About Beechwood
It’s more, much more than meets the eye.
As you navigate the two-lane strip of asphalt in the dead center of Hertford County that skirts the banks of the Potecasi Creek, it’s hard not to see the expansive layout of a golf course. When the weather warms and the season’s last frost bids farewell, the course comes alive in color…the neatly trimmed fairways and greens surrounded by blooming plants and shrubs.
But while golf remains entrenched in Beechwood’s storied 75-year history, this unique place is ever changing to meet the diversity of its frequent visitors as well as newcomers who are always welcome to experience the local area’s laidback lifestyle.
Welcome to the new and improved Beechwood.
The golf course and buildings were purchased in 2014 by the Chamblee family. The idea of opening a golf course in Hertford County was initially conceived in 1947 by three men – Julian Brown, Edward T. Cason and Dr. J.B. Ruffin. It all began in 1948 with a nine-hole course built on 164 acres of land. Gradlin Liles was the first club pro and Lyman Wilkins earned the very first club championship. A grand opening was held on June 16, 1948. It was noted then that the name of the golf course was in tribute to it being located “in the midst of many beechwood trees” as stated in a front page article in the June 17, 1948 edition of the Hertford County Herald.
By 1975, Beechwood experienced its first major expansion, adding nine more holes on 60 acres of land. While the Chamblees enjoy the challenging game of golf, they saw the need to transform Beechwood into a place where families and individuals can engage in activities other than golf. “We wanted it to become an entertainment and recreational venue for the entire family to enjoy. We wanted it to become a destination for those who play golf as well as those who do not,” said Chris Chamblee, president of Beechwood.
“Yes, golf remains as our main drawing card, but we realize there are those who don’t play that game, but yet they are seeking some other type of outdoor recreational activities to enjoy,” Chamblee continued. “We’ve put in a new pool and we have a fitness facility. We have a great restaurant on site that is open to the public for lunch and dinner.”
“Yes, golf remains as our main drawing card, but we realize there are those who don’t play that game, but yet they are seeking some other type of outdoor recreational activities to enjoy,” Chamblee continued. “We’ve put in a new pool and we have a fitness facility. We have a great restaurant on site that is open to the public for lunch and dinner.”
The restaurant features a varied menu…from sandwiches, wraps, and a salad bar, to main entrees such as shrimp scampi, ribeye steaks, and salmon. Beechwood’s clubhouse is available to rent for wedding receptions, business meetings, etc. A tennis court remains, as does a practice green and the Pro Shop. A driving range has been added. New greens, lots of landscaping improvements, and redesigns of a few of the course’s original holes have been part of the Chamblee family’s effort to transform Beechwood, both aesthetically and competitively. Overall, the course is longer, now measuring 6,513 yards from the back (blue) tees. For those playing from the senior tees, the course measures 5,605 yards. Beechwood features four challenging par-5 holes (#3, #10 – the longest on the course at 553 yards – #16 and #18). All holes and distances are certified by the Carolinas Golf Association.
There’s another way to challenge Beechwood from a much shorter distance. The club now features “family tees.” The Family Course/Forward Tee Program allows family members and junior golfers to play from appropriate yardages which in turn builds confidence, enjoyment and the ability to maintain the pace of play. But despite all those improvements, Beechwood – as well as the region itself – was about to experience something capable of appealing to all ages, genders, and skill levels.
“Over the past couple of years we’ve built a par 3 course, which is now in use” Chamblee noted. “It’s designed by my friend, Andrew Green, who is one of the top architects in the game of golf.” Each of the nine holes are short (from 60 to 130 yards), all with big greens.
“It’s designed to have fun. It’s designed for someone who doesn’t play golf or someone who is just learning about the game, as well as for those who play almost every day,” Chamblee said.
“You can play all nine holes in less than an hour. It’s laid back and fun for adults and children. You don’t have to be a longtime, dedicated golfer to play on a par 3 course.” There’s also a putting green at the par 3 course, located adjacent to the green at the 9 th hole. That putting green is lighted. A pavilion has been built at the par 3 course, complete with a bar, kitchen (featuring “comfort food” – pizzas, hot dogs, burgers, etc.), tables, chairs, and flat screen TVs. Adjacent to the pavilion are three brand new pickleball courts, which are lighted for nighttime play if so desired.
“Pickleball is the fastest growing game in America right now,” Chamblee said. “It’s fun, it’s challenging, and it can be played by all ages, youngsters to senior citizens. It’s very easy to learn.”
Also new to Beechwood are “stay and play” houses. “We have three of those here on site, a total of 24 beds and all have the normal amenities such as kitchens, bathrooms, and leisure space,” Chamblee said. “We have people to come here for the weekend, enjoy golf, the par 3 course, and pickleball. Plus, with our restaurant open, they can enjoy their meals right here without having to drive somewhere else.” The rear deck of one of those homes overlooks the par 3 course. Beechwood also plays host to Carolina Golf Association events, including Mid-Amateur and Senior Amateur qualifiers, as well as collegiate tournaments.
“We’ve enjoyed growth and a resurgence in popularity over recent years,” Chamblee added. “We truly believe that our future looks bright. We truly believe we can help our community grow by offering more family oriented recreational activities in a casual and fun environment. “We’ve made improvements with a family oriented, relaxed atmosphere in mind. When we can get an entire family to come out and enjoy what we offer, we feel that builds a stronger bond between those family members…..that’s what we’re all about here at Beechwood,” Chamblee concluded.
Beechwood is located at 205 Country Club Road, off NC 11 between Ahoskie and Murfreesboro. For more information, call 252-332-2905.