About Woodlake

Woodlake Country Club is a gated community located on the outskirts of North Carolina’s most well-known and sought after districts, including the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Fort Bragg, Pope Air Force Base, and Fayetteville areas. Despite its close proximity to nearby city life, residents and passersby prefer to indulge in the laid back atmosphere and unique amenities that Woodlake has to offer. With gorgeous views of the property’s 1,200 acre private lake, a charming historical clubhouse, and two championship golf courses, Woodlake Country Club has been the best kept secret of the North Carolina Sandhills for more than 54 years.

History

The property was originally developed in 1968 by local developer, A.B. Hardy, who envisioned a golf and lake destination on par with the historic resorts of the surrounding areas. He began with the construction of Lake Surf, a private 1,200 acre spring-fed lake and eventually hired the late Ellis Maples to design what is now The Maples Course which served as the property’s only golf course for 26 years. In 1980, Woodlake was sold to German Developers who are responsible for opening The Palmer Course in 1996. Woodlake has changed German ownership a few times since 1980, and has endured financial and upkeep troubles over the last several years under that ownership. The final straw for the community was the breach of the dam during Hurricane Matthew as a direct result of ignored repairs where the Lake serving this community has been empty since 2016. In 2019, Keith Allison, a longtime Woodlake property owner, along with his family, were asked to step in and help the community, who had recently obtained a $165 million+ class action judgement against the German ownership entity. It wasn’t until March of 2021 that Mr. Allison and Atlantic National Capital (ANC), were able to secure the property in a foreclosure auction, free and clear of all liens. ANC is working closely with Moore County to clear up any and all unpaid property taxes (some dating back to 2014), and identifying next steps to repair the dam and fill the lake, working closely alongside the Restore Woodlake Committee.