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.