Ricky Saucier tells me that at one time he got tired of people calling him and always paraphrasing the old question of "What's New in the Olde English District?" Well not anymore say's Ricky, "Now I can't wait for someone to ask!" Reason being is that as the area between Charlotte, NC and Columbia, SC with the golf headquarters being located in the thriving Charlotte suburb of Rock Hill, is maturing nicely as a golf destination.
I personally have been most impressed with the Rock Hill area since my very first visit, and somehow manage to visit at least once a year even if for just a day or two. It is always a pleasure. Ricky is my go to guy for updates as he lives close by and his company, Golf Packages of South Carolina, takes care of more people looking to Stay & Play in the area than anyone I know.
"So what is new Ricky?" smirking while I ask. "The greens at Waterford and Springfield are amazing, you would not believe how slick they are." Over the past few years Tega Cay and Fort Mill Golf Club have put in all new greens and recently Waterford and Springfield have as well. Both are personal favorites and have followed suit. The other course that you will want to play and arguably the toughest is designed by my old friend Ron Garl - Regent Park. All 5 of the above mentioned courses are within minutes of any of the Rock Hill exits and, for that matter, pretty much anything that you will need is at these (4 or 5) exits. Now that is not to say that you should not take the time to wander west from any of these interchanges and you will find yourself in the historic and charming Rock Hill downtown area.
You are not likely to find yourself in a 5 star resort here in Rock Hill. You are looking at a stay & play package that will have you staying at the Hilton Garden Inn, the newly renovated Wingate by Wyndham, Microtel and all suites property and the recently opened (and I have already stayed there) Town Place Marriott a style that would be similar to the Marriott Residence Inn.
Cobblestone Park
Venturing down the road along I-77 Ricky tells me that I have yet to experience some of the best golf in and around the Olde English District and after checking out the Cobblestone Park website www.cobblestoneparkgolfclub.com , formerly the University Club, I think he might be right. At one time this was a very exclusive private club but it looks like the economy has caught up to it. It is now semi-private. Guess what? It is definitely on my list to play. Of course if you are going to make the trek down to Columbia your getting into the neighborhood of a few other favorites including the Windermere Club with its 17th and 18th holes giving Pebble Beach a run for its money. Speaking of money, what you save from playing Pebble might just pay for most of the rest of the week in South Carolina! The Columbia Country Club is located just minutes down the road from Windermere, and through Rick's company, you can access tee times to these private clubs.
Cobblestone Park
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Another of Ricky's NEW additions is virtually right in the heart of the Olde English District. My friends in Rock Hill will argue that they are the "Heart" of the Olde English District but now we are speaking geographically! Located in Lancaster, SC is the Edgewater Golf Club which is part of the Fuzzy Zoeller Signature Lake and Golf Community. This is one beautiful course that stretches back to 7,000 yards but with 5 sets of tee's it is perfectly set up for any level of golfer. Not being in the coastal flatlands the course offers up its share of rolling fairways, some elevation change and its fair share of tree lined fairways that challenge you to keep your little white pill out of the pines. The course has had its share of top level golfers make the rounds at Edgewater having recently hosted the Hooters Tour. |
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And you just can't make a trip through the Olde English District without a stop at Cheraw State Park where you will find a golf course by the same name as the park. This might just be the best value in golf in the world. If it's not, I want to know about. It has even been recognized by Golf Digest as a "Super Value." Set around Lake Juniper, this Tom Jackson beauty plays to 6,928 yards and a 130 slope from the championship tees. The course is dense with pines and features wide expanses of grass and sand bunkers. The only drawback to Cheraw is its location which is about 45 minutes north of Florence.
The last time I played Cheraw (about 3 years ago) you could get an 18-hole green fee for less than $30.00, and carts were not mandatory.
Stay & Play Packages start at about $69.00 per day based on double – golf, cart, and accommodation in the Olde English District with some properties including breakfast. For more information call Ricky at 1-888-501-0954 you will enjoy talking to this southern gentleman that knows his golf. Or you can visit his website www.golfpackagesofsc.com
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