News Summary
Rolling Pines LLC has expanded its golf portfolio by acquiring two North Carolina country clubs: the Country Club of Whispering Pines and Foxfire Country Club. This acquisition adds four additional 18-hole courses, enhancing their presence in the Sandhills region. The managing partner emphasizes improvements and modernization of the courses while maintaining their historical significance. This move aims to contribute to the thriving golfing community, with an increase in the total managed golf properties to 126 holes in the area.
Rolling Pines LLC Expands Golf Portfolio in North Carolina
Southern Pines, NC – Rolling Pines LLC, a management company under the Mid Pines Development Group, has significantly expanded its golf portfolio with the acquisition of two North Carolina country clubs, the Country Club of Whispering Pines and Foxfire Country Club. This move adds four additional 18-hole courses to their operations, reinforcing their presence in the Sandhills region.
Prior to this acquisition, Rolling Pines already owned three well-respected public golf properties in the area: Pine Needles, Mid Pines, and Southern Pines. The new acquisitions, which include the Country Club of Whispering Pines and Foxfire Country Club, are designed by noted architects Ellis Maples and Gene Hamm, respectively. The financial terms of the acquisitions have not been disclosed.
Kelly Miller, managing partner of the ownership group, has a long-standing relationship with Pine Needles, having been involved with the property since the 1980s. Miller expressed enthusiasm about the potential for improvements at all four new courses, pointing to North Carolina’s ongoing growth as an opportunity to enhance the golf offerings in the area. The Country Club of Whispering Pines opened its doors in 1959, while Foxfire Country Club was established in 1968.
Both clubs were purchased from GreatLife Golf Management, and Rolling Pines intends to enlist renowned golf architect Kyle Franz for master plans and renovations. Franz has a proven track record, having previously restored Mid Pines and Pine Needles to their original Donald Ross character. However, the focus for the restoration of Whispering Pines and Foxfire will primarily be on improving the design and overall conditions of the courses, rather than strictly adhering to historical specifications.
Haresh Tharani, another partner in the ownership group, noted the appeal of North Carolina’s climate, its low tax environment, and the prestige associated with the Sandhills as prime factors in selecting this region for further investment. The Rolling Pines group aims to commit to the local community while maintaining the historical significance of the clubs and delivering quality golf experiences to the public.
As part of the new operational framework, Pine Needles, Southern Pines, and Mid Pines will extend guest access to the newly acquired Whispering Pines and Foxfire, although Foxfire will continue to operate separately from the existing membership structure. This acquisition increases Rolling Pines’ managed golf properties to a total of 126 holes, illustrating their commitment to long-term stewardship and enhancement of the golf experience in North Carolina.
The Sandhills region of North Carolina is renowned for its golfing opportunities, attracting enthusiasts from across the country. With this expansion, Rolling Pines is well-positioned to contribute to and benefit from this thriving golfing community, while ensuring both clubs’ legacy and modern improvements resonate with golf lovers in the region.
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