The idea of a links course in the mountains is a little ridiculous, but for years I’ve heard people refer to the The Cliffs at Mountain Park as a links-style course. Hearing that description, the course has been on my to-play list for a long time. When I got the invite to play, I hopped in the car and drove … Read More
Harbour Town Golf Links Review
When I played Harbour Town for the first time around eight years ago, I got a last minute late afternoon tee time while on a road trip. Little did I know that I’d later live and work near Harbour Town and play the course many more times. After my most recent round I decided it was time to rewrite my … Read More
Colleton River Club – Dye Course Review
Hilton Head Island, S.C. has a reputation for being a heavy-hitting golf island, but if you take private courses into account, Bluffton, S.C.—just inland from Hilton Head—gives the island a run for its money. On the mainland you’ll find Belfair with its two Fazio courses, Berkeley Hall with its two Fazio courses, Colleton River Club with its Nicklaus and Dye … Read More
Long Cove Club Review
Long Cove Club is considered to be one of the best courses on Hilton Head Island. The private club was built in the early 1980s and it remains one of the most prestigious on the island. Pete Dye designed the golf course, which balances typical Dye challenge with a course that won’t dishearten a membership who play the course daily. … Read More
Heron Point by Pete Dye (Sea Pines) Review
When I made my first trip to Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island back in 2012 to play Harbour Town Golf Links, the place felt a little tired and old. If you were to return today, you might not recognize the new facilities. Bill Goodwin, a developer and the owner of Sea Pines, has poured tens of millions into a … Read More
Old South Golf Links Review
The more golf courses that I play, the less I give credence to rankings and magazine lists. I’ve started to focus on whether a round is fun, enjoyable, and in the case of a public course, a good value. Old South Golf Links ticks a lot of those boxes. I knew little about the course on my first round and … Read More
Haig Point Club Review
The drive down 17-Mile Drive to Cypress Point, the chugging ferry to Fishers Island, the long drive through the Highlands to Royal Dornoch. These unique approaches set these clubs apart. The private ferry from Hilton Head to Haig Point on Daufuskie Island falls into this category. You can see the picturesque dock approaching and anticipation about what lies ahead builds along … Read More
Secession Golf Club Review
Secession Golf Club has been on my wish-list for quite a few years. I grew up at my home club seeing the logo on members’ shirts, belts, and hats. I was always told, “Secession is a special place… you’ve got to get down there at some point!” An invitation to play the course came up recently and I couldn’t get my … Read More
Harbour Town with Hickories & 2015 Course Renovations
My last round at Harbour Town was over five years ago, and if you would like to read that in-depth review, it can be found here. This review will focus on the 2015 course renovations (below) and the experience of playing the course with hickory golf clubs. The round at Harbour Town was my second time playing hickory golf clubs, and … Read More
Kiawah Island Ocean Course Review
This latest round on the Kiawah Island Ocean Course marked my chance for redemption. During my first round on the course I played with rental clubs, was intimidated by the “hardest course in the United States” moniker, and I didn’t really embrace the beautiful course. Five years later, I got another crack at it and I found the course to … Read More
Yeamans Hall Club Review
“Many who visit Yeamans Hall feel they have stepped back in time. And in a visual sense, perhaps they have. Yet a closer look reveals not a relic of the past but a place which quietly preserves and builds upon the traditions and sensibilities which guided its founding.” To quote from a friend who has played all of the top … Read More
Kiawah Island – Turtle Point Review
Now that I have posted reviews of the two private Kiawah Island Club courses, it is time to begin slowly ticking off reviews for the five public Kiawah Island Golf Resort courses. Many golfers consider Turtle Point to be the number two resort course on Kiawah behind the formidable Ocean Course. Turtle Point has hosted a slew of regional golf … Read More
Kiawah Island Club – River Course Review
The Kiawah Island Club flies below the radar on Kiawah Island. Membership is only available to island property owners, and their premium amenities are set behind additional sets of gates on the island. The River Course is the club’s Tom Fazio design, and its beautiful new clubhouse acts as a hub for the membership. I was fortunate enough to play … Read More
Kiawah Island Club – Cassique Review
Many people know that Kiawah Island is home to 5 resort golf courses, including the famous Ocean Course. Fewer know that there is a private club on the island – the Kiawah Island Club – that has two additional golf courses, a beach club, a large sports center, and will soon have a sporting club. You could spend a week … Read More
Country Club of Charleston Review
My most recent trip to play the Country Club of Charleston marked my third round on the course. A generous friend of mine arranged for me to play in the Saturday morning “Gangsome,” and after chipping in a few dollars for a skins game, I was playing golf with new friends. Our round took place in early December, and the … Read More
Country Club of Spartanburg Review
A full restoration taking place at my home club has caused me to branch out and explore some new tracks. The most recent of these golf adventures was a visit to a course that I hadn’t played in over four years. I was very happy to return. The Country Club of Spartanburg is a golf course that flies under the radar. … Read More
The Reserve at Lake Keowee Review
The Reserve at Lake Keowee is a private community in Upstate South Carolina. The development’s proximity to Asheville, NC (1 hour 15 minute drive), among other cities, along with its pristine lake and consistently warm temperatures, make it a very popular destination for those who want warmth and water, without driving down to the beach. The Reserve offers tennis facilities, … Read More