Pine Needles/Mid Pines management company has taken over operation of Southern Pines Golf Club in North Carolina, and expects to acquire the historic course soon.
The Donald Ross-designed course opened in 1923 and had been owned by the Southern Pines Elks Club since 1951. The sale is expected after improvements and environmental reviews.
The new owner, Kelly Miller, already owns two other Ross courses — Pine Needles Lodge & Golf Club, and Mid Pines Inn & Golf Club.
“I’ve always thought it a wonderful golf course,” Miller told The Pilot, a local news source. “It’s one of the best routings in the area. It has great topography and a set of par-threes that are unmatched anywhere. The club has a lot of fascinating history and I think it’s perfect fit for us.”
Miller said he is developing an 18-month course improvement plan that could include design tweaks from architect Kyle Franz, who has supervised restorations at Mid Pines and Pine Needles; resurfacing the greens; and rebuilding the bunkers and cart paths.
“We want the course to remain a hub for the Southern Pines community—play golf, swim, come to the grill for breakfast or lunch,” Miller said. “It will also be a great facility for our members and guests. I don’t know of any club or resort in the country with 54 holes of original Donald Ross work. That’s pretty special.”