Bobby Jones Links has signed a consulting partnership with Woodlake Country Club, a privately-owned country club in Vass, N.C. Woodlake represents the company’s sixth club in North Carolina and the fifth addition to its portfolio in 2023.
Located 25 minutes east of the famed Pinehurst Resort, Woodlake Country Club was once a thriving private club and boating community developed in 1968. Originally envisioned as a boating and golf destination on par with historic resorts in the area, Woodlake featured two 18-hole golf courses – one designed by Arnold Palmer and the other by revered local architect Ellis Maples – plus the 1,200-acre Lake Surf and the historic Oates House. Moved to Woodlake from Fayetteville, the Oates House was once the residence of John A. Oates, a judge, historian and civic leader. Enduring financial hardship through the 1980s, the community’s eventual demise was the potential breach of the lake’s dam during Hurricane Matthew in 2016. As a precaution, the state drained Lake Surf, eliminating the irrigation supply for the golf courses, which led to Woodlake’s closure.
In 2021, local investor Atlantic National Capital secured the community, including the golf courses, lake and undeveloped real estate through foreclosure proceedings. Atlantic National Capital immediately launched an ambitious plan to restore Woodlake and hired Kris Spence to restore the Maples Course.
“We are thrilled to be a member of the team that will breathe new life into Woodlake,” said Doug Hellman, President of Business Development. “This project provides a rare opportunity to leverage our deep expertise and resources to launch and restore Woodlake Country Club as a premier lifestyle club and community in one of the most recognized golf resort markets in the country.”
Slated to open in phases in Fall 2023, the revitalized Woodlake Country Club will offer members access to th Spence remodeled 18-hole, par 72 golf course, practice range, pool, clubhouse and multi-purpose complex with indoor pickleball courts and golf simulators. In addition to memberships, the club will offer limited access to non-members and outside events as a measure of community goodwill and to showcase all that Woodlake has to offer.
“We grew up at Woodlake and assembled a great team to help achieve our vision of making the club and community one of the most sought-after lifestyle recreation communities in the area,” said Cara Spencer, Atlantic National Capital representative. “We needed a partner with expertise and resources to take our project from today to opening day and one that would also tailor their services to our needs. Bobby Jones Links is a perfect fit to achieve our goals for Woodlake.”
Photo Courtesy of Bobby Jones Links
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