As post-pandemic golfer participation continues to rise, there’s a slew of new golf courses which are in construction and opened of late.
Several have unapologetically humdrum backstories. Others come with historical and personal significance of which legends are made.
We came across a cool one in the low-population town of Traphill, N.C. It’s where the private Contentment Golf Club is being built, and the 800 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains holds special meaning to its developer.
Curt Sidden, a Davidson, N.C. resident, would retreat to find refuge with his late grandfather. Sidden’s father, Dr. Curtis Sidden, 92, grew up in Traphill and is heavily involved in the planning of Contentment. Now, Sidden’s vision is to provide the same, quiet, happy-place getaway for city and suburban dwellers alike.
Unsurprisingly, the literal meaning of contentment is “serenity” that defines the breathtaking land on which Contentment resides.
“Contentment is a tribute to my grandparents with whom I spent time here as a boy,” says Curt Sidden. “My family showed me the benefits of a quiet, uncomplaining and satisfied mind, and we hope Contentment is a true, tranquil haven for the body, mind and soul.”
The club’s grand opening is scheduled for September 25, 2025, 100 years to the day Sidden’s grandparents were married.
“The Contentment property is one of most relaxing, rejuvenating and overall special topographies in our company’s history,” says Jack Morgan, Senior Vice President of Landscapes Unlimited’s Project Development Group. “No wonder those looking to dodge the hustle-and-bustle are joining Contentment before the first shovel hits the ground.”
Pointedly, we know that when Landscapes Unlimited is involved in planning and bringing golf courses, country clubs, resorts and communities to life, they’ll turn out to be top tier.
For geographical context, Contentment is coveted for its location an hour from Winston Salem, 90 minutes from Charlotte and Greensboro, and a little more than two hours from Asheville and Raleigh-Durham. This convenience makes for an ideal, worlds-away respite from the grind of everyday life for championship golf and all-around relaxation.
Over the past nearly two years, Landscapes Unlimited has overseen all aspects of site planning, design and engineering, permitting, contractor selection, project administration and budget planning. The company is set to build an 18-hole, championship golf course and direct clubhouse and amenity development. Counterpart Landscapes Golf Management is undertaking membership strategies, business and operational planning, on the ground pre-opening activities and will assist with the course grow-in and grand opening.
Lester George’s original golf course design will pay tribute to 1900s legendary architects C.B. McDonald’s and Seth Raynor’s famous templates: Alps (illusionary approach shots), Redan (narrow, bunker-guarded and sloped greens) and Biarritz (massive greens bisected by a deep middle swale and flanked by narrow bunkers). Contentment members will repeatedly relish a blend of excitement and fair challenges on each hole.
Plans include cottages and lodging for members and their families and small-group overnights; however, the property will be void of homes to preserve its pure, low-impact, rural character. A comprehensive golf practice facility, outdoor gathering spaces, lake, hiking trails and reflection sanctuaries are in the works.
Founders, full, corporate and ambassador membership sales are exceeding projections. That’s hardly a shocker – the sounds of silence at Contentment are just what the doctor ordered.
