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South Carolina

For generations, many South Carolinians have lived in the "upstate" region and owned vacation homes at the beach, a trip of no more than 3 1/2 hours from even the farthest regions of the state. In fact, Pawleys Island, just south of Myrtle Beach, claims to be America's first beach resort. Whether it is or isn't, Pawleys is just one of many golf happy areas of South Carolina, led by its neighbor immediately to the north, Myrtle Beach, which even after some pruning in the golf course ranks, can still boast about 100 layouts in the area. Farther down the coast, in the Low Country, Kiawah Island (10 golf courses within 12 miles or so) can boast of arguable the best in the state, the fabled Ocean Course by Pete Dye. But don't ignore upstate, where Greenville, a sophisticated burgh can lay claim to top 5 Chanticleer, one of Greenville Country Club's two outstanding tracks. We could go on about South Carolina golf (and reference Bluffton, Beaufort, Aiken, Columbia and other areas); we encourage you to go see for yourself.
Haig Point agent weighs in
I am gratified when readers send me their opinions about things I write or add important information. Bea Wray, a real estate agent who lives in Haig Point on Daufuskie Island, wrote the following...
A $7,900 lot in a great golf community? Yes, but...
The Rees Jones course at Haig Point plays to 29 holes, the extra two providing two alternate par 3 routings. Haig Point on Daufuskie Island, SC, is one of the most peaceful communities I have...
Inside dope on Myrtle Beach golf vacations
As to be expected, the justifiably lauded Caledonia Golf and Fish Club in Pawleys Island, SC, makes theMyrtle Beach Golf Vacation guide list of recommended places to play. Chances are good that at...
Belfair: One community, two of the most highly rated courses in South Carolina
There are hundreds of golf communities in the southeastern U.S. and, contrary to what my wife and friends think, I have not visited all of them. Those I have, I have reviewed in this space. I don't...
Myrtle Beach best golf hole debate
The tee shot from the dike at the 13th at Jack Nicklaus' Pawleys Plantation course is all carry to a green smaller than the famed 17th at TPC Sawgrass. However, #17 at Pawleys is tougher. Brandon Tucker...
Quite a lot: $14,000 property comes with free $65,000 club membership
From the Haig Point golf course, you can see Hilton Head Island across the Calibogue Sound. I received an email yesterday from a real estate agency in South Carolina. It included a listing for a...
My own course gets a touch-up
The par 3 17th at Pawleys Plantation plays from the dike over the marsh to a green that is only about 40 feet deep. It is tough enough when the wind doesn't blow. The quality of the turf at Pawleys...
Groin pains: Structures could hold back sands, but will the costs pit neighbor v neighbor?
DeBordieu is the premier community at the south end of Myrtle Beach's Grand Strand, featuring a Pete Dye golf course and private oceanfront beach that is losing sand. Residents of DeBordieu Colony,...
I didn't know Jack: Nicklaus' trees turn straight holes crooked
The tree on #9 at Pawleys Plantation is dead center of the fairway. Dye has his bulkheads, Fazio his funneled fairways and hidden cart paths and Palmer those bunkers on steroids. Jack Nicklaus has...
Review: Cherokee Valley, Travelers Rest, SC
The Cottages at Cherokee Valley feature dramatic wraparound porches for the best views of the 16th green and 17th tee. The interior layouts mimic those of the cottages at Augusta National. Details will make...
Going to town: BMW event moves from Cliffs to three courses near Greenville
From tee to green, conditions at the Fazio-designed Thornblade Club are immaculate. The final round of the BMW Charity tournament in the Greenville, SC, area will be played today on the Tom Fazio...
Caledonia's not-too-evil twin brother
The par 3 14th hole at True Blue is indicative of many of the other holes on the Mike Strantz course, with sand, and lots of it. Photo by Elliot deBear. The vaunted Caledonia Golf & Fish Club is...