Pine Lake Country Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, has reopened its golf course following a renovation by Lawrence Golf Design.
Contractor Aspen Golf began executing Jeff Lawrence’s plan in January 2025, which has included redesigning green complexes, bunker renovations, tee work, regrading two holes, tree clearance, new drainage and a new irrigation system. The project has been managed by Mazzella Partnership.
“The backbone of the golf course was already solid – it simply needed more refined and exciting updates to key features and the redesign of a par-three hole that bordered the property line,” said Lawrence. “Several fairway bunkers were repositioned to introduce a more strategic challenge, particularly for better players. New tees were added to extend the course’s overall length, while many existing tees were enlarged to reduce wear and tear, and create greater yardage variance between tee markers.
“It will be interesting to see whether the course ultimately plays easier or harder, but regardless of how it measures out, the overall golf experience at Pine Lake Country Club has been significantly improved.”
The eleventh green from the left side of the fairway (Photo: Lawrence Golf Design)
Greens have been converted from bentgrass to TifEagle bermuda, provided by New Life Turf, and have been expanded slightly. “They now feature significantly more variety in both the putting surfaces and surrounding features,” said Lawrence. “This allows for a wider range of strategic pin placements and introduces engaging elements around the greens, offering a fresh, refined golf experience that appeals to players of all skill levels. The green surfaces themselves remain generally subtle, with well-defined pinnable areas that create strategic depth and nuances.”
All bunkers have been redesigned and have been rebuilt with liner from Better Billy Bunker and G-Angle sand from Golf Agronomics. “The bunker style has been refined to improve visual awareness and maximise strategic value,” said Lawrence. “The bunkering now has a creative mix of shapes, sizes, depths and locations – bringing both aesthetic appeal and strategic challenge. Additionally, we have introduced low-mow collection areas around many greens to enhance visual interest and expand shot-making options.
“The updated green complexes, bold bunkering and thoughtfully designed collection areas will deliver a dynamic and reimagined golf experience for the membership.”
A before and after of hole 10, showing the bunker and green work completed (Photo: Lawrence Golf Design)
Trees throughout the property have been removed as part of a woodland management plan to improve air flow, reduce shaded areas and open up long-range views. “The golf course remains in its parkland type setting, but a thoughtful and much needed tree removal programme has been very impactful on the overall look and conditioning of the golf course,” said Lawrence.
“My goal was to preserve the integrity of the original design while elevating the overall golf experience. The improvements have made a meaningful impact on the course’s visual aesthetics, playability, maintainability, strategic interest, and overall enjoyment.”