The Story Behind Beechwood

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**It’s more than meets the eye.**

As you navigate the two-lane strip of asphalt in the heart of Hertford County, skirting the banks of Potecasi Creek, the expansive layout of Beechwood Country Club comes into view. When the weather warms and the last frost bids farewell, the course bursts into color, with neatly trimmed fairways and greens framed by blooming plants and shrubs.

While golf has been at the core of Beechwood’s storied 75-year history, this unique club continually evolves to embrace the diversity of our visitors and warmly welcomes newcomers eager to experience the laidback lifestyle of the area.

Welcome to the new and improved Beechwood.

In 2014, the Chamblee family acquired the golf course and buildings, carrying on a vision first conceived in 1947 by three pioneers—Julian Brown, Edward T. Cason, and Dr. J.B. Ruffin. The club began in 1948 with a nine-hole course built on 164 acres of land, and it officially opened on June 16, 1948. The name "Beechwood" pays homage to the many beech trees that dot the landscape, as noted in a front-page article in the June 17, 1948, edition of the Hertford County Herald.

By 1975, Beechwood expanded, adding nine more holes on 60 acres of land. The Chamblees, avid golfers themselves, recognized the need to transform Beechwood into a family-friendly venue. “We wanted it to be a destination for both golfers and non-golfers alike,” said Chris Chamblee, president of Beechwood. “Yes, golf remains our main attraction, but we also wanted to create outdoor recreational activities for everyone.”

To achieve this, Beechwood has introduced a new pool, a fitness facility, and a vibrant restaurant open to the public for lunch and dinner. The restaurant features a diverse menu, from sandwiches and wraps to mouthwatering entrees like shrimp scampi and ribeye steaks. The clubhouse is also available for rent for wedding receptions, business meetings, and more.

The improvements don’t stop there. Beechwood has seen extensive landscaping enhancements, redesigns of some original holes, and the addition of a driving range. The course now measures 6,513 yards from the back (blue) tees and 5,605 yards from the senior tees. Golfers can challenge themselves with four par-5 holes, including the longest on the course at 553 yards.

For families and junior golfers, Beechwood has implemented “family tees” to foster confidence and enjoyment while maintaining a good pace of play. Additionally, a new par-3 course has been built, designed by renowned architect Andrew Green. “It’s meant to be fun, accommodating everyone from beginners to seasoned players,” Chamblee noted. Each of the nine holes ranges from 60 to 130 yards, ensuring a relaxed atmosphere where anyone can play in under an hour.

Adjacent to the par-3 course is a lighted putting green and a pavilion featuring a bar and kitchen serving comfort food like pizzas, hot dogs, and burgers. This space also includes tables, chairs, and flat-screen TVs. To complement the offerings, Beechwood has added three new lighted pickleball courts—an exciting and growing sport accessible to all ages.

For those looking for an extended stay, Beechwood offers “stay and play” houses, accommodating up to 24 guests with all necessary amenities. Visitors can enjoy golf, the par-3 course, and pickleball, all while dining conveniently at the on-site restaurant.

Beechwood is also proud to host Carolina Golf Association events, including Mid-Amateur and Senior Amateur qualifiers, as well as collegiate tournaments.

“We’ve experienced growth and a resurgence in popularity in recent years,” Chamblee shared. “Our future looks bright as we continue to offer more family-oriented recreational activities in a casual and enjoyable environment. When we can bring families together to enjoy our amenities, we strengthen the bonds that matter most—that’s what Beechwood is all about.”