Charlotte, North Carolina, February 6, 2026
The Charlotte golf community is grieving the loss of Scott Davenport, the respected golf director at Quail Hollow Club, who passed away after a brief illness. With a remarkable 27-year tenure, Davenport was key in turning Quail Hollow into a premier tournament venue, hosting events such as the PGA Championship and the Presidents Cup. His legacy extended beyond his role as a professional, as he was a mentor to many young golfers across the state, leaving an indelible mark on North Carolina’s golfing landscape.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Charlotte Mourns Passing of Esteemed Quail Hollow Golf Director Scott Davenport
Scott Davenport, the respected golf director at Charlotte’s prestigious Quail Hollow Club, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026, at the age of 69, following a brief illness. His passing marks a significant loss for the North Carolina golf community, where he was celebrated as both an accomplished club professional and a dedicated mentor.
Davenport led golf operations at Quail Hollow for 27 years, a period during which the club established itself as a premier venue for major golf tournaments. Under his direction, Quail Hollow hosted the PGA Championship in 2017 and 2025, as well as the 2022 Presidents Cup. The club also hosts the PGA Tour’s annual Truist Championship.
Widely respected within the golf industry, Davenport was known for shaping the careers and character of many young golf professionals across the country. His influence on North Carolina’s golf landscape earned him recognition as one of the state’s 15 most influential leaders in the golf industry by NC Business. Born in 1956, Davenport’s distinguished career included roles at other esteemed clubs like Sea Island Club in Georgia and North River Yacht Club in Alabama before his long tenure at Quail Hollow.
Preston Cole, who worked under Davenport for eight years, has been named acting head golf professional through this year’s Truist Championship.
North Carolina’s Economy Continues Strong Growth with Major Corporate Investments
The passing of a revered figure in sports coincides with continued dynamic economic growth and significant corporate investments across North Carolina.
Scout Motors Establishes Global Headquarters in Charlotte
On November 12, 2025, Volkswagen Group subsidiary Scout Motors announced Charlotte, North Carolina, as the location for its global headquarters. This substantial project represents an investment of over $206.9 million by Scout Motors and is expected to create 1,200 new jobs in Charlotte.
The headquarters, situated in Charlotte’s Plaza Midwood neighborhood, will serve as the central hub for the company’s leadership and innovation, encompassing corporate leadership, research and development, marketing, software, artificial intelligence, and engineering roles. Scout Motors is dedicated to manufacturing and marketing off-road electric vehicles, building upon the legacy of the original Scout brand. The decision to locate its headquarters in Charlotte followed a comprehensive multi-state evaluation, highlighting the city’s appeal for top talent.
While the headquarters is in Charlotte, Scout Motors also has a production center under construction in Blythewood, South Carolina, which is projected to create 4,000 jobs and produce 200,000 vehicles annually.
Chinese Company Brings 515 Jobs and $80.5 Million Investment to Western North Carolina
In a separate economic development, Eco King Solutions, a new subsidiary of China-based Zhejiang Kingsun Eco-pack, is set to make a significant investment of $80.5 million in Robbinsville, a town in western North Carolina. This project is projected to create 515 new jobs in the region.
The Robbinsville facility will be Eco King Solutions’ first North American manufacturing site, where it will produce disposable dishware like bowls, plates, and trays for the supermarket and food service industries. The company plans to hire 300 individuals within the next three years, with an additional 215 workers to be brought on in a subsequent phase. This investment is viewed as a major boon for Graham County and the wider western North Carolina economy.
Sustained Momentum for North Carolina’s Diverse Economy
These recent developments, from the passing of a local legend who significantly contributed to the state’s sports prestige to substantial corporate investments creating thousands of jobs, underscore North Carolina’s dynamic environment. The state continues to attract significant capital and foster a diverse economic landscape, reinforcing its position as a leading destination for both established industries and cutting-edge ventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was Scott Davenport?
A: Scott Davenport was the esteemed golf director at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Q: What was Scott Davenport’s age when he passed away?
A: Scott Davenport passed away at the age of 69.
Q: When did Scott Davenport pass away?
A: Scott Davenport passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026.
Q: What significant economic news has recently impacted North Carolina?
A: North Carolina has recently seen Scout Motors establish its global headquarters in Charlotte and Eco King Solutions announce an investment and job creation in Robbinsville.
Q: Which company is planning its global headquarters in Charlotte?
A: Volkswagen Group subsidiary Scout Motors is planning its global headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Q: How many jobs and how much investment is a Chinese company bringing to North Carolina?
A: Eco King Solutions, a subsidiary of China-based Zhejiang Kingsun Eco-pack, is bringing 515 new jobs and an $80.5 million investment to Robbinsville, North Carolina.
Key Recent Developments in North Carolina
| Event | Details | Impact | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scott Davenport’s Passing | Golf Director at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away at age 69 on January 30, 2026. | Significant loss for the North Carolina golf community; 27 years of leadership, hosting major tournaments. | State-level |
| Scout Motors Global Headquarters | Volkswagen Group subsidiary Scout Motors to invest over $206.9 million and create 1,200 new jobs in Charlotte, North Carolina. | Boosts local economy, establishes a central hub for leadership and innovation in electric vehicle development. | State-level |
| Chinese Company Investment | Eco King Solutions to invest $80.5 million and create 515 new jobs in Robbinsville, western North Carolina. | Significant economic growth and job creation for Graham County and the wider western North Carolina region in manufacturing disposable dishware. | State-level |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
