There’s no better place for golf than on the mainland of Pawleys Island
Golf is one of the most popular pass times in South Carolina, and especially in the Pawleys Island area where there are a variety of great courses.
Here is a list of the eight best bets for golf on the mainland of Pawleys Island. The courses – Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, True Blue Golf Club, Pawleys Plantation Golf Club, Founders at Pawleys Island, Litchfield Country Club, River Club, Tradition Club and Willbrook Plantation Golf Club – are part of the Hammock Coast Golf Trail®, which includes 11 golf courses throughout Georgetown County.
But for this list, we are focusing on just those courses in Pawleys Island.
“The Pawleys Island area is a great place for a South Carolina golf trip,” said Mark A. Stevens, director of tourism development for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce. “In fact, it’s one of America’s top golf vacation destinations. Some of the most respected names in golf have heaped praise on our area.”
(Photo courtesy of Caledonia Golf & Fish Club)
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club
Ranked in all major publications “Top 100” lists annually including Golf, Golf Digest and Golfweek Magazines since opening in 1994, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club has been recognized for its design and incredible beauty. It is a longstanding Hammock Coast Golf Trail favorite in a breathtaking Lowcountry setting, presented with modern features by a true maverick of golf course design, Mike Strantz.
True Blue Golf Club
One of two Pawleys Island golf masterpieces from Mike Strantz, True Blue Golf Club is a perennial award winner featuring a links-style design that showcases the best of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Emphasizing the natural beauty of the area and surprising elevation changes, True Blue Golf Club incorporates native grasses and vegetation to maintain much of the character of the property. The course also boasts an 18-acre practice facility, home of The Steve Dresser Golf Academy.
Pawleys Plantation Golf Club
Pawleys Plantation has set the standard for Pawleys Island golf since its opening in 1988. At the heart of Pawleys’ appeal is a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course that is widely regarded as one of the Golden Bear’s best. The front nine plays through 200-year-old, moss-draped oak trees, showcasing the beauty of the South Carolina Lowcountry, and the closing nine is as memorable as any in the Palmetto State. Six of the final nine holes play along a tidal marsh, challenging players to summon their best golf in a setting that is visually stunning.
(Photo courtesy of Pawleys Plantation Golf Club)
Founders Club at Pawleys Island
Founders Club at Pawleys Island makes an immediate impression. As you approach the golf course from Highway 17, the first hole to catch your eye is the stunning par-five 9th, a beautifully designed hole that consistently draws praise from first-time visitors. It’s a memorable introduction and the perfect preview of the beauty and character that define the course.
Litchfield Country Club
A classic Willard Byrd design exuding Southern charm since 1966, Litchfield Country Club exudes southern charm underneath an abundance of magnolias, camellias and mature oaks draped with Spanish moss. A semi-private facility, Litchfield plays through soaring live oak trees draped in Spanish moss, a picturesque backdrop for a layout that places a premium on hitting fairways and intelligent golf. The Willard Byrd design is home to an assortment of doglegs that rewards golfers for playing a tactical game.
River Club at Litchfield
Tom Jackson’s popular design that fully lives up to its name, River Club has been delighting Pawleys Island golfers since opening in 1985. Built on a former rice plantation, River Club showcases the region’s distinctive landscape with meandering waterways, native vegetation, and tranquil marsh views. Water comes into play on 15 of 18 holes, but thoughtful design ensures the course is as fair as it is beautiful. Among its many highlights are the island green par-3 14th hole and the dramatic, risk-reward par-5 18th—a signature finish that tempts players to go for the green in two while a large pond guards the approach.
The Tradition Club
The Tradition Club holds its place in the Hammock Coast Golf Trail with a creative yet simple design that focuses on pristine surfaces, protected greens and a challenging yet playable round. Renowned architect Ron Garl brings a parkland-style design to the area, where the course is noted for a pristine playing surface that showcases spacious, rolling fairways and stellar TifDwarf greens.
Willbrook Plantation Club
Framed by massive live oaks draped in Spanish moss and surrounded by the area’s native wetlands, this Dan Maples design delivers a round that’s as scenic as it is memorable. Ranked among the Top 50 Courses in America by Golf for Women, Willbrook Plantation Club artfully balances beauty and playability. Water and wetlands accent the layout without overwhelming it, offering a course that challenges experienced players while remaining enjoyable for all.The Dan Maples classic he calls “one of my best” designs, built on the site of two Carolina plantations dotted with historical markers and highlighted by stunning natural elements.
(Photo courtesy of Willboork Plantation Club)
Accolades for area golf courses:
- Caledonia Golf & Fish Club Earns Place Among Golfweek’s Top 100 Public-Access Courses in America
- Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, True Blue Golf Club ranked among South Carolina’s best public courses by Golfweek
- Hammock Coast golf courses make the grade in USA Today/10 Best contests
- Caledonia and 3 other Pawleys Island golf clubs get high marks in new list
By Clayton Stairs / tourism manager for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce