Whitewater Creek Country Club, newly acquired by Canongate Golf Clubs, recently began renovations to restore the once highly regarded club to its original splendor.

Located off Redwine Road in Fayetteville’s prestigious Whitewater Community, the antebellum style club house and golf course are being refurbished to meet Canongate’s high standard concept, which now includes 17 premier golf courses at 14 locations.

Whitewater Creek, formerly known as The Palmer Course at Starr’s Mill, has enjoyed a reputation as one of Georgia's top golf courses. Its Arnold Palmer signature design was popular with all levels of play making it a great member’s course as well as host to several large championship tournaments such as the Hooters mini-tour.

Charlie Moller, the club’s current general manager, was in the area when the original golf course was built in the late eighties and is presently overseeing projects to improve the course, including bunker restoration and fairway reconditioning.

“I remember the sense of pride the members had in this club and how much the homeowners loved their facility,” said Moller. “We’re dedicated to getting the course back to where it’s the first choice to play.”

Moller added that much is being done behind the scenes to ensure the greens are pleasing to the eye and challenging to play. Expansions are also being made to the driving range to provide players with a high-quality place to practice.

Inside, development director Patty Agey oversees efforts to improve the clubhouse while maintaining the integrity of its southern antebellum design. Fresh paint and carpet will provide a clean canvas for rich fabric window treatments and fine upholstered traditional style furniture. Renovations are primarily aesthetic; though a few walls have come down to open up the entrance hall to its original state. Exquisite crystal chandeliers and the magnificent spiral staircase will continue to welcome members and their guests to the second floor Magnolia ballroom which accommodates over 150 guests for seated dinners, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and dancing.

Downstairs, the restaurant and private dining area will be revived with fresh paint and carpet, but the fireplace and cozy leather seating will remain relatively the same. Plasma televisions will be added so members may watch their favorite sporting events on state-of-the art technology. Outside, the veranda is undergoing structural repairs complemented by landscaping improvements to once again provide the stage for elegant cocktail parties and receptions overlooking a spectacular view of the golf course.

“The course layout and clubhouse architecture is truly special and by spring we will have both in top form,” said Joe Guerra, president of Canongate Golf Clubs. “The members and the local community are very excited because everyone knows what a special club Whitewater Creek has been and will be once more.”

A Whitewater Creek kickoff celebration is anticipated for mid to late February, with more details to follow. Canongate’s concept incorporates private club reciprocity privileges including tennis, swimming, fully stocked pro shops, and club houses — all for a modest entry fee and low monthly dues. Memberships are currently available with complimentary associate golf dues until March 1. For more information on memberships or hosting a business or social event at a Canongate Club facility, contact Rachel Lester at 678-794-8945 or www.canongategolf.com.

login to post comments