Spring has begun to appear in Mint Hill. The weather is warming, the trees are blooming, and, to paraphrase Tennyson, people’s minds are turned to…golf. Luckily for them, Pine Lake Country Club has just finished its new renovations and is ready to greet new members this season. Located off of quiet and not often traveled Lebanon Road, Pine Lake is “Mint Hill’s best kept secret,” says General Manager, Sherri Taylor. However, Taylor wants to share the secret with the rest of Mint Hill and its residents.
Since she began working at Pine Lake in August of 2017, Taylor’s vision for the club has been community-focused. “It’s a great place. It is so easy to create lasting friendships here. I want the rest of Mint Hill to know about it!” Taylor beams.
The Country Club is set on a gorgeous piece of property and offers a variety of activities for its members. Pine Lake boasts one of the most enjoyable, top 20 challenging private courses in Charlotte and the surrounding areas. It is an easily walkable 18 hole championship course with traditional old school charm. Members can get help with their form and game from Head Golf Professional, Brian McLaughlin. The course is set off by lush forests and meticulously maintained by 30 year veteran Greens Superintendent, Richard McDanel. There are five separate lakes on the course, which are open to members for fishing on Mondays. Other amenities members enjoy are a swimming complex with Olympic and wading pools, a mini theme park slide, diving board, Cabana food and beverage service, and Har-Tru Clay tennis courts that feature leagues and lessons with USPTA Elite Professional Tennis Director, Robert Stephens.
Inside the clubhouse there is a cozy lounge featuring fresh food made by the club’s own Executive Chef, Lee Shuff, and a spacious 250-capacity ballroom for larger events, parties, or weddings. Multiple smaller meeting rooms are available for members to host business meetings or intimate dinners.
Taylor believes there is a misconception about the country club lifestyle. “Pine Lake’s culture mirrors that of Mint Hill. We are not pretentious or exclusionary. We are a place to meet people with shared interests and develop friendships.”
Bethany Field, the Club Controller, agrees. “I think it is a must for residents of Mint Hill, even those who are new to the area. The greatest aspect of our club is that the people here really become your extended family. Members stay for years and you get to know them, their children, their grandchildren – they are a part of your life. Country clubs answer a need for connection that each person already has.”
The most important part of membership orientation at Pine Lake Country Club is uniting new members with the rest of the club. “We place new members on email lists so they can be aware of upcoming groups who are meeting to golf or play tennis. We put new members at tables with more established colleagues at club events to help cultivate relationships.” Field shares.
One of the favorite events for new members happens on Saturday mornings. “We call them ‘dogfights and catfights,’ but basically new members sign up at the pro shop and get randomly paired for rounds of golf. You meet new people almost every time you play, and you meet them in a relaxed atmosphere of friendly competition and conversation. It’s like a blind date on the golf course.” Taylor jokes. “Being a part of a club is a really fun lifestyle. People don’t realize how affordable it is.”
Pine Lake is getting ready to kick off their Spring right, with several activities already scheduled on their club calendar. “We have an upcoming Frank Sinatra night, featuring legendary local, Francis Nazzaro. We are putting together a ‘Camp on the Course’ evening where families can come set up their tents, roast hot dogs and marshmallows on the fire pits, play lawn games and enjoy a family movie provided after sundown on a big inflatable screen.” Taylor explains.
Pine Lake Country Club always has lots of events happening year-round. Enrollment is about to begin for their Junior Sports Club. This is a year-long youth development program for children ages 8-18 to enhance their skills in golf, tennis, or swimming. The club also hosts a Wine Club, a Seafood Boil and Oyster Roast, Yoga on Tap, special holiday events, and a series of rotating events called Fun Fridays.
“We try to constantly span the generations that make up our membership family. I hope anyone who is interested in becoming a part of it will call me,” Taylor encourages. “We want our community to know, because Pine Lake Country Club is made up of Mint Hill residents, you will belong here. We are a friendly family and we are ready to welcome you!”
