
The golfers of Statesville and the surrounding counties owe much to the golf professional at Statesville Country Club. Pat Denofrio was at Statesville Country Club for 15 years, and without his help, the course would have deteriorated beyond repair. George Jarno, Bill Ott, Victor Callendrio and Jack Helms are other golf professionals who have been at Statesville. The Club Membership grew from 150 members in 1944 to 350 members in 1983, 250 being stockholders, 50 associate members and 50 golf members. In 1961, the original club house on the Salisbury Road was destroyed by fire. By that time, the new golf course was in operation. A small house was built where the cart shed now stands to house the golf shop and snack bar until the new clubhouse was completed. The planning committee for the club house was Cevil, Graybill, Chairman, William Allison, A.W. Fanjoy, Paul Meech, J.C. Shaw, Montgomery Steele and Mary Wagner. It was designed by the Architectural Firm of Adams and Pegram, and constructed by P.S. West Construction Company. L.A. Parks, Sr., was President of the club during these years when the property was being bought and the club constructed. He was never properly recognized for all the time and effort he unselfishly gave to these projects. In 1963, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie White, who came from Virginia, were hired to be the new club managers. Their assistance was very helpful in getting the club ready to open. The club was officially opened in January, 1964. With the White’s knowledge of club management, decorating, the social graces, and years of experience, the club became successful, growing to 400 members, and became a vital part of the serving with love and loyalty until 1975. Cecil McFadden and Andrew Jones served as managers from 1975 until 1980, when Gerald Mills was hired. As the club activities increased, more space was needed for dining and entertaining. A renovation program was started in 1976, with Dan Mitchell serving as President of the club at that time. The kitchen was enlarged, and equipped with all new appliances, and a much needed storage space was added. A large new formal dining room was added, also a spacious room for a t.v. and cocktail lounge, and rest rooms for the area. A terrace was built outside for outdoor entertaining. The original part of the club was repainted and new carpet was installed.
Two major golf tournaments have been held successfully at the Statesville Country Club. In 1968, the North Carolina Women’s Golf Association held its annual state championships here with Mary Wagner, as Chairman. In 1981, again they held this annual tournament here, with Frances Fanjoy as Chairman.

Golf Professionals who have served here since 1960 are: Frank Sullivan, Bill English, Odell Massey, Tommy Albin, Bobby Becknell and Johnny Palmer. Mr. Palmer played on the Professional Golf Association of America’s Tour for eleven years. He won eight tour titles, and was a member of the Ryder Cup team one year. He was elected to the Carolina’s Professional Golf Association Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Sports Hall of Game.