The Country Club of North Carolina (CCNC) has begun a major $2 million renovation of its driving range and practice complex, a project designed to meet growing member demand for high-quality practice and instruction amenities.
Located in Pinehurst, N.C., the club has selected noted golf course architect Kris Spence of Greensboro to oversee the transformation. Spence, widely recognized for his golf course restoration work, previously led the acclaimed 2016 renovation of CCNC’s Dogwood Course, which later served as the host venue for the 2021 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship.
The practice facility upgrade was identified as a key initiative in the club’s recent strategic planning process, according to club leadership.
Construction began June 8 and is expected to take between eight and 10 weeks to complete. During that time, the driving range and practice areas will be closed, with members granted access to practice facilities at Knollwood Fairways in nearby Southern Pines.
“CCNC is fortunate to have a strong community of golfers who are committed to improving their game through quality instruction and practice,” said Jim Sutton, the club’s COO and general manager. “Like many private clubs, we have seen a significant increase in both usage and time spent at our practice facilities, and we expect that trend to continue in the years ahead. This capital investment will greatly enhance the practice experience for our members and provide lasting benefits for the club.”
The project will significantly expand and modernize the practice area. Plans include a reconfigured driving range with a 125,000-square-foot teeing ground—roughly 30% larger than the current facility—along with additional target greens, an expanded short-game practice area, improved turf conditions and a taller safety net.
Additional work will focus on regrading portions of the range, improving tee alignment and reshaping target greens to create a more effective and realistic practice environment.
“The main focus is on the safety and functionality aspects of the range,” Spence said. “We are trying to address infrastructure items on it, including agronomy, while also responding to concerns the club identified. We’re not looking to create a specific design theme, except within the short-game area.”
To better replicate on-course conditions, the renovated facility will feature both zoysia and Bermuda grass, matching the turf varieties found on CCNC’s Dogwood and Cardinal courses.
Founded in 1963, CCNC spans approximately 2,000 acres in the Sandhills region and has established itself as one of North Carolina’s premier private clubs. The club has hosted three USGA championships, including the 1980 U.S. Amateur and the 2021 U.S. Junior Amateur. Looking ahead, CCNC is scheduled to welcome the 2030 U.S. Senior Amateur Championship and the 2037 U.S. Women’s Amateur Championship.
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