MacGregor Downs Country Club — Restaurant in Cary

I want to start off by saying if you don’t get married at MacGregor Downs, you're making a mistake. Hear me out. I don't even know if I can adequately put into words how blown away I was by the way they seamlessly helped plan and pull off my wedding day, but I will try my best.

I think one of the most surprising things to me was that, even though I was told I would have a day-of coordinator, I had no idea what a vital part Victoria would play in the entire wedding planning process. She helped me nail down every detail during the 10 months leading up to my wedding. Seriously, no matter what wild idea I threw out there she was immediately on it and executing it flawlessly. She even researched and had a customized tee flag made with our initials embroidered on it. She helped me draw out a completely customized ceremony and reception layout and guided me through every detail of the decision process – from the linens to the ceremony arch to where each chair and table was placed.

The day of the wedding, she took care of every single item I brought with me (table numbers and decorations, guest book, welcome sign, cake topper) and made sure I was relaxed and taken care of all day. She even coordinated with the other vendors (DJ, florist, photographer, cake) to make sure everything ran smoothly. The ceremony was originally supposed to be outside, but because of rain it had to be moved indoors. Victoria and her team created the most beautiful, intimate indoor ceremony I have ever seen and honestly made that even more perfect than the outdoor ceremony I had always imagined. When it came time to take the pictures after the ceremony, Victoria tracked down a cart (the normal golf carts had been put away due to the weather) and drove us IN THE RAIN to the bridge we desperately wanted a photo taken at.

My wedding truly could not have been less stressful or more beautiful – and it was all thanks to Victoria and the rest of the team. She and Nicole worked from 8 am till (at least) midnight (probably much later) to make my day flawless and there are really no words that come close to thanking them enough for that. The two of them were professional and courteous and worked tirelessly through the whole day and night.

Other thoughts on the day: • The food was incredible. My guests went back to the stations multiple times and raved about how delicious it was. Two months later, I am still hearing about the meal served at my wedding! • Every member of the auxiliary staff (servers, bartenders, etc.) was pleasant and beyond helpful. The event was appropriately staffed and no one had to wait long for food, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, etc. • Parking – adequate parking for guests, lot right next to building; many venues I visited downtown would require guests to park in decks or blocks away and walk. Having a lot adjacent to the venue, and a driveway where some guests can be driven right to the door, was extremely convenient. • Privacy – while MacGregor is a golf club, you still feel like the entire place belongs to you that day. Even with people playing the course, the areas designated for the wedding are set aside for you and your guests and you don’t even notice if there is any other activity going on. • Backdrop for pictures – this one is pretty self-explanatory but your pictures will be incredible. You have access to take pictures on the course (there are two bridges that make for excellent pictures), on the patio (lake/course backdrop), inside the building (lots of windows which help with pictures), around the corner of the club building with the blooming trees and shrubbery, we had pictures taken all over the place.

I could honestly go on all day about all the details that made the day perfect, and I will sing Victoria, Nicole, Marielys (GM), and MacGregor Downs’ praises forever. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect wedding day and wedding, and I have a wonderful team of MacGregor ladies to thank for that.

Photographs by Stephanie...

Above the ornate fireplace in one of the stately dining rooms at Macgregor Downs Country Club, you’ll find the words “Ard Choille” (pronounced R Koil). According to history, it means “to the high woods or a secret meeting place,” and was the war cry of Scotland’s MacGregor Clan. Clan Gregor is one of the oldest clans in Scotland.

As you make your way around the golf course, you’ll experience tremendous views and challenging play, regardless of your skill level. The course routing is a giant circle running clockwise around MacGregor Lake. Both nines are hilly and tree-lined and finish close to the clubhouse. On the first hole, you’ll cross MacGregor Lake and won’t face it head-on again until the 18th hole, although it does wind its way behind the fourth green.

There are several memorable holes on the golf course, but none more so than the 18th hole, which is as visually stunning as it is challenging. Tee off from an elevated tee box over the shimmering waters of MacGregor Lake; how much water is up to you. From the White Tees, the shortest carry is straight ahead - not exactly at the hole on a dogleg right par 4 - but can be the difference between hitting that Pro V1 again or fishing a new one out of your bag. This shot requires about a 165-yard carry; go straight at the green and you’ll need about a 260-yard carry to clear the water. Once you find the fairway off the tee, you’ll have a long to mid-iron into the green. It’s one of the most intimidating holes out here!

Besides golf, MacGregor Downs Country Club has several popular amenities. The Fitness Room features top-of-the-line Cybex equipment, a Bravo Trainer, and free weights. The Club has partnered with several personal trainers who can help you put together the perfect workout regimen.

Since its opening in 1967, MacGregor Downs has built a reputation as one of the most prestigious private clubs in North Carolina. Members enjoy a clan-like environment, building long-lasting relationships with other members and developing close-knit friendships. It’s one of two Concert Golf Partners properties in the area. The Club at 12 Oaks is a super family-friendly club with a championship golf course and a ton of amenities that the entire family can enjoy. And it’s a mere 20-minute drive away. I mention this because Concert Golf now offers a Premier Golf Membership that allows you and your family to take advantage of all of the amenities at both clubs for one low, monthly fee. Several other membership programs are...

We’ve been members for several years with a very good experience. Our family has participated in various programs, including the top notch McDolphins swim team. Today, however, MacGregor needs to earn back the stars and our trust. As my husband & I dined for lunch, we were questioned multiple times from servers and management that clearly recognized us (because we’re there frequently) about our last name & member number. It was very odd, conspicuous, and frustrating. After talking to a myriad of people while I’m literally just trying to enjoy a lunch, they said we resigned from our membership as of 10/31. Which, of course, we did not, especially seeing as we received a bill for the month of November. They mentioned an employee (Cricket) who used to handle accounts etc. had since left & maybe that has something to do with it. I honestly do not care what the reason is. You made long standing, involved members feel otherwise today. It was an exceptionally poor experience. I expect a higher caliber of excellence, MacGregor. My confidence in your ability to keep accounts straight & have members feel valued moving forward is low. Disappointed. ————- Update: More than one person called my husband soon after to apologize for this experience. It wasn’t the “call just because there was a negative review” type of call. There was genuine sincerity. No excuses made. Just a heartfelt apology with determination to learn & do better moving forward. And they...