bunkers.  New fairway grasses were planted, and a new irrigation system and pump station installed helping to transform Carolina Golf Club from its original 6,228 yard par 70 layout to the formidable test of golf enjoyed by its members today.

Since reopening, the course has hosted five PGA Tour qualifying tournament for the Wells Fargo Championship, several City Amateur Championships, the 2011 Carolinas Golf Association Mid-Amateur Championship and the 2014 North Carolina Amateur Championship.  The club also plays host to the Carolina Invitational, an annual four-ball event held the first weekend each November that attracts a field of fine amateurs from throughout the southeast.  Past participants include former state amateur and state open winners, U.S. Amateur and U.S. Mid-Amateur participants as well as former Masters participants.

Over the years, Carolina Golf Club has been home to many outstanding competitive amateur golfers who have won a variety of events in the Carolinas and the Southeast.  In 1973, Carolina member, David Strawn, finished as runner-up in the USGA Amateur Championship at the Inverness Club in Cleveland, Ohio, losing in the finals to Craig Stadler.  In 1988, David Eger, who had grown up at CGC and today is still an honorary member, won the USGA Mid-Amateur Championship at Prairie Dunes Country Club in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Carolina Golf Club is located near the heart of Charlotte's financial district and boasts a vibrant, golf loving membership.  In recent years, the club has embarked on a series of clubhouse improvements including a new covered patio and fire pit overlooking the uptown skyline, updates to the dining room and bar, and a recent renovation to the men's and women's locker rooms.  Carolina Golf Club is a true golfer's golf club and a hidden gem to non-members.