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By Rick Drennan
The late fall and winters months in Canada can be too cruel by ten. Golfers tend to feel the snap of the cold more than most. They simply need a golf fix: The sweet smell of freshly mowed grass; the clickety- click of golf spikes along cart paths; the swoosh of a perfectly hit 8-iron that lands within gimme birdie range.
Canadian golfers need to follow the sun to a place that is both affordable and different.
Why not head for some southern fried fun in South Carolina?
No, not the South Carolina that includes Myrtle Beach, or even Hilton Head. Been there, done that. Let's take a trail less followed – one that's filled with dynamic landscape changes, and golf courses that many in the great white north have never heard of.
Our trip begins in the state's far northwest, in what's called 'Upcountry', a six-county region of quiet mountain vistas, and four-season climate. It will end in the historic coastal city of Charleston. In between you'll visit the midlands and the capital city of Columbia (founded in 1786, it survived the wrath of General Sherman's army in 1865), and the famed Santee region, where golf is the sport of choice. But first Upcountry, the land that sits right up against the Blue Ridge Mountains, and offers vistas that are some of the finest in golfdom.
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The Upcountry's courses are both beautiful and challenging, and Cherokee Valley Club, located just north of Greenville, is no exception to the rule. It's a course of big elevation changes that is topped off by its signature hole, the spectacular Par 3, 15th. Hitting atop of a bluff with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop is both enervating and nervy, and seeing the hang time on your shot as the ball tumbles down to a green about 185 yards away, is truly a made-in-Cherokee –Valley-experience. The entire course is a marvelous up-and-down challenge, but what really enhances its value for Canadian golfers, are the beautiful Luxury Resort Cottages that offer the best in accommodation. Now when Canadians think of cottages, they're usually rustic and with few amenities. These feature four separate bed-and-bath suites (perfect for a high-energy band of players from Canada), spacious living, big wraparound verandas, and panoramic views of the golf course and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Check out www.cherokeevalleygolfclub.com for details.
Your next stop is River Falls Plantation, a Gary Player design between Greenville and Spartanburg. This is a tight little gem that can play up to 6,600 yards and borders the South Tyger River. Its long-time head professional, Terry Johnson, calls it "a shot-maker's delight," and he's right. Keep your driver in play, and bring a good short game. Like most South Carolina layouts, it's cut out from the surrounding pines, and prettied up with great splashes of water.
Next up is Cobblestone Park Golf Club near Columbia, the state capital. It was opened in 1999, and partly redesigned by PGA touring pro Lee Janzen only a few years ago. It's a 27-hole layout, and home to the University of South Carolina golf team. It's perfectly manicured and fun to play, and routed between majestic oaks and pines. It's rare when a course is outdone by its practice facility, but many who have visited Cobblestone will argue the point. The 30-acre practice facility is world class and name a golfer who wouldn't like spending an afternoon at the pitching green, practicing sand bunkers on a 14,000 sq. ft. practice putting green? It's a delight. Visit www.CobblestoneParkGolfClub.com for a look see.
Also near Columbia is the Timberlake Club, situated right beside Murray Lake, "the jewel of the Midland." Lake Murray is one of the top tourist attractions in all of inland South Carolina, and Timberlake is a par 71 course that weaves it way through the surrounding community. Its signature hole, No. 18, is a risk-reward Par 5 that dares you to fire your second shot over a watery cove to the right of a long, narrow, upwardly titled green. Timberlake is the only course located on Lake Murray. Visit www.TimberlakeCountryclub.com for more.
A stay over in Columbia is a must, and the Sheraton Columbia, is a must see for out-of-towners. The original Palmetto Bank Building (1913) was converted to a full service upscale hotel in 2008. For the best in pub-crawls and southern drawls, visit the hotel's 'Vault Martini Bar' (the original bank vault), or 'The Roof Top,' a bar with a spectacular view of the city and the state capitol building only two blocks away.
Santee is South Carolina's "value golf destination," and offers 17 unique and championship courses, including the Lake Marion Golf Club. Santee is one of the most popular golf stops for Canadians driving south to visit Augusta National and the Masters tournament each spring. Again, if you love pine tree-lined fairways, sparkling lakes, Bermuda greens, and near perfect playing conditions, try on Lake Marion for size. Visit www.santeetourism.com for more. |
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No. 18 at Timberlake |
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Cherokee Valley |
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River Falls |
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Cherokee Valley Cottages |
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Rooftop at the Sheraton Columbia |
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But, of course, all roads lead to Charleston, one of the oldest (founded in 1670) and most visited cities in the south. The city reeks with history, friendliness, and a lifestyle that seems forever in slow motion. There's something eternal about Charleston, from the many walking tours, to visits to the old plantations, to the numerous festivals that dot the calendar. But don't forget the restaurants. Ah, yes, the restaurants. According to Andy Rankin, director of investor relations for the city, it is one of the top culinary stops in the United States. Is Rankin simply being boastful? Hardly. A night at Hank's, Hymans, Magnolias, Anson, FIG, Tristan, or A.W Shuck's will allow you to draw your own conclusions.
Charleston is also home to some amazing golf courses, like Charleston National.
It's more than a golf course, but also a wildlife sanctuary – alligators, deer, and every kind of bird imaginable can be viewed during your 18 holes of play.
The weather is spectacular in Charleston, and the farther you head south on our tour, the more tropical the temperatures. From sweeping pines to palm trees: that could sum up an once-in-a-lifetime tour.
All the major golf architects (Nicklaus, Player, Dye, Rees Jones) have left their mark along our trail, especially Jones, who built Charleston National. Blazing new trails in South Carolina has been a fact of life since man first arrived in this warm weather playpen thousands of years ago. Now golfers have a chance to start a new one: from Upcountry through the midlands of the coastal beauty of Charleston. Where else will you find "bush hoggin'" (cutting the grass) or gully washers (Wild Turkey with crushed ice) and true value-added golf, all in our package? This golf trail should be on every Canadian golfer's GPS.
For more information, visit www.explorecharleston.com, www.golfpackagesofSC.com or www.scgolfpaks.com.
10/10
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