The South Carolina Golf Course Ratings Panel, of which I am a proud new member, announced at its annual banquet last night the top 50 golf courses in the state. The banquet was held at Seabrook Island. Given that the state is a prime vacation home and retirement destination for golfers, the list boasts a number of terrific courses at the core of South Carolina’s best golf communities.
The timeless Harbour Town at Sea Pines tops the list, as it has since the Panel began ranking courses in 2005. Originally a collaboration between Pete Dye and then architectural “student” Jack Nicklaus, Harbour Town edged out that other famed Dye seaside creation, The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island. Homes in Sea Pines generally start in the high $300s for condos, with some large single-family homes selling for well into seven figures. Few homes are within view of The Ocean Course.
Other golf community courses that made the top 25 on the list include: Kiawah Island (Cassique, #9); Bulls Bay, Awendaw (13); Kiawah Island (River, 15); Old Tabby Links, Spring Island (16); Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards (17); Colleton River Plantation (Nicklaus), Bluffton (23); Haig Point, Daufuskie Island (24); and Belfair Golf Club’s East Course, Bluffton (25).
Colleton River (Pete) Dye Course, #23 on the Panel's list.
Community courses on the rest of the list that I have played and rated highly include: Clliffs at Glassy (29); Daniel Island Club, Ralston Creek Course (30); Wild Dunes Resort, Links Course (32); Wachesaw Plantation (33); Reserve at Lake Keowee (35); DeBordieu Club (36); Thornblade Club (37); Barefoot Resort, Dye Course (38); Reserve Club of Pawleys Island (46); Pawleys Plantation (49); and Mount Vintage Plantation (50).
I have excellent real estate contacts in all these communities and would be happy to provide more information or arrange for a visit for anyone interested in a vacation or retirement home. In April and May, current customers will be visiting many of the communities on the SC Panel’s list. I look forward to sharing their feedback with anyone who requests it. Reminder: I never charge for my advice or services. Contact me here.
The full list of the Panel’s choices will be available soon at http://www.scgolfpanel.org. In the meantime, you can find them at the Myrtle Beach Sun News.
Old Tabby Links (Arnold Palmer) on Spring Island, #16 on the Panel's list.