Mallard Head Golf Course for Sale: A 45-Year Legacy Awaits New Ownership

By Golf, Mooresville, News October 15, 2024

Mallard Head Golf Course Ownership Decides To Sell

A cherished landmark in the Lake Norman area, Mallard Head Golf Course, is officially on the market. In mid-September 2024, the ownership group decided to sell the 173-acre course, located off Brawley School Road, signing a listing contract with Colliers, a firm specializing in golf course properties. As this beloved institution transitions to new ownership, the future of this iconic course is on the minds of many community members.

Why Is Mallard Head Golf Course for Sale?

The decision to sell Mallard Head Golf Course comes after decades of service to the community, with General Manager Eddie Campbell and Course Superintendent Sam Linker—who have a combined experience of over 85 years at the club—expressing a desire to step back from daily operations. Campbell, the son of one of the course’s founders, noted that “it’s time, it really is” for a new chapter, citing the growing health of the golf business as an opportune moment for the sale.

While rumors about the sale have circulated for years, the owners decided to move forward when they met with board members and determined that seeking a new owner was the best course of action. Sam Linker assured that the course will continue to operate as a golf course, saying, “It is being sold as a golf course, and it will be a golf course.”

Course Specifications and Features

Opened on September 4, 1979, Mallard Head Golf Course features an 18-hole championship layout designed by the renowned architect George Cobb, whose portfolio includes prestigious courses like Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte and the East Lake Club in Atlanta. The course, with a par of 72, spans about 6,700 yards and offers a mix of challenging holes suitable for players of all skill levels.

Strategically placed bunkers, water hazards, and multiple tee boxes on each hole, including par-3s like the 7th, enhance the golfing experience, making it both fun and challenging. The course weaves through residential areas, creating a scenic and engaging atmosphere for all who play there.

Historical Significance of Mallard Head Golf Course

The story of Mallard Head Golf Course begins in the mid-1970s, when John Campbell, who opened John’s Trading Post, envisioned a golf course community in the burgeoning Lake Norman area. Despite not having the funds to develop the idea, Campbell gathered a group of visionary investors who shared his ambition. They purchased 400 acres of farmland, where Mallard Head Golf Course was established with a clear mission of creating a private country club surrounded by residential development.

Cobb’s original vision for the course emphasized its natural beauty and strategic layout, and Linker has overseen its evolution from the very beginning. The course quickly became a popular destination, experiencing a renaissance during the golfing boom of the 1980s, alongside the establishment of other private clubs in the area.

Over the years, Mallard Head has played an essential role in the community, hosting numerous charity events, including the John Campbell Memorial Hospice of Iredell Tournament, which has raised over $630,000 for local hospice programs. Its reputation as a gathering place for residents—young and old—has solidified its importance in the region.

Community Impact and Legacy

As a public facility operated by local ownership for 45 years, Mallard Head Golf Course has been integral to the Lake Norman community, providing recreational opportunities and fostering social connections. It serves as a venue for civic events, school fundraisers, and charity outings, highlighting its role in enhancing community engagement.

Today, the course remains a hub for daily play, attracting golfers of all ages, including families, organized groups, and beginners. The team at Mallard Head is proud of the course’s legacy, and as they prepare for a potential transition, there’s a shared hope that the new owners will continue the tradition of excellence that has defined the course for generations.

Conclusion

As Mallard Head Golf Course enters the market, its rich history and significant contributions to the Lake Norman community are front and center. The decision to sell marks the end of an era for long-time staff and loyal patrons, but it also presents an exciting opportunity for new ownership to build upon its legacy. The community will be watching closely, eager to see what the future holds for this beloved golf course.

About the Author
Bill Adams, REALTOR®

Owner/Broker of Allen Adams Realty


Bill Adams, a North Carolina native, is founder and Owner/Broker of Allen Adams Realty, a boutique agency focused on personalized real estate services. The name “Allen Adams Realty” is derived from Bill’s full given name which is William Allen Adams.


Bill, after obtaining both a real estate sales license and an appraisal license, began his real estate career in 1998 after successful careers in the racing and automotive industries. First, a concentration on real estate appraisal services allowed Bill to gain detailed knowledge and insights into the many different facets of the greater Lake Norman and Charlotte metro real estate markets. This allowed Bill to truly understand real estate values and local markets and expand into doing both appraisal and real estate sales. Then in 2004, armed with his experience, knowledge, and expertise, Bill started his own firm and called it Allen Adams Realty. In the early years of his new firm Bill continued to do both real estate appraisal and sales and then after the downturn of the market in the late 2000’s Bill has focused solely on real estate sales.


Bill strives for excellence in all aspects of his relationship with each and every client and prides himself on providing premier dedicated and personal professional service. Bill has successfully represented a wide range of clientele from international high-end luxury buyers to young families buying their first home. Through his wide reaching marketing he has also developed a large part of his business helping those buying second homes on Lake Norman or relocating to the area. Bill’s varied background and seasoned experience has made him a trusted and highly rated expert, which has been validated by being awarded multiple Five Star Professional Award for Real Estate awards. An award given to only the top 7% of real estate agents in the entire Charlotte market area.


On a personal note, Bill has lived most of his life in North Carolina and has lived in the Lake Norman area since 1997. He currently lives in the wonderful small college town of Davidson with his lovely wife Lindsey, beautiful daughter, and beloved dog. Beyond real estate, he enjoys boating on the lake, spending time with friends and family, most all things motorsports, cars, motorcycles, Panthers football, being active, hiking and exploring in the nearby mountains, vacations to the beach, traveling, as well as many other things.