Course History

Bordered on one side by Interstate 95, and on the other side by eastern North Carolina farmland, Hickory Meadows Golf Course, at the intersection of I-95 and NC 33 at Exit 150, is unique in down home flavor. In the early 1920's, O.J. Smith had just returned from World War I. Being a native of the area, Mr. Smith opened a country store at Hickory Crossroads, which earned its name from the abundance of hickory trees. Mr. Smith purchased some farmland and began to farm, as well as run the store. In the 1950's, Mr. Smith purchased the land where Hickory Meadows is now located from the Deveraux family. In the 1960's, the construction of Interstate 95 brought an interruption to this once tranquil community.

Determined to make the best of the situation, Sarah, Mr. Smith's daughter, and her husband Gene Watson, decided a golf course might be an option for this land known as the Deveraux farm. In 1977, Gene entered into a business relationship with Red Sapp, a PGA pro at a local private club. The two quickly realized how much the area needed a golf course. Based on their knowledge of golf and their love for the game, the two set out to design a course. Thus the beginning of Hickory Meadows.

Hickory Meadows was named for the crossroads of Hickory, just west of the golf course entrance, at the intersection of NC 33 and NC 48. There are actually very few, if any, hickory trees remaining on the course. It was carved from loblolly pine timber, which covered 125 acres. It is primarily pine that you see on the course today.

After a very dry year in 1977, construction began in early 1978. After trees were cut and fairways laid out, the rains came. In August of 1978, there were bulldozers actually stuck in the fairways. The rains eventually subsided and the back nine opened in September of 1979. The front nine was completed in April of 1980. The course was originally designed as a par 71 course, but a few changes in the years allowed it to become a par 72. In 1984, the original pro shop and cart shed burned. The cart shed was rebuilt and a new pro shop was constructed to the rear of the original one.

From the player's view, the course offers the average player generous landing areas from four different tee boxes. The Bermuda fairways and rough are maintained to allow good lies from the fairways and shots from the rough.

The greens are Bermuda in the summer and a blend of winter ryes in the fall, winter and spring. The greens range from 4000 to 7000 square feet, and are designed to receive high shots, as well as pitch and run shots. With a small number of sand bunkers and strategically placed ponds, trouble can be avoided.

From the blue tees, the course is 6,737 yards long. From the white tees, it is 6,291 yards, and ladies and seniors will enjoy the 5,520 yard course. With a new fleet of golf carts, a player can ride along the paved paths, or if desired, can walk the course. Any level handicap player will enjoy their day playing the course.

Hickory Meadows also offers a spacious driving range.  There is also a practice green and bunker available for those golfers who just want to sharpen their skills. Golfers are handled on a first come, first served basis and no tee times are required. There is a fully stocked pro shop and a snack bar/grill where even non-golfers make a trip to come and eat.

Hickory Meadows prides itself on being a family run business and tries to treat each of its customers like family. Steeped in the rich heritage of eastern North Carolina, Hickory Meadows aims to offer each customer a dose of true southern hospitality. A bit of the land's original history can be seen on hole number 15, where the Deveraux family cemetery lies. Throughout its first twenty years, there have been many lasting friendships made. In 1994, a tornado went through on a Friday afternoon in June. With hundreds of trees down and debris everywhere, Saturday morning found regular golfers out on the course picking up limbs and trash, rather than hitting the golf ball. "The friends we have made during these years are something we never dreamed of", says Gene Watson. "We have such a supportive community, not just those right around us, but also those travelers on I-95 as well."

Hickory Meadows has seen quite a turn- a-round since its early days.  Hickory Meadows is still solely-owned today by the Watson family.  The course is currently being managed by Lori Watson Strickland, daughter of Gene Watson.  Brantley Sapp, son of Red Sapp, is the Greens Superintendent.  Kris Jolley is our Golf Professional.  Custom Club Fitter Ronnie Daniels is the newest member of our staff.