The 500 Club

Course Information

The 500 Club, formerly known as Larkin Golf Club, was designed by Clyde Johnston and is known for its rolling terrain and views. Johnston is a well-rounded designer known for putting pressure on shot shaping throughout his courses. The club was renovated in 2023 and rebranded as the 500 Club.

The founder, Rick Allen, was a past play-by-play announcer for NASCAR, and the course reflects that. The logo includes vibrant colors and two racing flags with a golf ball and tee pedestaled in the middle.

Website: The 500 Club

Address: 175 Club House Dr, Statesville, NC 28677

Phone: (704) 872-9990

0.0

0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)

Excellent0%

Very good0%

Average0%

Poor0%

Terrible0%

Personal Anecdote:

Up until a month or two ago, I had no clue what the 500 Club was. Due to the restoration of the Larkin Golf Club in 2023, this course was not on my radar whatsoever. After seeing a few posts online, I knew I had to make my way down to Statesville to check it out.

Upon arrival, it’s a very different vibe than what you experience at most public courses in the Charlotte area. The clubhouse is modern, the restaurant and bar area are phenomenal for a post-round bite to eat and drink, and the practice facility is brand new. It all feels very modern. They do not offer a full-length range, only hitting from bay to net.

The course itself is awesome. I have played it twice now and have thoroughly enjoyed it each time. The course plays at 6,821 yards from the tips and 5,071 yards from the front tees. The 500 Club holds a variety of different holes such as dauntingly long par 5s, drivable par 4s, and scenic par 3s lined with fescue. If you are okay with a short drive, this is a must-play in the Charlotte area.

Favorite Holes:

Hole #11 – After hole #10 on the back, you swing around the green and are greeted with one of the more daunting par 5s I’ve witnessed. There is not a lot of OB on the hole itself, but it is long and all uphill from tee box to green. Standing on the tee box, you can look in the distance and see a flag hoisted up on top of what seems to be a mountain! This hole requires a good drive in the fairway; the rough here is very penalizing. After a well-struck drive, you will be left with at least a 250-200 yard approach shot, depending on how far you hit off the tee box. The green complex is fairly simple; getting there is the challenge.

Hole #12-13 – Although you could bunch 11 into this group, these three holes almost feel completely separate from the rest of the course. 12 is a straightforward par 3, followed by 13, a drivable par 4 that comes with a boatload of risk, and lastly 14, an easier par 4 that is pretty deceptive off the tee box. All three holes surround the biggest water feature on the property, bringing the chance.