The Pines Golf Course Is Up to Par
golf, golf course, recreation, the pines,
In 2005, when head golf professional David Mascitti first came to work at The Pines, a semi-private golf club in Elizabeth City, the course was undergoing major renovation.
Since then, he has seen the course blossom into one of the finest golf destinations in the Southeast and an invaluable resource for the Elizabeth City community.
“The transformation has been unbelievable. We’re still growing‚” Mascitti says. “It’s very exciting.”
The course is nestled in the Albemarle pine thickets and boasts a range of challenges from elevated greens to multiple water and bunker features.
Owner Bill Taylor purchased The Pines in 2004 from the club membership and quickly began to enhance the course. Though most of the original corridors have remained true to the 1946 design of acclaimed golf course architect Fred Findlay, modern amenities have increased interest in the course since it reopened in 2005.
Award-winning course designer Tom Clark of Ault, Clark and Associates led the renovations, which include new A1 and A4 bent grass greens with 419 Bermuda fairways. Other features include sand bunkers, a new practice range and a network of eight-foot-wide concrete cart paths. Three lakes were added and full-service practice facilities have been enhanced to feature target greens, fairways, chipping areas and a putting green. The par-72 course has five sets of tees that range in play from 5‚101 yards to 7‚017 yards.
“We like to believe that a few of our holes match Pinehurst,” says Mascitti, referring to the nearby historic course. “From the back tees, the course is a real challenge for the better golfers.”
Since the redesign, amateur and junior events have become a growing focal point at The Pines.
The club’s Junior Golf League plays during the fall, spring and summer, with those under 17 playing free. Sponsors donate $100 per junior golfer to make the program possible.
The league allows young golfers a chance to play the course in foursomes with a club or staff member there to answer questions and help juniors develop their skills and learn all aspects including etiquette and rules.
“It’s not a formal ‘Golf 101’ lesson,” Mascitti says. “It is a group effort. The best part of the program is that it is mainly spent out on the golf course.”
The club also offers a Junior Membership as part of its youth outreach strategy. For just $35 a month and a one-time initiation fee of $100, young golfers have a chance to play at the first-class golf course in their own back yards.
Story by Brandon Lowe
Photo by Kevin Young
