The Space
Gillespie Golf Course is a municipal golf course on 104 acres in east Greensboro, North Carolina, designed by renowned golf course architect Perry Maxwell. Construction began in June 1940 with Works Progress Administration approval, and the course opened in 1941 on Maxwell’s original nine-hole layout. The course maintains its foundational character while modern amenities have been added over the decades. A clubhouse with grill facilities, pro shop, and support buildings sit at the course’s core, providing the infrastructure for events and gatherings.
The setting is an open fairway landscape with bunkers, trees, and water features typical of golf course design. Couples can arrange ceremonies on the driving range, practice area, or adjacent grounds, leveraging the natural beauty of the manicured turf and planted landscaping. The course’s civil rights history adds profound significance to the setting, with a historical marker honoring the Greensboro Six and their 1955 protest, plus a 2024 mural unveiled at the clubhouse recognizing their legacy.
Capacity & Layout
Specific guest capacity for events is not formally published. The grounds and clubhouse can accommodate gatherings of various sizes depending on the configuration chosen. The driving range and practice areas provide open space for ceremonies or receptions. Direct inquiry with the golf course about event logistics, setup areas, and what facilities are available for rental is necessary.
The nine-hole layout (6,445 yards for 18-hole play using dual tee boxes) spreads across 104 acres, offering visual interest and separation of event zones if desired. The course’s open layout prevents the feeling of crowding even with moderate guest counts.
Amenities
The grill facilities provide food and beverage service options through the clubhouse. A driving range ($6 per bucket) and short course ($6 per person) are available if guests want activities incorporated into the event. Locker rooms are integrated into the clubhouse. Parking is available for guests, with lots near the clubhouse area. Restroom facilities are built into the clubhouse and support facilities throughout the grounds.
The pro shop and basic golf amenities (putting green, pitching and chipping area) are in place, making it easy for couples who want to incorporate golf-themed elements into their celebration. Walking is allowed on the course, adding flexibility for ceremony and reception arrangements. The course is operated by the city of Greensboro Parks and Recreation, meaning it functions as a public facility open to civic use and events.
Location & Getting There
Gillespie Golf Course sits in east Greensboro, readily accessible from local roads and within a 15-minute drive from downtown Greensboro. The Piedmont setting is typical of central North Carolina, with moderate elevation and a mix of fairway turf and tree coverage. The drive from Chapel Hill is about 45 minutes, and from Charlotte about two hours. The course’s identity as a public facility makes it one of the most accessible golf-centered venues in the Triad region.
The open fairway setting and low architectural density mean ceremony sound carries well across the course with minimal echo, and a DJ setup for reception dancing can use the clubhouse interior or an open area of the grounds; the lack of surrounding buildings and the absorptive nature of fairway turf mean sound dissipates outward without the reflections that create acoustic problems indoors, requiring balanced speaker placement but not elaborate treatment to achieve clear audio for guests throughout the space.
Why Couples Book Dow Oak Here
You only get one reception at this venue, so it should be run by a team that already knows how to make a room like it work:
- We have actually performed at this venue, so we plan for its sound, layout, and flow instead of guessing on your night
- One team for your DJ and MC, photo booth, and custom lighting, on a single plan and one contract
- Backup DJs scheduled and on call, with your full plan shared across our team
- An online planning portal plus a planning call before the day
- More than 3,000 five-star reviews on The Knot, WeddingWire, and Google
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees, and just $400 reserves your date
Wedding DJ FAQ
Have you performed at this venue before?
Yes. Every venue in our directory is one we have actually worked, so we already know how to set up, light, and run the room for a wedding, from ceremony sound to the last dance.
How much is a wedding DJ?
Your price depends on your date, your area, and add-ons like a photo booth, uplighting, or ceremony sound. Pick your date on our pricing page and you will see your exact price, and just $400 reserves your date.
Do you provide lighting and a photo booth too?
Yes. One team handles your DJ and MC, color-matched uplighting, and a modern photo booth on a single plan.
What happens if our DJ has an emergency?
We always have trained backup DJs scheduled and on call, with your full plan shared across our team, so someone can step in seamlessly.
How do we book you?
Check your date using the form on this page. We confirm availability, send your pricing, and a $400 retainer reserves your date.
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