UNC Finley’s major clubhouse renovation project is complete, with plenty of Carolina Blue paint and cool Tar Heel fixtures adorning the walls. The 9,500 square-foot facility opened Sept. 13.
One of the highlights is the A.E. Finley Memorabilia Room, which is dedicated to Finley, who was instrumental in the funding of the original golf course and clubhouse construction. The gallery commemorates the history and involvement of Finley over the years of the Tom Fazio-designed course, from its inception to its current status as one of the best university courses in the nation.
“We wanted Mr. Finley’s memorabilia room to be the main entrance that when people walked in there was definitely a wow factor … and there is,” said UNC Finley director of golf Johnny Cake. “Golfers sort of browse coming in but they read going out.”
The former clubhouse was distressed on many levels, according to Cake, requiring numerous repairs that led to the new digs, which more than doubled in size, costing $4 million.
“It was a situation where we wanted to have this building be equal to all the other great university buildings that we have,” Cake said. “We have a great golf course, a great maintenance facility and we needed to do something here.”
The new clubhouse features a conference room, Wi-Fi and the Naismith Grill, which has outside seating with TVs and a fireplace.
“There is still a wow factor when we walk in for me and the staff,” he added. “The environment is so much better. We all basically knew it was going to be nice, but I think we’re all a little overwhelmed at how nice it really is.”
– by David Droschak.
