The Beginning of Cross Creek
The land that Cross Creek Country Club was built on was originally a working farm owned by H.O. Woltz Sr. The farm existed for many years producing corn, tobacco, beef cattle and other livestock. At one time the operation included a large commercial flower growing operation. Mr. Woltz’s flower and bulb farm supplied gladiola, jonquil, and tulips to many wholesalers on the east coast and beyond.
As the years passed, Mr. Woltz continued to acquire surrounding land as it became available and ultimately incorporated the tracts into Greenhill Farm. Firmly believing that a town was incomplete without an eighteen hole golf course, in the early 1970’s, Mr. Woltz envisioned a first class country club for Mount Airy and Surry County that would have a beneficial impact on future economic growth and would enhance the enjoyment of area residents. Since nearby Mount Airy Country Club was already in existence, a plan was put forth by Mr. Woltz and his sons, John E. Woltz and H.O. Woltz, Jr. to merge and create a new country club. Mount Airy Country Club would be developed into real estate venture and Mr. Woltz would contribute land for the site of the new golf course and club house. The plan was well received initially and was supported by a majority of the Mount Airy Country Club Board of Directors. Later the proposed merger met with resistance and was voted down by a majority of shareholders. The Woltzes were determined to move forward with their development project and were soon joined by several other community leaders in forming Cross Creek Country Club.
To ensure that their development efforts were first class, the Woltzes and a group of investors including Richard Vaughn, Zack Blackmon Sr., Lindsay Holcomb, Jr., Smith Holcomb, Kilbourn Henry and Ed Crossingham, contracted with Joseph Lee, a well known and respected golf course architect, to begin the planning stage for development. Together with Martini and Associates, a large land use consulting firm, they developed plans and renderings for the new Cross Creek Country Club and its surrounding residential developments.
After more than a year of planning and discussions, ground was broken for an 18 hole golf course. The club has operated since 1973, having undergone several renovations and improvements over the years. The Clubhouse was completely renovated in 2001 and boasts a well appointed interior with inviting food service areas and a Grand Ballroom that serves its members and the community as the center piece of the regional social scene. A three season Pavillion was added in 2007 and has become a popular venue for dining, parties and musical entertainment. The golf course was renovated in 2005 by well known architect Kris Spence whose other recent projects included Myers Park CC in Charlotte and Forsyth CC in Winston Salem. NC Business magazine recently named Cross Creek as one of the “Top 100”golf courses in the state of North Carolina.
Current Board Members, Zack Blackmon Jr., Bucky Holcomb, Lindsay Holcomb, Smith Holcomb, Richard Vaughn, Rick Vaughn, Ed Woltz, Elliott Woltz, H.O. Woltz III, and H.O. Woltz Jr, continue to pursue Mr. H.O. Woltz Sr.’s dream of operating a first class country club that enhances the community, supports economic growth, and brings enjoyment to the residents of Mt. Airy, Surry County and surrounding areas.