How did it all get started? Back in the mid-sixties, North Hills and Cameron-Brown formed a jointly-owned corporation, North Ridge, Inc., with the objective of acquiring and developing a thousand acres of property north of Raleigh.

At that time, there was little activity north of Crabtree Creek along Falls of the Neuse Road; a few gas stations, a country store, and several farmhouses were about it. Acquisition of the land took two years and involved about fifty separate landowners.

Within North Ridge, Inc., a non-profit organization was formed, and the Articles of Incorporation were formalized in May 1967. This was the beginning of North Ridge Country Club.

Although the project was a corporate business venture, Ed Richards has to be considered the "godfather" of the country club; he was certainly the driving force in making sure the facilities would be "top drawer". He thought nothing of jumping on a airplane to look at other facilities around the country to get ideas for North Ridge. Bert Jones recalled being with Ed in New York in the Waldorf Astoria ballroom when Ed spied something that triggered a lengthy discussion on what the North Ridge bandstand should look like.

* * *

From the beginning, the concept was for North Ridge to become a member-owned country club. The developers intended to build the facility and operate it until the membership was large enough to exercise their option to buy and successfully run the operation.

The golf course was initially planned for 18 holes surrounded by 900 building lots. (The plan was later altered to provide for 36 holes of golf with the number of lots reduced to 804). The original 18 holes, designed by George Cobb, were scheduled to open for play in October of 1967, but a torrential rainstorm destroyed the newly seeded greens and most had to be completely rebuilt, causing a six-month delay. (Those original 18 holes are presently Oaks #1-5, 15-18, and Lakes #1-3, 13-18).

There was a concerted effort in May and June 1967 to enroll members for the new facility. The cost of a founding membership was $400. By the end of June, 310 Raleigh residents had submitted their applications for membership in North Ridge Country Club.

* * *

When the golf course officially opened for play in Aril 1968, North Ridge Country Club had 385 members. The initiations fee had increased to $750, and the monthly dues were $15. Ken Worthington was the first golf professional, and Ray Autry was the greens superintendent.

By 1969, homes were springing up around the golf course. The clubhouse was under construction and the pool opened that summer. Four clay courts and two hard courts were constructed for tennis. The tennis professional and the pool director, was Rich Henderson, and Bert Jones served as the new club president.

* * *

A gala black tie opening celebration for the clubhouse, featuring Les Brown and his band with Phil Crosby, was held in January 1970. It coincided with the 31st wedding anniversary of Ed and Helene Richards! The Governor of North Carolina, Dan Moore, was one of the guests. The following day was a pro-celebrity golf tournament, with Mike Souchak and Les Brown and a number of area pros participating.

Construction to expand to two 18-hole golf courses was begun in 1970. The architect for the additional 18 holes was Gene Hamm. The membership continued to grow, and the dues were now $30 a month. Bert Jones was again the club president.

* * *

Ronnie Reitz became the new head golf professional in 1971. Club members were asked to serve on various committees, enabling the members to have considerable voice in club affairs. Bert Jones served his third term as president of the club.

Holes # 4-12 on the Lakes course were completed, opening for play in May 1972, and Charlie Johnson became the club president.

In April 1973, holes # 5-14 on the Oaks course opened for play. Charlie Johnson continued as president. Ever mindful of the upcoming option to purchase, a committee of ten members was formed in June to prepare a formal proposal for the membership to purchase the assets of North Ridge Country Club.

* * *

* 1974 - 1976 *

The first Board of Governors was elected and took office in 1974:

Frank Beacham, president William Dewey

Pat Howe, vice president Bill Lee

Bill Bulla, secretary Buck Ransdell

Tom Barnett George Smith

Ray Briggs Bob Wilson

C.R. Council Charlie Wiygul

Though the affairs of the club were conducted by the newly-elected Board, the owners retained veto power over matters pertaining to expenditures. Tom Bradshaw was the owner's representative and attended all Board meetings. The manager of the club was Chuck Witherspoon. The dues became $55 per month, with quarterly dining room minimum of $45.

It was a Year of Decision for the burgeoning membership of 712. Due to the weakened economy, the purchase option was extended to December 31, 1976 and, in return, each member was requested to contribute $2500 to be placed in a escrow account in order to retain membership. The interest on these funds accrued to the owners. By the end of the year, though, the membership had shrunk to 440.

* * *

Jim Glassen became the new club manager in 1975. Earl Bardin was added to the Board, filling a vacancy, and Buck Ransdell served as club president during the year.

Each hole of the golf course was remeasured, and new course ratings were established and certified by the Carolinas Golf Association. The LGPA tournament was held at North Ridge in May, using the original 18 holes, with Tom Bradshaw as the tournament director. Due to the popularity of tennis, four additional courts were under construction.

Effort was placed on recruiting new members, but the economic doldrums kept the net increase at a mere 20 over the prior year.

* * *

Bill Lee became the club president in 1976, and new Board members included Harry Fabry, Greer Pruitt, Clyde Redding, and Phil Shehdan. Vern Rodberg also joined the Board, having been elected for one year, to complete an unexpired term.

The new tennis courts were ready for action, and the Carolinas Golf Association system for maintaining handicaps was instituted. The 150-yard bushes, which had heretofore varied anywhere from 141 to 164 yards, were positioned at the correct distances from the centers of the greens. Eastern Airlines arranged for a charity round of golf and a clinic; Chi Chi Rodriguez was among the guests.

The highlight of the year, however, was the purchase plan presented to the membership on December 6^th. The owners had made it possible for the members to buy the club by significant reducing the original option conditions. In addition, the owners assigned John Brantly, one of their corporate executives, to full-time duty for six month to spearhead a drive to recruit new members. The campaign resulted in a year-end total of 512 members, only 30 of whom declined to participate in the purchase plan.

* 1977 *

North Ridge ushered in the year with banner headlines:

MEMBERSHIP ASSUMES OWNERSHIP

AND OPERATIONS RESPONSIBILITY

The principal provision of the purchase plan were:

• The purchase price was $2.4 million.

• Of the funds in escrow, $100,000 was retained as working

• The owners accepted a five-year note at 8% for the balance.

• The repayment schedule was established on an escalating basis

Greer Pruitt, the first president of the new member-owned club, welcomed Dick Daugherty, Marshall Hartsfield, Jack Munroe, and Jack Myers to the Board. In accordance with the loan agreement, the Board also included two additional club members, representatives from North Ridge, Inc. Louis Mitchell and Jim Purser occupied those positions for the entire five years the note was in effect.

The Board updated the by-laws to fit the needs of a member-owned club and established monthly dues at $65 for the year. Members of the state legislature were granted golf privileges by the Board. Along those who took advantage of these privileges was Governor James E. Holshouser, Jr.

The energy crisis struck the club as it did everything and everyone else. For a brief period, operation hours were curtailed to 48 hours a week. Bob Sierra arrived in September as the new club manager.

The emphasis all year continued to focus on increasing the membership. The members themselves provided most of the prospects, with a group nicknamed the "Green Berets" following up on all potential members. Their success was evidenced by a total membership at the end of the year of 545.

* 1978 *

During the second year of member-owned operation, Clyde Redding was the president. The four new Board members were Al Michaels, John Riedy, Ron Stamey, and Joe Whitehead. Dues were increased to $70 a month, and long range planning was added as one of the standing committees of the Board of Governors. Changes in the by-laws involved restricting leaves of absence and establishing a junior membership.

Financially, it was nip and tuck for the fledgling club. Only $20,000 was available for capital improvements. The driving range was remodeled and top soil added. The halfway houses, a financial drain, lost $250 a month during the heavy playing season. A new fleet of golf carts was acquired, with the decision made for the pro to purchase and own them as well as to receive a percentage of the rental fees.

The good news included a successful appeal on the property tax evaluation, saving the club a considerable amount in annual taxes. North Ridge became a stop on the North Carolina Men's Professional Tennis tour. And by December the membership stood at 591.

* 1979 *

Jack Munroe took over the reins as president; freshmen Board members were Bill Blanton, Al Cole, Jack Ralph, and Wally Voigt. The monthly dues became $75.

In February, the Board approved a six-month trail period permitting the 15% surcharge on the dining room chits to go directly to the waiters, the objective being to attract higher caliber service personnel. Al Michael's minutes of that meeting closed with, "We finally adjourned at 11:35 PM, thank God!". At the end of six months, however, the idea was discarded since the objective had not been achieved and member reaction was unfavorable.

Jerry Bosquet became the club manager. A questionnaire was sent to all members elicit their opinions and views on all phases of club operations. One suggestion recommended that the area around the clubhouse should have the same appearance as the putting green!

A little-used downstairs area in the club was converted - at a total cost of $4,000 - by a small group of members. All the work, including constructing the bar, building the tables, and laying the carpet, was performed by these few members. Their handiwork resulted in what is now called the Pub.

The Big News of the year, of course, was the liquor by the drink referendum passed in January. On March 16^th, North Ridge sold its first mixed drink!

The membership roster had grown to 632 by year-end.

* 1980 *

Joe Whitehead was at the helm as club president, and the new members of the Board were Dick Myers, Clyde Redding, Bud Schlitt, and John Stengal. Phil Tracy also served on the Board, replacing Bill Blanton who had resigned. Later in the year; Warren Newman joined the Board as a result of Al Cole's resignation.

At mid-year, the club was without a manager. For six weeks, Board members spelled the staff during the day-time and evenings. George Whiting, formerly at Carolina Country Club, came aboard in September. Though he did not wish to become a full time manager again, he offered to act as consultant on a part time basis. The arrangement was ineffective, however, and he finally relented agreeing to serve full time "through the holiday season". He ended up staying nine months!

The primary goals through the year were to acquire funds for capital improvements and plan for the club's future. Each member was asked to subscribe $150 to a capital funds budget: the value of the membership certificate was increased from $1,500 to $1,650 to accommodate the return of the $150 subscription at the time of resignation. Dues were raised to $80.

Dick Myers was the club president. Pete Fortner, Warren Newman, Jim Sapp, and Phil Tracy were elected to the Board to three-year terms, while Bill Lee and Dave Rendleman were elected to complete unexpired terms.

The monthly dues were increased to $85. In February, the policy was announced that effective July 1^st, the initiations fee would be raised to $5,000 and the membership closed at 725. At the time of the announcement, the club was 83 members short of that total.

Both Class B category and corporate memberships were discontinued though, in both cases, memberships already existing would continue to be honored. A provision for a membership screening committee was added to the by-laws.

In golf, the sand traps around the Oaks 14 and 18 greens were redesigned. Greens fees were raised to $15; fees for bonafide house guests were $7.50. And the halfway houses were in the black by $100!

A membership roster including the club rules and regulations was distributed. With the retirement of George Whiting, Manuel Santos was hired as manager. And at the end of the year, the membership had reached its 725 goal!

* 1982 *

The club president was Warren Newman, and the newly-elected Board members included Mel Deener, Sam McNairy, Dave Rendleman, and Bruce Wainright. The budget for the year included dues set at $92.50.

Plans were completed for refinancing the club debt and paying off the note obligations to North Ridge, Inc. Thanks to the availability of funds resulting from the debt trust program in 1980 the bank loan requirements were $ 75,000.

One of the golf courses was opened on Mondays for walkers and 8 o'clock tee times were established to accommodate more golfers. The Lakes cart path crossing Hunting Ridge was rerouted to minimize the possibility of accidents.

The cycle for the dining room minimums was redesigned and staggered so that expirations occurred each month. The by-laws were revised and brought current. And the year ended with a waiting list for membership!

* 1983 *

Warren Newman continued as president, while Gene Harlow, Ed Johnson, Graham Kennedy, and Dana Lesher were elected as the new Board members. Brick Wall was also newly elected, for one year, to complete an unexpired term. The monthly dues were raised to $97.

After 14 years, the main level of the clubhouse was due for a facelift. The massive redecorating project included new carpet and draperies, chairs and sofas, and chandeliers.

The golf course also got a facelift, in the form of some new fencing (for both aesthetic appeal and to deter vehicles from illegal entry). A new tee was built on #11 of the Lakes, making the hole shorter. The blue tee on #13 was moved and the entire tee enlarged, and #2 received new traps. A new fleet of golf carts arrived and John Toepel became the new golf pro.

* 1984 *

Pete Fortner became the new president; elected for three-year terms on the Board were Ted Coleman, Alex MacFadyen, Larry Monteith, and Brick Wall. The dues increased to $104.

A special committee was appointed to review the by-laws, with particular emphasis placed on voiced member concerns and restrictions on the Board regarding club assets and indebtedness. A sale of disconnected parcels of land on the backside of the Lakes course created $473,00.

The mortgage burning ceremony took place in April during Swing into Spring weekend, with Ed Richards and Cliff Cameron holding the mortgage while Pete Fortner applied the match.

The quarterly dining room minimum increased to $60, and the Class A initiation fee became $7,500. The membership ceiling was also increased to 750. Roy Camp arrived as the new club manager.

* 1985 *

Dana Lesher was the new club president. Greer Pruitt, Ed Shook, Carl Swarr, and Ron Thurston were the new Board members.

A pension plan for club employees was initiated, and casual attire in the dining room was introduced. Greens fees for guests became $18, and J.L. Stacks arrived as the new tennis pro.

In August - due to the absence of a general manager - the assistant manager, Jan Campbell, operated the club with the assistance of some of the Board members.

During this period, the Board was negotiating a contract for a club manager with Horne Management of Tallahassee.

And in December, the Board approved a "senior status" to honor and provide an economic benefit to those members who qualify.

* 1986 *

The Board of Governors was headed by Ted Coleman, with Jim Hyler, Wiley Sholar, Frank Telesca, and Bob Wilson joining the Board. Bill McDermott was elected to complete the unexpired term of Ron Thurston. Dues became $113, cart fees $7.00, and the initiations fee $10,000.

Staff changes abounded: Frank Margarella - through the agreement with Horne - arrived as the general manager, Sam Brewer became the head golf pro, and Butch Sheffield was the new greens superintendent.

Two new committees were created by the Board: Greens and Grounds, formerly part of the Golf Committee; and Service and Entertainment, which had been included with the House Committee.

Repairs were completed on the pool deck and the clubhouse roof, the tennis shop was renovated, a new irrigation system was installed on the golf course, and construction began on a new cart shed. A freak lightning storm in July had turned the old shed into an inferno, destroying not only the shed but also all the golf carts.

The membership ceiling was raised to 775. Transfer fees were temporarily waived for corporate members who wished to transfer the memberships to their designated users as personal memberships; the result was a 50% reduction in the corporate members.

* 1987 *

The club's 20^th year began with Alex MacFadyen as president. New Board members included Gary Cram, Bob Scott, Tom Stevens, and Charlie Wiygul. Dave Mazo was elected for two years, to complete Wiley Sholar's term, while J.D. Davis was elected to serve one year, completing the term originally held by Ron Thurston and then by Bill McDermott. Dues were set at $135 and 57 of the original 310 members were still actively associated with the club.

* E P I L O G U E *

The 20^th year milestone is certainly cause for reflection. What was once a thousand acres of bare countryside is now a bustling community of prestigious homes and manicured lawns. What was once an architect's idea on a blueprint, and a few scrawny sticks, has blossomed into an imposing clubhouse surrounded by stately trees. And what was once Ed Richard's dream has become an impressive reality.

A reminder! - Send your updated information or other comments to: Dave Shogren.

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