The Club at Longview in Waxhaw, NC was the vision of real estate developer Mel Graham. The property’s history dates back to the 1800s when it was first known as The Longview Black Jack Farm. In 1953, Graham’s father acquired a small piece of the property as an annex of the Graham Dairy Farm. Many years later, whenever a piece of land adjacent to what his father owned became available, Mel purchased it. Eventually, he had amassed over 1,000 acres.
Fast forward to 2001. Mel’s vision for The Club at Longview is put in motion. When world-renowned golf course designer Jack Nicklaus paid a visit, he studied the gently rolling hills with its pines and hardwoods, creeks, ponds, and nature preserves. He told Mel Graham that this land was always meant to be the home of a great golf course. Two years later, on October 20, 2003, their visions came to fruition and The Club at Longview officially opened! The Rev. Billy Graham performed the dedication service alongside his nephew Mel and Mr. Nicklaus.
Old-world charm and architecture can be found throughout the Club and the surrounding community; it’s a direct result of Mel’s travels throughout Europe. Like fine wine, the architecture has withstood the test of time and improves with age. The Club at Longview features Tifway 419 Hybrid Bermuda fairways and roughs and A-1 Bentgrass greens. The golf course features several tree-lined fairways, an abundance of water hazards, rolling hills, and subtle elevation changes that will have you thinking about club selection. There are no tee times at Longview, playing a round of golf is as simple as showing up with your clubs.
Ask anyone who knows me who my least favorite golf course designer is, and they will all tell you without a doubt that it’s Jack Nicklaus. I think he makes his courses too tough for the average golfer. Imagine my surprise when I was sitting in the clubhouse after my round talking to General Manager Steve Windham and found out that The Golden Bear designed The Club at Longview. I found it to be a very enjoyable yet challenging layout. It is easily the most enjoyable Nicklaus design I have played to date.
The Club at Longview has many memorable holes but none more so than the final two that come at the end of the round. Seventeen plays 467 yards from the Member Tees and takes two well-struck shots if you want to get on in two. The bad news for slicers is that a lake makes up the right side of the fairway and extends well past the landing area. There are also two fairway bunkers on the left side of the landing area. Should a good drive give you the option to attempt at the green, you’ll need to carry a large wetland area that crosses the fairway and extends up the hill towards the green. For those of us who have no hope of getting on in two and lay up short of the green, beware of the fairway bunker in the middle of the fairway. The green is well-elevated and protected by a deep bunker on the right. An approach shot that finds the front left portion of the green will likely roll off the green and down the hill, making for a tricky up and down. It’s a fun and challenging golf hole.
The view from the 18th tee is stunning. The tee boxes are perched up high on a slope and overlook the lake with the clubhouse serving as the backdrop for the 18th green. The 18th hole is the longest par 4 on the golf course, playing 401 yards from the Member Tees with that same lake on the right again. The safest play off the tee is the left side of the fairway but beware of the fairway bunker in the landing area. A good drive will still leave a mid to long iron into a well-undulated green protected on the right by water and a beautiful stone wall. Par – or better – is a great way to finish your round.
The Club at Longview is considered by many to be one of the top golf clubs in North Carolina. In addition to 18 holes of Jack Nicklaus Signature golf, there’s a generous practice area located near the Clubhouse that features a full-length driving range, three separate putting and chipping surfaces, and on-site professional instruction. There’s talk of turning one of the out-buildings adjacent to the driving range into an indoor club-fitting studio complete with a Trackman simulator. Longview provides its golf members with everything they need to enhance and develop their game.
Lessons are available from Longview’s staff of golf professionals for all Members regardless of skill level and can take place on either the practice areas or the golf course. They can also help with one-on-one golf club fittings for any club in your bag. During your visit, be sure to check out the Golf Shop which stocks all of the latest equipment trends and technology and logoed apparel from many of the top manufacturers.
One of Longview’s most popular amenities is the pool. It’s not uncommon to see families enjoying the family pool with water fountains and sprays, an infant pool, and a toddler pool. There’s also an adult pool with lap lanes and a jacuzzi tub. In the event you work up an appetite, you can enjoy full-service poolside dining. During the summertime, the club hosts family and adult-themed pool parties. The pool is open 7 days a week during pool season.
If you’re serious about staying in good shape, you’ll enjoy the Club’s Fitness Center. Their staff of certified fitness professionals take a personal interest in your well-being and offer countless ways to help get you in better shape. Within the fitness area, you’ll find the latest in cardiovascular and state-of-the-art workout equipment.
Dining is always a consideration when considering a new club and The Club at Longview offers members a variety of dining options. Regardless of the venue you choose, the Chef and his staff take advantage of locally sourced fresh ingredients. Many of these seasonal ingredients are only available at certain times of the year, which leads to an ever-changing menu that is always prepared with finesse and flair. The menu includes a mix of old favorites and new selections. Dishes you won’t find at too many clubs include Bacon, Jalapeno, and Cheddar Hushpuppies, and Ragin’ Cajun Chicken Pasta. No matter what you order, you’re sure to enjoy it!
No amenity at Longview is more coveted than their Youth Lodge. Not only does it give mom and dad the opportunity for some quality time, but the kids enjoy themselves. The Youth Lodge takes up the entire upper level of the Activity Center and is 100% for the kids with age-appropriate play areas, a movie theater, arts and crafts areas, game tables, and more. With scheduled events, Mom and Dad can make plans ahead of time.
In 2021, Mel Graham made the decision to sell the Club, and Concert Golf Partners was chosen as the long-term successor. The company‘s commitment to excellence along with the desire to update the facility so it could continue along its illustrious path made it an excellent fit to take over ownership. The staff is second to none; most of them know every member by name and are willing to go the extra mile and help make The Club at Longview a special place.
Concert Golf CEO Peter Nanula has said no major changes are expected to the course. Over the next two to three years, Nanula said Concert Golf plans to invest several million dollars into upgrades of the 25,000-square-foot main clubhouse and the 10,000-square-foot activity center. Concert Golf has already put roughly $3M in capital improvements into the property and more are underway. Recently completed projects include the expansion of the outdoor patio, a new pool pavilion, and a new turn house. Currently under construction are a new golf pro shop and a new Member bar and lounge.
If you like what you’ve heard so far, consider arranging a visit to Longview to see everything they have to offer. Members are never assessed, and Longview offers several types of membership s including golf, social, and corporate. There’s also a National Membership for those who live 100 miles from the Club. Call and speak with their Membership Director. And, as a member of a Concert Golf property, you’ll have reciprocity with other similar Concert Clubs.
The Club at Longview’s goal is to be the premier club in the region. I’d say they are well on their way! For more information on what The Club at Longview has to offer give them a call at 704-443-2500 or visit them online at www.theclubatlongview.com.