News Summary
Rolling Pines LLC has announced the acquisition of four new 18-hole golf courses in North Carolina’s Sandhills region, enhancing their commitments to community and golf accessibility. This strategic expansion includes the Country Club of Whispering Pines and Foxfire Country Club, highlighting their aim to improve golfing experiences while preserving historical significance. Under the leadership of Kelly Miller, plans for renovations focus on modernizing the courses while respecting their heritage. The growth reflects North Carolina’s rising popularity as a premier golf destination.
Rolling Pines LLC Expands Golf Portfolio in North Carolina with New Acquisitions
Southern Pines, North Carolina — Rolling Pines LLC, a management company operating under the Mid Pines Development Group, has announced the acquisition of four additional 18-hole golf courses in the Sandhills region of North Carolina. This move significantly enlarges the company’s golf property holdings within the area, emphasizing its commitment to long-term stewardship and community engagement in the region.
Overview of Newly Acquired Courses
The acquisitions include the Country Club of Whispering Pines, which features two courses designed by renowned golf architect Ellis Maples, and Foxfire Country Club, containing two courses designed by Gene Hamm. Although specific financial details of these transactions have not been disclosed, the purchase marks a strategic expansion for Rolling Pines in North Carolina’s prestigious golf market.
Existing Portfolio and Strategic Growth
Prior to these acquisitions, Rolling Pines LLC already managed Pine Needles, Mid Pines, and Southern Pines, three well-regarded public golf properties. These courses are part of a broader effort to boost accessibility and enhance the golfing experience in the Sandhills region. The new properties will allow the company to deepen its presence and offer more comprehensive services to golfers in North Carolina.
Leadership and Renovation Plans
Kelly Miller, the managing partner of the ownership group, has longstanding ties to the region and has been involved with Pine Needles since the 1980s. Miller played an instrumental role in previous acquisitions and developments. He highlighted the potential for considerable improvements across all four courses and pointed to North Carolina’s growth and popularity as opportunities for upgrading the facilities.
The courses, Whispering Pines and Foxfire, opened in 1959 and 1968 respectively, were purchased from GreatLife Golf Management. Rolling Pines plans to partner with Kyle Franz, an accomplished golf architect known for restoring historic courses such as Mid Pines and Pine Needles to their original Donald Ross design character. The upcoming renovations will primarily focus on enhancing the courses’ design and conditions without necessarily restoring them to historic specifications, aiming to modernize while respecting their heritage.
Focus on Community and Growth
Haresh Tharani, a partner in the ownership group, underscored North Carolina’s appeal as a golf destination due to its favorable climate, low taxes, and the prestige associated with the Sandhills area. The acquisition reflects a concerted effort to serve both local communities and visiting golfers, further strengthening the region’s reputation for high-quality golf courses.
Rolling Pines plans to keep the newly acquired courses accessible to the public through Pine Needles, Southern Pines, and Mid Pines properties, though Whispering Pines and Foxfire will operate as separate entities from their existing membership arrangements. The company’s strategy aims to maintain the historical significance of these clubs while providing upgraded, high-quality golfing experiences.
Implications and Future Outlook
The addition of these four courses increases Rolling Pines’ total managed golf properties to 126 holes, demonstrating its robust growth trajectory in North Carolina. The company’s focus remains on preserving the legacy of the golf courses and delivering exemplary service, with renovations and operational improvements expected to continue in the coming months.
This expansion underscores the company’s commitment to the Sandhills region, known for its rich golf heritage, and aligns with its broader goal of serving a growing community of golf enthusiasts while fostering sustainable management practices.
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Additional Resources
- PGA: 2025 PGA High School Golf National Invitational Returns to Pinehurst
- Wikipedia: Pinehurst Resort
- Grand Forks Herald: Red River Girls Golf Follows Up Title-Winning Season
- Google Search: Pinehurst Golf Courses
- Telegraph Herald: Local Sports News
- Google Scholar: Pinehurst Golf
- Palm Beach Post: Charlie Woods Scores at Pinehurst
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pinehurst
- Golf.com: Pinehurst No. 4 Closure and Greens Restoration
- Google News: Pinehurst Golf News
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