High Side Golf Club Breaks Ground in Kannapolis, With Lighted Short Courses Planned for Late 2027
A semi private golf club on about 80 acres in Kannapolis plans an executive par 32 course, a lighted par 3, a lighted range, and some public access, with play expected in late fall 2027.
Kannapolis is getting a new kind of golf club. The city announced on Oct. 21 that ground has been broken on High Side Golf Club, a semi private project on about 80 acres, with construction running through 2027.
What is planned
High Side is built around shorter, faster golf rather than a traditional 18 hole championship course. According to the city's release, plans include:
- Two courses designed by golf course architect Kris Spence: an executive par 32 course and a lighted par 3 course
- A lighted driving range with covered bays
- Short game practice areas and an 18 hole putting course
- A performance center, run by David Ross and Kennedy Ramsey with Elevate Golf Performance Center
- A clubhouse
The lighting matters. A lit par 3 course and a lit range open the door to golf after work on fall and winter weeknights, once the sun sets early.
Who can play
The release describes a mix of memberships and public access. A founding group called The Originals is capped at 50 members, and the club plans Resident, Young Executive, and Weekday memberships as well. The release says public access will also be offered, but it does not say how much of the week or which facilities will be open to the public, and no prices have been published.
The project's co-founders are Phil Hamel, Scott Hamel, and JD Downey.
When it opens
The city says construction will continue through 2027, with initial operations expected in late fall 2027. The club's own website shows land secured and city, civil, and design coordination underway, and invites golfers to join an interest list.
What we do not know yet
- Exactly where it is. Neither the city's release nor the club's website gives an address or road for the 80 acre site. The club describes itself only as just north of Charlotte in Kannapolis. We will update this when the location is published.
- Cost and pricing. No construction cost, membership dues, or public rates have been announced.
- Opening details. Late fall 2027 is a target, and construction schedules can slip.
Why it matters for Kannapolis
Recreation is having a moment in Kannapolis. The city's parks department earned national reaccreditation this month, and a lighted, short format golf club with some public access would add a different kind of option for golfers in Cabarrus County and the northern suburbs, especially newer players and anyone short on time for a full 18.
For updates, watch the City of Kannapolis news page and the club's site.
Last verified October 22, 2026.
