Established in 1971, Raintree Country Club was born out of the rapid suburban expansion of South Charlotte. It was designed to be the centerpiece of the Raintree community, a sprawling residential development that aimed to blend natural North Carolina landscapes with modern recreational luxury.

Key Historical Milestones

• 1971: The Foundation The club officially opened its doors and golf courses in September 1971. Developed during a golden era of private club expansion in Charlotte, it was envisioned as a "neighborhood-centric" club where residents could walk or bike from their homes to the clubhouse.
• Breeden Design The club’s two 18-hole championship courses—the North Course and the South Course—were designed by  golf course architect Russell Breeden. Breeden is known for creating layouts that challenge low-handicap players while remaining accessible and enjoyable for the average club member.
• From 1981 to 1993 Raintree Country Club was the host for the Southern Conference (SoCon) Men's Golf Championship. While ETSU dominated the event winning 8 times, Bradd Faxon made his mark in his own way. One of the most famous individual stretches in the tournament's history happened at Raintree involving future PGA Tour star and world-class putter Brad Faxon, who played for Furman. In 1982, Faxon battled ETSU's Steve Munson in an incredible duel, with both shooting a scorching 203 over 54 holes. Faxon came back the next year in 1983 to claim the individual medalist title at Raintree, shooting a 208.
• 1985: Incorporation following its initial decade of growth, the club was officially incorporated in January 1985, solidifying its transition from a developer-led amenity to a structured private entity.
• Symetra Classic Raintree Country Club served as the proud host of the Symetra Classic for five consecutive years, from 2012 through 2016. During this tenure, the club welcomed the "Road to the LPGA," providing a challenging and prestigious venue for the world’s top emerging female professional golfers. The event became a highlight of the Charlotte sports calendar, famously seeing Kendall Dye set a tournament-record 65 on the course in 2016. In 2017, the tournament moved to Atlanta before eventually returning to the North Carolina area.

Architectural & Course Evolution

Unlike many clubs that feature a single course, Raintree's dual-course layout allowed it to become a hub for regional tournaments and a high volume of local play.

The North Course is widely known for its challenging elevations and strategic water hazards, demanding precision from the tee. In contrast, the South Course is generally considered more "player-friendly," featuring wider fairways and scenic views that cater to a broader range of skill levels. Both courses have undergone significant modernizations, most recently in the early 2020s, to update irrigation systems and bunker complexes.

Racquet Sports Excellence

Raintree boasts a premier tennis facility featuring nine lighted courts, comprising a mix of clay and hard surfaces to accommodate varied playing styles and year-round play. The program is anchored by USPTA and USPTR-certified professionals who provide a comprehensive range of services, from private instruction and specialized junior development clinics to adult drill sessions. Beyond casual play, the club maintains a competitive edge by hosting and participating in various leagues, including those sanctioned by the USTA and the Queen City league, fostering a vibrant social and athletic community.

A "Charlotte Tradition"

Over the decades, Raintree has evolved from a golf-centric facility into a full-scale family country club.

Today

Raintree Country Club continues to be a staple of the South Charlotte landscape. While many surrounding areas have seen massive commercial redevelopment, Raintree has maintained its identity as a wooded, rolling escape from the city’s urban bustle. It remains a member-owned club, managed with an emphasis on preserving the original "neighborhood" feel established over 50 years ago.

50th Anniversary Celebration

September 18, 2021 will surely go down as a night to remember!  More than 500 Members and guests attended the event with food trucks, fun, awesome music and terrific memories.  As we built up to the event we had Members and Staff reflect on their time at Raintree Country Club.  Those videos can be seen below.  

Additionally, a highlight video of the Concert celebration can be seen below.