Golfers in the Columbia, SC, area have some nice choices of courses, both private and public. Today, I drove the fairways of the Columbia Country Club in the town of Blythewood, just outside the state capital city. I was "caddying" for my son in the U.S. Amateur qualifying tournament; the U.S.G.A. permits caddies to drive the players clubs around on the cart and to offer advice.
Although Tim missed the cut by one stroke after shooting a 74, we both liked the golf course. One member told us initiation fees are about $3,000 and dues less than $300 per month, taxes and assessments included. In my experience, this is a quite reasonable tariff for an established, well maintained and fully amenitized club. The 27 holes by Ellis Maples are carved among the Carolina pines, with smooth fast greens that test the mettle of even the best putters. The course wasn't too difficult -- witness the 41 golfers that shot 73 or better to make it to a second day of qualifying -- but I could see playing it a few times a week and being quite content.
After the morning round at the club, we packed up our clubs and headed for Cobblestone Park, about 15 minutes away but also in Blythewood. Cobblestone, which I will report on fully here in the next few days, has gone through some changes of ownership, and the 27-hole golf course has gone from private to public in recent months (a billboard on the interstate announces it). At just $49, cart included, it is one of the better buys in daily fee golf.
Columbia area golfers get plenty of practice in bunkers at Columbia Country Club (top) and Cobblestone Park.