PLATINUM CLUB SUBMISSION
AN INTRODUCTION
TO CHARLOTTE COUNTRY CLUB
Founded in 1910, Charlotte Country Club is steeped in rich history and tradition. Golf was in its infancy in the United States and there was not a golf course within fifty miles of Charlotte. Three local men came together to establish what is now one of the premier clubs in the United States. This tradition can be seen in the Club’s brand, the Donald Ross course, the neoclassical architecture of the clubhouse, and the many generations of families who are members of the Club. To this day, the Club is member-owned.
Situated just four miles outside the bustling city center, Charlotte Country Club is close in proximity to the top neighborhoods of Charlotte while remaining a peaceful southern sanctuary. An oasis of nature in an urban setting. Its facilities and standards rank high in every category. The elegant clubhouse has been a perfect setting for wedding receptions, club dances, and family dinners at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. It has been a place for friendships to grow and sportsmanship to be practiced.
The tennis facilities have been nationally ranked, and the beautifully designed swimming pool complex serves the needs of all ages. The award-winning golf course has been host to USGA, amateur, and collegiate tournaments. Charlotte Country Club takes pride in being a sponsor for the greatest in golf through generations.
The following outlines how tradition, excellence, and southern hospitality shape one of the premier clubs in the country; a bastion of pride, respite from the bustle of city life, and home away from home to generations of Charlotte’s finest.
UNIVERSAL RECOGNITION
Charlotte Country Club is recognized in the industry for its commitment to traditions while providing exemplary service, exceptional amenities, and innovative programs.
NOTABLE MOMENTS IN HISTORY
• Davis Love Jr. was a golf professional at the Club in the early 1960’s
• CCC Debutante Ball was on the cover of the July 1951 issue of Life Magazine, with an accompanying feature article
• Gene Sarazen invented the famous “Sarazen Grip” while working at Charlotte Country Club
• USGA and the R&A met at CCC in 1972 to discuss and agree upon golf balls
OUR TRADITION TO HONOR AMATEUR GOLF
This year, the USGA proudly announced that Charlotte Country Club will be the host site to two future events: the 2028 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur and the 2033 U.S. Men’s Senior Open. The Senior Open will be the biggest tournament to date held at the Club.
THE TRADITION OF THE DEBUTANTE BALL
The tradition of the Debutante Ball has been around Charlotte Country Club since 1950. In the past 75 years, generations of young women have been presented to society in the historic ballroom. Fashion trends, hairstyles, and the type of music may have changed over the years, but the opulence and elegance of the event remains the same.
AWARDS
PLATINUM CLUB
• Consistently ranked in the top 30 clubs of America since 2009
• Was rated #1 in the United States in 2016 for the Member Experience
• Ranked #52 in the Platinum Clubs of the World in 2024
GOLF COURSE
• Currently ranked #6 in North Carolina by Top 100 Golf Courses
• Listed in Business North Carolina’s Top 100 Golf Courses from 2017-2025
• Named a Top 100 Golf Course by ncgolfpanel.com in 2025, ‘ 24, ‘23, ‘22, ‘21, ‘20, ‘17
• Golf Digest included Charlotte Country Club in their top 10 Best in State rankings for 2021-2025, and 2017
• Ranked as Charlotte’s Toughest Golf Course in 2019-2025 by the Charlotte Business Journal
• Voted Best Green Complex in 2020 by Business North Carolina
• Ranked in GolfWeek’s Best Classic Golf Courses in the United States in 2025, ’24, ‘19, ‘18, ‘17, ‘12, ‘11
• Named a Best Practice Facility by Business North Carolina in 2019
• Recognized by Rolex in 2012 as among the top 1,000 golf courses in the world
• Golf Digest named Charlotte Country Club as the best remodel of the year in 2009
TENNIS
• 2012 national Tennis Facility of the Year by the United States Tennis Association
CLUBHOUSE
• CMAA International Wine Society’s Award of Distinction 2012 - 2019
• Golf Inc. recognized the Clubhouse restoration with the 2010 Clubhouse of the Year Award
• Winner of the 2010 Eagle Award for Excellence in Architecture and Construction by the Association of Builders and Contractors
CHAMPIONSHIPS
Since 1910, Charlotte Country club has a proud and storied history of promoting the game of golf and supporting amateur golf for all players, at all skill levels.
USGA CHAMPIONSHIPS
1972 | USGA Men’s Amateur Championship
2000 | USGA Men’s Senior Amateur Championship
2010 | USGA Women’s Amateur Championship
2018 | USGA Men’s Mid-Amateur Championship
Looking Forward:
• 2028 | U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship
• 2033 | U.S. Senior Open
CAROLINA’S GOLF ASSOCIATION
The CGA was founded in 1909 and Charlotte Country Club was a founding member. Seven of our Club members have served as President of this distinguished association.
Since 1916, Charlotte Country Club has hosted
22 CGA Championships
8 Men’s Amateur Championships, most recently in 2022
4 Women’s Amateur Championships
2 Junior Championships
4 Senior Amateur Championships
3 CGA Finals
1 Pro-Amateur Club Championship
CITY AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS
1958 | Charlotte City Amateur
2008 | Charlotte City Amateur
2011 | Charlotte City Amateur
2012 | Charlotte City Amateur
2015 | Charlotte City Amateur
2021 | Charlotte City Amateur
ACC GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS
2024 | Men’s Golf Championship
RESPECTED MEMBERSHIP
What makes Charlotte Country Club special is the unique bonds that members have with not only one another, but with the staff who support them. Members safeguard the club culture through a stringent membership application process, ensuring that every new member aligns with the values and traditions that make the community so exceptional.
MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP CULTURE
The culture of the membership at Charlotte Country Club is truly unique. The membership knows one another well, providing a family-like environment at the club. Many members grew up together, attending the same high schools and colleges before returning to Charlotte. They are friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, church members, alumni, etc.
What makes Charlotte Country Club special is the unique bonds that members have with one another. New members typically already have established relationships with the membership, but the membership is always ready to welcome them not just to the club, but into their homes.
SAFEGUARDING THE MEMBERSHIP
The membership process is thoughtfully designed to preserve the club’s culture and uphold its longstanding traditions. This process is overseen by an independent Membership Committee composed entirely of club members. Prospective members are sponsored by an existing member, and fellow members are encouraged to share insights that reflect the applicant’s character, values, and respect for the club’s culture. Each applicant is interviewed and vetted to ensure the family is a good fit for the club’s standards of character and appreciation for staff.
MEMBERSHIP & STAFF
When asked, the CCC members say their favorite aspect of the club is the staff. The employees of Charlotte Country Club are like family to the membership. This can be seen on the CCC Instagram account; the highest-liked posts each year are always centered around cherished employees.
MACK FERGUSON GOLF FACILITY
One example of the special bond between members and staff is the naming of the newly opened cart barn. Members chose to name this new building the Mack Ferguson Golf Facility after a beloved member of the golf staff who recently celebrated his 70th work anniversary at the club. Mack Ferguson and his entire family were honored at the building’s unveiling ceremony, where members of all generations attended and shared their favorite Mack stories. Many members have known Mack their entire lives and consider him as much a part of the club’s history as the Donald Ross course.
MEMBERSHIP TENURE & LEGACY
Charlotte Country Club’s uniqueness lies in its deep-rooted legacy, with many families spanning multiple generations of membership and a notably low rate of attrition.
• The 10-year average of membership attrition is 3%, including both resignations and deaths
• Over 40% of members have been members of the Club for 25 years or longer
• Current average membership tenure is 22 years
• The longest tenured member has held her membership for 79 years
• In the past five years, 29% of new members have been legacies
• 36% of the current applicant list is comprised of legacies
EXCELLENCE IN AMENITIES & FACILITIES
From the minute members and their guests enter the gates, they are greeted by beautiful grounds, open vistas of the first tee, and a stunning view of the historical Clubhouse.
CLUBHOUSE
The historic 68,000-square-foot Clubhouse was built in the 1930s and boasts an elegant and iconic Georgian façade. The backdrop of postcards and even a Life Magazine cover, the Clubhouse is the crown jewel of the property and a breathtaking sight for members and guests.
The Clubhouse includes a grand ballroom, seven private banquet rooms, men’s and ladies’ locker rooms with saunas, an upscale member dining room, an adult bar, two large kitchens for banquets and a la carte dining, and office spaces
THE PORCH
In response to the members request for a relaxed dining venue, The Porch became the club’s first casual dining facility where members can enjoy a meal regardless of what they are wearing. This drop-in style venue offers a laid-back menu of upscale southern and family-favorite dishes.
The highlight of the space is the large porch, with fans and heaters to allow diners access to eating outdoors throughout the year. The outdoor porch offers sweeping views of the practice facility and Back-9 holes of the course.
THE FAMILY CENTER
The Family Center is a separate facility dedicated to youth activities and family gatherings. One side of the center includes a child watch area called the Treehouse with games, activities, a climbing wall, and more. The other side of the building is a Game Room, where families can spend time together playing pool, shuffleboard, etc.
THE POOL COMPLEX
Recently renovated, the pool complex consists of a zero-entry toddler pool, adult pool, diving well, and 25 yd competition pool.
Other amenities include a welcome cabana; junior’s, men’s, and ladies’ cabanas; a pool snack bar with a full kitchen; and an adult bar.
RACQUET SPORTS
With racquet sports growing in popularity, the facilities and amenities offered to members have expanded to meet the demand. Currently, the club has:
• A tennis shop with an outdoor deck that acts as a hub for after play activity
• 10 clay courts utilizing hydrogrid technology
• Four hard courts utilized for junior lessons, clinics, play
• Eight pickleball courts – an expansion from the existing four courts
• Two indoor squash courts
• Indoor Tennis Facility with three clay courts
INDOOR TENNIS
In 2025, Charlotte Country Club opened its doors to the brand-new Indoor Tennis Facility! This 28,324 sq foot space features three clay courts, locker rooms, and a reception area with soft seating. This facility is one of a kind, as there are very few indoor clay courts in the entire country! In order to maintain proper conditions for indoor clay, the building is equipped with a state-of-the-art cooling and dehumidification system to ensure the clay is moist without too much humidity within the facility.
GOLF FACILITIES
THE GOLF HOUSE
The Golf House is a world-class indoor instruction/golf facility where our dedicated teaching professionals can provide indoor lessons at all times of the year.
This facility contains a welcome lobby, two indoor/outdoor hitting bays, a teaching bay, a club fitting bay, a club repair room, and a putt lab. All bays are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, such as Trackman and SwingCatalyst. In 2024, the Club installed Sports Box, a 3D motion capture technology that allows instructors to virtually see what members’ bodies are doing when they swing a club. In addition to teaching, the Golf House serves as the premier club fitting destination using technology and an abundance of demo products.
GOLF COURSE & GOLF SHOP
The Golf Shop and Golf Snack Bar are conveniently located by the first and 10th tees. The 18-hole championship course was designed by Donald Ross in the early 1920s and consists of pristine bent grass greens and tee boxes.
The yardage is 7,335 yards with a 75.9 rating and 146 slope.
In keeping with tradition, members and their guests will not find signage of any kind on the course…only subtle tee markers on the ground to guide golfers. The absence of signage helps provide a truly historical golf experience.
EXPANDING OUR LEGACY: THE ROSS RESTORATION
The club is embarking on a complete restoration of the golf course that will honor Charlotte Country Club’s history while meeting the demands of future golfers.
Andrew Green will be the Golf Course Architect for this project and has expertise in restoring historical courses, including those designed by Donald Ross. An aerial photo from 1938 provides the clearest picture of the Club’s original course and serves as an inspiration for Andrew Green and the Restoration Committee.
In early April of 2025, the practice facility was completely shut down to not only renovate the existing infrastructure of the range, but to expand the short game practice area, which will also provide opportunities for a par 3 short course.
New updates to the practice facility include:
• creating shots and architectural similarities that are found on the course
• enhancing safety so more than three individuals may practice at the short game area at same time
• six new short game greens and eight new bunkers
• an expanse of low cut Bermuda grass approach areas that will support practicing nearly any shot found on the golf course
Two of the newly restored practice tees will open to the membership in the fall of 2025, with the rest of the facility opening in spring of 2026.
The course shut down completely for restoration construction in September of 2025.
PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
CONTINUOUSLY REIMAGINING OUR FACILITIES
The Club continuously reimagines club facilities and amenities to keep up with changing demands. This process is carefully cultivated via member input via surveys and standing committees, and is executed via a member-led Strategic Facilities Planning Committee.
In the past five years, the campus has grown to include new facilities that embrace the desire for a more family-focused culture at the club.
Projects Completed since 2020*:
• Golf House
• The Porch
• The Oak Bar
• Family Center
• Pool Complex Renovation
• Indoor Tennis Facility
• Pickleball Courts
• Mack Ferguson Golf Facility
*Shown in green
Looking Ahead:
• Golf Course & Practice Facility Renovations
• Parking Lot Enhancement
• Ladies’ Locker Room Renovation
2020 CAMPUS MAP
2025 CAMPUS MAP
EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE STANDARDS
Our mission is to provide a personal, unparalleled country club experience highlighted by superior facilities and highly skilled club professionals performing with gracious hospitality.
INGRAINING HOSPITALITY
At Charlotte Country Club, hospitality is more than just a service; it’s a heartfelt commitment to making every member feel valued and at home. It means having tenured staff who bring experience and dedication, offering warm smiles that create a welcoming atmosphere, and greeting people by name to show genuine care and recognition. At its core, hospitality is about building connections and ensuring every interaction leaves a positive, lasting impression.
Providing exemplary hospitality is the driving factor when hiring and training new employees. During new hire orientation, employees are provided “Team Member Promises,” which they must read and sign. Managers and leadership promote these promises with staff throughout the year to ensure they are fresh in all employees’ minds.
TEAM MEMBER PROMISES
1. I will treat all team members with the same dignity and respect extended to our membership.
2. I will warmly greet and engage every member and team member with a smile.
3. I will anticipate the needs of the membership and my teammates and act accordingly.
4. I will provide undivided attention when interacting with members while pulling key details from our conversations to offer thoughtful responses and timely follow-up.
5. I will maintain high levels of professionalism, both in conduct and appearance, at all times.
6. I will ask “Is there anything else I can assist you with?” to both members and my teammates.
7. I will demonstrate sound judgment and hold myself and my team accountable for being honest, sincere, and fair.
8. I will embrace and value the differences of my teammates and collaborate to achieve a common goal.
9. I will be creative and flexible in implementing new ideas.
10. I will work to preserve the culture and traditions that shape Charlotte Country Club.
MANAGER IN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Manager in Development Program (MID) was created in 2023 to offer individuals with limited leadership experience an opportunity to develop skills in a real-world setting. The blend of hands-on learning and leadership development aims to prepare participants for a future role in Food & Beverage Management. During their program, MIDs:
• Develop an understanding of frontline service operations by completing rotations in all F&B areas of the Club.
• Learn important administrative skills, such as reading BEOs, understanding budgets, training on backend management software, etc.
• Execute small events and lead dining room service independently
• Lead entire shifts in bars and dining rooms
• Shadow other departments for a holistic understanding of club operations
Currently, three members of the CCC staff have completed their MID and now hold the title of Food & Beverage Manager.
CERTIFICATIONS
We are proud of our team members who are earning their certifications. To date, employees have certifications in:
• Certified Club Manager
• Certified International Event & Wedding Planning Professional
• Certified International Event Décor Professional
• Certified Public Accountant
• Certified Hospitality Account Executive
• Level 1 TPI Certification
• Class A PGA Professional(s)
• Masters in Human Resources Management
• 5 Certified Level 1 Sommeliers
Food & Beverage Managers that completed the MID program
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The club encourages staff to constantly learn and grow in their profession.
• The Club allocates over $26,000 in association dues and contributions annually. Every year, the Club reimburses over $45,000 in professional development
• The Club budgets $5,000 for recruitment, programs, and professional networking opportunities to host world-class internships in Clubhouse operations, agronomy, golf, and other areas of competency
• Every salaried team member is granted a block of time annually for professional development or benchmarking, separate from paid time off
TENURED STAFF
What makes Charlotte Country Club truly special is the tenure of our staff. The average years of service of the CCC staff is 5.5 years! We have employees who have seen generations of families come through the club and are like family themselves.
Top Five Tenured Staff
Mack F. | 70 years
Ed W. | 52 years
Vanessa S. | 45 years
Lynn G. | 44 years
Julie F. | 41 years
CCC Staff at the Carolinas Chapter CMAA Summer Conference in Charleston, South Carolina
ADAPTING TO CHANGING TIMES
As the world outside our gates changes, we aim to advance everything from the way we communicate with members to the programming and amenities we offer to meet their needs.
As more families and young members have joined the club, the Board realized it was time to reaffirm the mission statement:
Charlotte Country Club will be the premier family country club in the United States.
To remain relevant to families, new facilities and amenities were added to ensure Charlotte Country Club stays family-friendly. As members’ needs change, Club leadership proactively seeks out new amenities and programs to meet these needs.
ENHANCED YOUTH PROGRAMMING
To become a premier family club, the club focused on building a solid youth operations team. The Youth Activities Department expanded in 2025 to meet growing needs:
• The team grew from 5 year-round counselors in 2024 to 15 in 2025
• The department added two new positions: Team Lead and Youth Manager
Doubling the team has allowed the staff to extend child-watch hours, which has long been requested by members. It has also allowed the team to expand youth programing opportunities including events, field trips, extra weeks of camp, and more.
CCC JUNIOR HIGH
The demographics of juniors at the Club are changing, and parents want programming geared towards tweens and teens. The Youth Activities team created CCC Junior High – a space for middle schoolers to connect, have fun, and make memories at club events and outings.
A GOLF EXPERIENCE FOR ALL
The Club has already begun the process of renovating the practice facility and will soon restore the course. In addition to replacing infrastructure and restoring historical elements, one goal of this project is to make the course more playable and enjoyable for all golfers - including ladies and seniors.
• The yardage for the average amateur golfer will be decreased to provide a more playable experience for the shorter hitter.
• Every new green will be lowered from their current Hight by 12-24 inches. By lowering the green surface, the front of the green becomes more accessible, enabling players easier access to bounce and run their golf ball onto the green.
• The bunkers farther from the green (fairway bunkers) have a shallower grass face creating a more playable shot out of these bunkers. The faces of the bunkers are not as steep and less of a penalty.
• The new short game practice area will benefit all instruction programs, particularly those for juniors, by offering more varied and practical training environments.
PICKLEBALL
Pickleball is the fast-growing sport in America, and that is evident at the Club. With an increased demand from the membership for more pickleball opportunities, the Club has doubled the number of pickleball courts, while also expanding upon pickleball programing. The growth of Pickleball in the last 5-10 years has had a very positive impact on the Racquet Sports program at Charlotte Country Club.
In 2017, the club transformed an aging clay court into a hard surface with four permanent pickleball courts. Interest grew quickly through weekly clinics, group instruction, and large events, some drawing up to 90 players. Temporary courts were added using taped lines and portable nets, though they lacked the quality of permanent setups.
By 2023, pickleball activity had surged. Events ranged from casual Friday night gatherings to largescale charity tournaments, prompting the conversion of a seldom-used QuickStart clay court into four additional permanent courts. This upgrade further boosted participation.
Demand has since attracted top touring professionals from Charlotte, who now host clinics and train on-site. The courts remain busy with a robust schedule that includes ladies’ clinics, instruction, league play, open sessions, men’s nights, and special events. Rather than competing with tennis, pickleball has expanded overall racquet sports engagement. Looking ahead, the club plans to grow its offerings with member-guest events, more tournaments, and junior programming.
MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS
As a member-owned club, we strive to exhibit excellence through our committee-led management and detail-driven operations to ensure a world-class experience for our members.
GOVERNANCE MODEL
Charlotte Country Club’s governance is a collaborative effort that includes members and employees. The Club’s leadership and Governance consists of the following:
• A Board of Governors of 15 members who meet monthly
• 11 standing & ad hoc committees comprised of members and staff
• Nearly 100 different members total serve on these committees
• A CCC Leadership team of 12 management-level employees at the top of their industry
• The CCC By-Laws, which is updated yearly and serves as the Club’s governing document
STANDING COMMITTEES INCLUDE
• Communications & Technology: advises on general member communications, new communications initiatives, social media policies, cyber security efforts, etc.
• Finance: oversees financial affairs of the club, recommends final operating and capital budgets for Board approval, etc.
• Golf: monitors rounds and activities and shop merchandise sales, approves new policies, approves the golf tournament schedule, etc.
• Green & Grounds: monitors agronomic programs, provides input on course conditions, recommends capital improvements and large expenditures for Board approval, etc.
• House: approves sponsored wedding requests, provides feedback on dining and service standards, oversees plans for clubhouse maintenance and improvements, provides guidance on events and social programing, etc.
• Membership: Reviews applications, meets with potential members, selects new members for Board approval
• Personnel & Benefits: Reviews important benefit information for club employees, guides leadership on health insurance selections, monitors staffing levels and recruitment efforts, etc.
• Tennis: monitors court usage, provides feedback on racquet sport programming, oversees plans for court maintenance and beautification projects, etc.
2025 Board of Governors
ACCOUNTABILITY & RESPONSIBILITY
The Board, Committees, and Leadership enjoy working together to bring new initiatives to the membership while safeguarding traditions and values. The balance of decision making is upheld by an accountability matrix, which details who is responsible for what.
The Building Committee, 1928
Mr. and Mrs. Kuhn, the first managers of the Club
H. M. Wade, instituted strong modern management system of Club operations
OVERALL EXPERIENCE
What truly makes Charlotte Country Club remarkable is the people and the special relationships shared by our members and staff.
Overall, Charlotte Country Club can be defined as superior hospitality in a beautiful setting. We value personal interactions and wow factors that leave our members and their guests with a lasting impression. Each member of the CCC team goes above and beyond to provide an exemplary experience.
Although the beautiful buildings, breathtaking campus, and exceptional events speak for themselves, it is the thoughtful details that truly make the experiences.
We pride ourselves in all the moments in between:
• A big smile and wave (and treats for furry friends) from the Greeting Center the moment you enter the gate
• The warm greeting with a seasonal beverage as you walk through the front doors
• A cold peppermint towel after coming off the tennis court
• Dining supervisor Vanessa knowing every single member and their children by name
• Mack, an employee of 70 years greeting you with a ride to the driving range before a round of golf
• Complimentary treats from our Executive Pastry Chef for special celebrations
• Members and their guests being greeted by name as they pull up for a guest day on our course
• Children playing around the flag pole in the front circle after being dropped off by the school bus
What truly makes Charlotte Country Club remarkable are the people and the special relationships shared by our members and staff.
To the eldest members, every room in the clubhouse brings back memories. History has been made through fragments of sentiment, a tennis trophy, a silver golf cup, or the lace of a debutante’s glove.
To young people, the club is a challenge, a fantasy come true for a little girl who grows up to be a bride throwing her bouquet from the ballroom balcony, or a little boy who grows up to win the tennis or golf championship.
Members both of the present and past have made it what it is: home
Thank you for your consideration.