Our History

A Legacy on the Newport: The History of Morehead City Country Club

For over seven decades, Morehead City Country Club (MCCC) has served as the premier social and athletic hub of Carteret County. While the pristine greens and waterfront views we enjoy today feel timeless, the journey from a 1949 vision to a top-100 ranked course is a story of resilience, community, and constant evolution.

The Early Years: Enchanting Waters (1949–1953)

The club’s story actually begins slightly before its 1952 opening. It was officially incorporated on September 26, 1949, under the evocative name Enchanting Waters Country Club, Inc. The club was brought to life by a group of forward-thinking original incorporators:

John W. Morris

J.L. Crump

J.W. Beck

George R. Wallace

By 1952, the course was ready for play, and by 1953, the club officially opened its doors to 236 Charter Members. These families laid the foundation for the community-centric culture that defines MCCC today.

Resilience Through Fire and Growth

The early years saw rapid expansion to meet the needs of a growing Morehead City. In 1956, the Board approved funds for the first clubhouse and pool, with the pool opening in 1957 and the clubhouse following in March 1959.

However, the club faced its greatest challenge in November 1963, when the original clubhouse was completely destroyed by a fire. Showing the spirit of the membership, the Board immediately approved plans for a new facility. The "new" clubhouse was completed and dedicated on April 26, 1966, and served the membership until 2023. It remains today as “The Turn” snack bar, and awaits potential future re-purposing.

Purcell and Helen Jones: The Heart of the Club

Purcell Jones (1922–2015) and his wife Helen were synonymous with the spirit of Morehead City Country Club. Purcell served as the Club President for several years and remained an active, walking golfer into his 90s. Beyond the fairways, the couple were famous for owning and operating Camp Morehead on Bogue Sound from 1959 to 1995. Their experience mentoring thousands of young men and women at the camp translated into a leadership style at the country club that was focused on community and legacy.

One of the most prestigious moments in the club's history occurred when Governor James B. Hunt Jr. visited Morehead City Country Club specifically to present both Purcell and Helen with The Order of the Longleaf Pine. This is the highest honor a North Carolina governor can bestow, recognizing their extraordinary service to the state and their community.

The Seafood Golf Tournament

In 1967, Purcell and Helen founded the Seafood Golf Tournament, which would grow to become the club's signature event. They wanted an event that celebrated two of Morehead City’s greatest assets: championship-caliber golf and world-class local seafood. For over 50 years, the tournament has attracted top golfers from across the Southeast. It is widely considered one of the most popular amateur events in the region due to its unique blend of competitive play and social tradition.

Modern Evolution: Renovations & Rankings

To maintain its status as a premier golfing destination, the club has undergone several major transformations:

1998–1999 Renovation: Noted golf course architect Tim Cate led a significant overhaul of the course, modernizing the layout while preserving its coastal character.

2017 "Face-lift": Under the guidance of architect Randy Wilson, the course underwent a dynamic renovation that earned high praise from the golf world. World Golf Hall of Fame member Curtis Strange famously remarked, "This is the best face-lift of any club in the history of golf!"

2018 Waterfront Pool: The club unveiled its premier pool facility, featuring beach entry and stunning views of the Newport River, cementing MCCC as a true family resort destination.

2023 Clubhouse and Ballroom: Construction was completed on the new state-of-the-art clubhouse. It serves as the social center for golf events, with casual and fine dining, premier banquet facilities, and a rooftop lounge and patio that overlooks the 9th and 18th greens, as well as exhilarating views of the Newport River and its’ beautiful salt marshes.

Morehead City Country Club Today

Today, MCCC is recognized as one of the Top 100 courses in the state by the North Carolina Golf Panel, having risen 16 spots to #83 in the 2026 survey. While the "Enchanting Waters" name may be a part of the archives, the enchanting views and the spirit of those 236 original members remain at the heart of every round played and every sunset watched from the clubhouse.