MOYOCK, N.C.
Buddy Lawrence, golf pro and owner of the Mill Run Golf Club here, chatted Wednesday afternoon with a regular who wanted a box of balls and a golf bag tag.
Lawrence was out of golf bag tags, which was a good thing for a course that was bankrupt a year ago.
"We picked up 19 new members the other night," he told the customer.
Lawrence held a grand opening June 27, though he bought the course from former owner William Jernigan in January. A golf pro and superintendent at the Chowan Golf and Country Club for 16 years, Lawrence has big plans for the course that winds through the Eagle Creek neighborhood.
He and his brother Gary have improved the greens and tee boxes with plans for more upgrades. A five-year plan calls for rebuilding the greens, planting more trees, installing asphalt cart paths and building a state-of-the-art teaching and golf club fitting facility. A 10-year plan includes a fitness center and a new pro shop.
"People are seeing the facility come around," Lawrence said from behind the counter in the golf shop. "We're here 20 years. We're not looking at a hit-and-run."
In 2006, the course was closed and put up for sale for $2.6 million. The course fell into disrepair, prompting residents to complain about its condition. At one point Jernigan proposed building condominiums next to the clubhouse, but residents signed a petition in opposition and Currituck County nixed the plans.
The course closed in October 2006, but a judge ordered it reopened in March. Deeds in Eagle Creek said the golf course must remain for 50 years after it opened.
In April 2007, Mill Run was part of an auction but failed to attract serious bidders. The next month, Lawrence began working there for a percentage until he bought the property in January.
"I'm not a golfer, but from everything I've heard the golf course is a lot better," said Kelly Martin, president of the homeowners association.
Jeff Hampton, (252) 338-0159, jeff.hampton@pilotonline.com
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Great Course with Great Improvements
But, I'm not so sure Buddy Lawrence is the owner. The Deed registered with the Currituck County Registrar of Deeds indicates that on 7 June 2007 Mill Run Golf and Country Club, Inc transferred ownership to NC Golf Group LLC. Deed book 1006, Pages 905-906. However, in the Deed of Trust recorded on June 8th 2007, by NC Golf Group, the Mangers of NC Golf Group are listed in Deed Book 1006, Pages 907-918 as William K. Jernigan and Diane P. Jernigan.
Proactive Leadership
I drive through this neighborhood five times a week. Although I don't golf, one can visually see a remarkable difference in the greens.
Kudos to the leadership of this golf course for bringing it back to life. For those that golf, this golf course is on par to be one of the best in the area. Please support it!