Savannah, GA's Wilmington Island Club has come a long way, and yet perhaps it has a guilty conscious about its past. What else could explain that its scorecard makes no mention of its legendary designer, Donald Ross?
Built in 1927 during the heyday of U.S. golf architecture, Wilmington Island's design has been "updated" a few times since. We have no way of knowing whether the improvements corrected some deficiencies in the master's original design or was just some latest owner putting his stamp on the place. It wasn't unusual for Ross designs to be tinkered with in the ‘50s and ‘60s before everyone's consciousness was raised about the greatness of his layouts. We did find strong echoes of Ross at the Wilmington Island Club in its generously sized fairways, although some trees and bunkers were placed strategically in the hitting zones, making shaped drives necessary on a number of holes.
Ross' characteristically crowned greens have been shaved over time, yet the false fronts and encroaching sand bunkers and swales at greenside imply that Willard Byrd and Clyde Johnston, who renovated the course in the ‘60s and ‘80s respectively, were compelled to leave a number of Ross features. The course was in nice condition, and although it welcomes public play, it has an active membership; on the day we played, the tennis courts and pool were filled. It felt like a private club, and we wouldn't be surprised if the rumors we heard that it might go that way in the next few years turn out to be true.
Housing stock in the adjacent neighborhoods ranges from early 20th Century to a renovated historic hotel and adjacent new luxury development called Wilmington Plantation. In its heyday, The Oglethorpe Hotel, which was built within months of the opening of the golf club, was the playground of celebrities, including Jackie Gleason, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra. It is in view from a number of holes on the course, and would be a convenient place to live and belong to the club. However, there are hints that the property has had some issues getting off the ground. Proceed at your own risk but, by all means, if you are in the Savannah area, play Wilmington Island Club.
Some tee shots at Wilmington Island Club, like this one at the 8th, require a controlled draw or fade to stay out of trouble and in position for an approach shot.