Simplicity and Sophistication: Cape Fear National’s Clubhouse

Story By Bryan Stange And Molly Harrison

Photography By Greg Darrow And Keith Ketchum

True golfers who have a real passion for the sport will stop at nothing to get out on the links. If a burning love of the sport lives within you, then you too have experienced an “extreme weather” golf day. The north wind blows constantly, seemingly accelerated by passing through the limbs of the loblolly pines, rather than dampened by them. The misting rain (which neither builds enough to cause your group to call it quits, nor ever completely stops) wets your windbreaker and wraps your body in a layer of chill. With each stroke a splatter of saturated dirt flicks up on your pant legs, but the approach shot on the hole keeps you driving through, eager for the view from the next tee box.

Alas, by hole number 18, the foursome is exhausted. The only thing that is on everyone’s mind is the clubhouse: sitting and relaxing, taking in the warmth, feeling the pulsing heat of the fire lift the moisture from their clothes, and slowly enjoying a drink and a hearty meal.

The new clubhouse at Cape Fear National Golf Course in Brunswick Forest is the perfect ending to an “extreme weather” golf day. The clubhouse delivers the luxury and comfort that golfers want and need at the end of a challenging round, no matter what the season.

“A lot of effort went into the overall design,” says Brad Walker, director of sales and marketing for Cape Fear National. “This is truly a grand showpiece for the area.”

With its grand, vaulted ceilings but warm design elements, the clubhouse interior is upscale but comfortable.

“The developers wanted the inside of the club to be very warm and comfortable and have a bit of a lodge feel but still be representative of Brunswick Forest’s coastal setting,” says Jennifer France, owner of Big Sky Design in Wilmington, who worked on the interior design with Project Interior Designer Leslie Stachowicz. “That was achieved through a combination of stacked stone in the fireplace and bars surround and very textural wall-coverings that reference nature, mixed with a color scheme of golden hues with dark wood tones and subtle green accents.”

The double-sided stone fireplace with limestone surround is definitely the focal point of the club. Leather armchairs in the initial seating area and comfortable, low-armed chairs in the dining area encourage people to linger. Subtle but sophisticated details enhance the overall design, and the artwork in the main dining area is by local artists.

The Cape Fear National clubhouse includes the 19th Hole Bar and Grill that seats up to 100 people, a private dining area, a covered veranda and porch and an event lawn that overlooks hole 9, one of the course’s signature holes.

In the 19th Hole Bar and Grill, guests can enjoy a full bar and a menu that is adjusted seasonally and includes functional foods, like sandwiches and burgers, as well as premium entrees for dinner. Cape Fear National is proud to have Executive Chef Randy Tugwell at the helm in the kitchen. Tugwell’s experience stems from the City Club of Wilmington and Carolina Country Club in Raleigh.

The club caters to golfers, community residents and the public — anyone who just wants to come have a great meal in an impressive atmosphere.

Many people are surprised to learn that the Cape Fear National golf course and clubhouse are open to the public.

“People assume we’re a private facility,” says Walker. “We are high-end but definitely open to everyone. Anyone can pay a daily rate to golf here. And even if you’re not golfing you can come enjoy a meal at the clubhouse or hold an event here.”

One of the best features of the 7,000-square-foot Cape Fear National Clubhouse is its event-hosting capabilities. The clubhouse offers premium spaces for events — a private dining room for private luncheons and business meetings, a covered veranda and porch for gatherings and celebrations, and an event lawn that can accommodate up to 250 people and has ground-laid electrical wiring for live bands and other electricity needs. Banquet furniture is offered at no additional charge, and Tugwell offers in-house catering that will exceed your expectations.

The Cape Fear National Golf Course and Clubhouse and 19th Hole Bar and Grill opened in November and both are receiving overwhelmingly positive response from the North Brunswick community.

However, to further spread the word of this exclusive golf course and club, Cape Fear National Golf Club is holding a large-scale grand opening on Monday, April 19. The event will feature celebrity golfers and a million-dollar hole-in-one contest for charity. The event will continue Tuesday through Friday with special rates on golf and a lunch buffet and a 10 am shotgun start.

For more information, see www.capefearnational.com.