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Lester George pays tribute to Macdonald and Raynor for new design

Construction is under way on a new golf course, designed by Lester George, for the new Contentment club in Traphill, North Carolina.

George’s design is inspired by the work of C. B. Macdonald and Seth Raynor, with each of the eighteen holes based on one of the Golden Age duo’s template designs.

The course begins with a par-five Maiden hole and includes Biarritz, Redan, Punchbowl, Double Plateau, Road holes. The full routing, with hole commentary by George, can be viewed on the club’s website.

The course will be part of an 800-acre private destination in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains that will also include cottages and lodging for members and their families, as well as small groups. There will be no home sites, with Contentment owner Curt Sidden wanting to preserve the rural site that has been in his family for three generations.

“Contentment is a tribute to my grandparents with whom I spent time here as a boy,” said Sidden. “My family showed me the benefits of a quiet, uncomplaining and satisfied mind, and we hope Contentment is a true, tranquil haven for the body, mind and soul.”

A project development group from construction firm Landscapes Unlimited has overseen all aspects of site planning, design and engineering, permitting, contractor selection, project administration and budget planning. The company will build the 18-hole golf course and direct development of the clubhouse and amenities.

Landscapes Golf Management is undertaking membership strategies, business and operational planning, pre-opening activities and will assist with the course grow-in and grand opening.

“The property on which Contentment sits is one of most relaxing, rejuvenating and overall special topographies in our company’s history,” said Jack Morgan, senior vice president of Landscapes Unlimited’s project development group. “No wonder those looking to dodge the hustle-and-bustle are joining Contentment before the first shovel hits the ground.”

Contentment is expected to open on 25 September 2025, 100 years to the day since the wedding of Sidden’s grandparents.

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Slideshow HTML
  • Contentment
    George Golf Design

    Lester George’s routing for the new Contentment club in North Carolina is inspired by the work of Macdonald and Raynor

  • Contentment
    Landscapes Unlimited

    The course will be part of an 800-acre private destination in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains

  • Contentment
    Landscapes Unlimited

    The eighth and ninth holes are based on Valley and Alps templates

  • Contentment
    Landscapes Unlimited

    Landscapes Unlimited is handling construction, with the aim of opening the course in September 2025

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