Old Chatham Golf Club opened in 2001 as a golf club set on 400 acres of protected pine woodlands on the northeast shore of Jordan Lake State Recreation Area. Triangle-area business leaders envisioned a private, invitation-only club focused on the art of the sport. The course was designed by Rees Jones and Greg Muirhead and routed so that every nine returns to the Clubhouse. The course plays up to 7,210 yards at par 72.
The Clubhouse opened in the mid-2000s and has anchored the property ever since, organized around the practice facility and the first and tenth tees. It holds a pro shop, restaurant, locker rooms, and a private library, comfortable rather than ornate, in keeping with the rest of the property. A 16-acre practice facility, an 18-hole course set in 400 acres of protected land-forever free of development, an elegant golf clubhouse, and a traditional caddie program are all reserved for member-only play. Members enjoy the highest levels of service and privacy.
Old Chatham has stepped into the championship rotation gradually but seriously. It hosted the 2009 North Carolina Amateur (marking the Carolinas Golf Association’s centennial), the 2014 North Carolina Mid-Amateur, the 2019 U.S. Senior Amateur won by Bob Royak, and recent U.S. Open Final Qualifying events. In July 2026, the property hosts its second USGA championship: The 2026 77th U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship.
The Club is in proximity to two shopping and dining areas, as well as Fearrington Village, Governors Club, and Briar Chapel.
The Birch Cottage
The Birch Cottage, the only residence on the grounds, opened for member use in 2014. It has four bedrooms (each with a king bed and a full bathroom), a kitchen, a large living room with 3 flat-screen TVs, and a patio adjacent to the practice facility. Members and their guests use it for overnight stays, business meetings, and retreats; reservations are made through ForeTees or directly with the Club.
The entire cottage may be rented more than two weeks before arrival, or individual rooms may be rented within two weeks of arrival. The living room may also be rented for business meetings or retreats within this two-week window. Breakfast and lunch are available from the Club, and dinner can be provided by the Club or any of the surrounding restaurants.
