Minnesott Golf and Country Club

History:

The Minnesott Golf & Country Club is located on 253 acres of land fronting the Neuse River. The land was donated to the club by the family of Mrs. N. W. Hardison. The original idea for a golf course in this area was made by the Research Institute of East Carolina University.

Chartered as the Minnesott Recreational Development Corp., the organizational meeting was held September 4, 1967. Specifications were prepared by R. T. Burney and Associates. At the opening of bids on June 19, 1968, the costs exceeded the amount budgeted. After elimination of the boat harbor and the paving for the access road and parking lot, a proposal by Coastal Contractors and Robert Hall Construction Co. was accepted on July 31, 1968 for $192,000.

Formal closing of an FHA loan was made on July 31, 1968. By this time, 233 charter members had paid $150 each. The loan plus the member payments resulted in an initial account of $235,100. Money advanced by several members made it possible to (1) pave the parking lot and the road, (2) construct a machine shed, and (3) start construction of the jetties for the harbor. Later, the club obtained a supplementary loan to pay for these items. Loan negotiations were complicated by the fact that Congress had rescinded the FHA authorization to encourage rural recreational projects. Our project was the last one.

First President, Clifford K. Sloan, served as liaison during the construction period. The club house was finished in time to hold the first general membership meeting on April 20, 1969. The swimming pool was opened on Memorial Day and the golf course was opened for play on July 23, 1969.

The club was formally dedicated on August 31, 1969, with Leland Brinson serving as master of ceremonies. The principal speakers were Congressman Walter Jones and a representative of the Research Institute of ECU.

Articles in the "Carolina Golfer" described the excellence of the course and its beneficial influence on the surrounding area in Pamlico County.

As the course developed through the years, many improvements were made including tee box renovations, a fairway irrigation system, fairways changed to 419 Bermuda, continued trimming and removal of trees, drainage, new storm shelters, senior tees, and a new cart shed.

The club's debt obligations were refinanced in 2002 at which time the FHA loan was retired. This action eliminated the requirement to obtain federal government approval for changes in the Bylaws.
A course improvement program was begun in 2001. This program, under the direction of Pro/Manager, Terry Bobbin, was established as a continuing effort. Holes Number 1, 3, and 6 have been redesigned with new tees and sand traps.

At the end of 2004, the club property fronting the Neuse River was sold for $800,000 plus additional financial consideration. The developers of "The Links at Wayfarer Cove" planned to build townhouses along the shoreline. Proceeds from the sale 1) were used to retire the remaining debt tracing back to the formation of the club in 1968 and 2) to establish a fund for future capital improvements.

In 2005, a new parking lot was built and renovation of the pool and pool house was initiated. The newly renovated pool and pool house areas were completed in 2006, by a host of volunteers led by Larry Whalen (Club President).

In 2006 the BOD appointed a subcommittee, lead by Gordon Carberry, to study and enhance a design presented by Brad Rice for Club House upgrades and renovations.  In 2007 Club House renovations started with Phase #1 to include relocation of the office and men’s locker room and construction of a new Pro Shop.  These were completed in early 2008 under the leadership of Brad Rice and with the volunteer time of many.

In the summer of 2008, the course cart paths were paved and all greens were replaced with Champion Bermuda.  These efforts were lead by Brian Ellenberg, Bob Schlinger and Brad Rice (Club President).
In later 2008 Phase #2 of the Club House renovations were started with the construction of a new social area, kitchen and bar.  This effort, lead by Dick Krom and Brad Rice, resulted in what is known today as The Live Oak Grill.  Grill and Bar operations started in late April of 2009.  Plans continue to develop for renovation of the Club House Ball Room, potential inclusion of “liquor by the drink”, and Boat Ramp lead by Dick Krom.