High Side Golf Club has officially broken ground in Kannapolis, beginning construction on a new semi-private golf destination designed to bring high-quality golf into a format that fits more naturally into everyday life.
Located just north of Charlotte, the approximately 80-acre golf property will feature two courses designed by North Carolina golf course architect Kris Spence: an executive par-32 course and a lighted par-3 course. The property will also include a lighted driving range with covered hitting bays, expansive short game facilities, an 18-hole putting course, a dedicated golf performance center and a clubhouse designed to serve as the social hub of the property.
High Side was founded by father-and-son team Phil and Scott Hamel, alongside JD Downey, around a simple premise: really good golf that fits into your life.
“Golf has been a huge part of my life, from growing up playing with my dad to competing at a high level,” said co-founder Scott Hamel. “The best experiences bring together great golf, good competition, and people you enjoy being around. We’re building High Side to deliver all of that in a way that fits into your life - whether you have an hour or an entire afternoon.”
The concept comes as short courses, putting courses and flexible golf experiences have become increasingly prominent at some of the game’s best-known destinations. Pinehurst has The Cradle, Pebble Beach has The Hay, and facilities such as The Park in West Palm Beach have combined high-quality golf, short-form play, practice, dining and community gathering spaces within a single property.
High Side takes inspiration from that evolution while applying it to a different setting: something golfers can make part of their normal week.
For Scott, the connection to shorter golf is personal. One summer growing up, he and Phil played 63 rounds on the executive course at their club, saving every scorecard. Those rounds remain some of his favorite memories in the game - and a reminder of how much interest, competition and enjoyment a shorter course can offer.
That emphasis on quality and repeat play is central to Spence’s design of both courses. Spence, whose work throughout the Carolinas includes restorations and renovations of classic Donald Ross architecture, is designing both courses around strategy, angles, shot-making and green complexes rather than length alone.
“The goal at High Side is to create golf that is fun immediately but continues to reveal different shots and strategies the more someone plays it,” Spence said. “That interest comes from the angles into the greens, the choices around them and how a different hole location can change the way you play. We want golfers to keep finding new challenges long after they know the routing.”
Practice and player development will also be a significant part of the High Side experience. The club’s performance center will be operated by David Ross and Kennedy Ramsey with Elevate Golf Performance Center, offering instruction, player development, club fitting and related services.
The clubhouse, putting course and surrounding outdoor areas are being designed to create a social environment around golf rather than simply serving players before and after a tee time.
“We’re building a place organized around golf,” said co-founder Phil Hamel. “You might come to play, practice, meet friends, have something to eat or stay longer than you planned. We want High Side to become a place people genuinely want to spend time and experience the best of what this game has to offer.”
High Side will operate as a semi-private club, combining a membership community with broader access to the property. Its initial Founding Membership group, known as The Originals, is limited to 50 members. Resident, Young Executive and Weekday membership opportunities will also be offered alongside public access.
The groundbreaking follows land acquisition, fundraising, planning, design, engineering, entitlement and permitting work. Construction is expected to continue through 2027, with initial operations anticipated to begin in late fall 2027.
“For a long time, High Side existed in drawings, conversations and plans,” Phil said. “Now we get to watch it become a beautiful destination and take its spot in the community.”
High Side is also arriving during a period of growth and investment in Kannapolis - momentum the founders believe makes the city an ideal home for the project.
“We’re excited to welcome High Side Golf Club to Kannapolis,” said Doug Wilson, Kannapolis Mayor. “Projects like this add to the quality of life our residents enjoy while creating another unique destination for people to experience our city. High Side is a great example of the kind of thoughtful investment we’re pleased to see taking place as Kannapolis continues to grow.”
Interested in what it takes to build a golf course from the ground up? Follow the build at www.highsidegolfclub.com for behind-the-scenes updates, construction progress, design insights and a closer look at High Side as it comes to life.
About High Side Golf Club
High Side Golf Club is a modern semi-private golf destination under development in Kannapolis, North
Carolina. Designed by golf course architect Kris Spence, High Side will feature two walkable golf courses, night golf, a lighted driving range, expansive short game facilities, an 18-hole putting course, a dedicated performance center and a social clubhouse.
Founded by Phil Hamel, Scott Hamel and JD Downey, High Side is being built around the belief that exceptional golf can fit more naturally into everyday life without sacrificing the architecture, competition, camaraderie and quality that make the game special.
Media Contact
Scott Hamel, Co-Founder
shamel@highsidegolfclub.com
www.highsidegolfclub.com