Carolina Trace County Club in Sanford has been acquired by Texas-based Escalante Golf, a boutique owner and operator of high-end golf clubs across the country.
Carolina Trace Country Club, opened in 1972, is the centerpiece of the 1,600-home Carolina Trace Community. The club features two layouts designed by acclaimed golf course architect, Robert Trent Jones Sr. – the Lake Course and the Creek Course.
The men’s 4-A state championship was held at Carolina Trace this past May.
“It is a beautiful property in one of the most sought-after locations between Raleigh and Pinehurst,” said David McDonald, president of Escalante Golf. “The two courses have hosted several well-known events and have terrific reputations throughout the Mid-Atlantic. The community itself is a gorgeous setting highlighted by the pristine Lake Trace.”
Escalante acquired the club from the members, who selected the owner/operator from other potential suitors. The company said it will begin an aggressive capital reinvestment, including a complete renovation of the Lake Course, a new fitness and workout facility, clubhouse renovation and new landscaping.
“We are planning significant improvements for the club that will add to its stature,” McDonald said. “Work will begin next spring on a major facelift for the Lake Course. This will include laser leveling and rebuilding all tee boxes, adding length to several holes, reconstructing all bunkers and replacing all cart paths. The end result will be a fantastic golf experience for our members and their guests. We will also make other improvements to the club, including a new state-of-the-art fitness facility. We hope to create tremendous excitement within the community and the surrounding area.”
– By David Droschak
