 Patience Will Be Rewarded in Newest Grand Strand Pearl
“Patience is the greatest of all virtues.” The folks at the Classic Golf Group, who operate the Myrtle Beach Courses of the Year for two of the last four seasons, esperately wanted to open their latest gem, The Founders Club of Pawleys Island, early in September and probably could have gotten away with it.
But the extremely dry grow-in season this past summer wouldn’t allow
the opening to be as perfect as they’d want it, so the Founders Club’s
brand new layout will be allowed to mature a little more before the
pins go in and we can all tee it up early in ’08. The wait should be
worth it for the best new course to open in the Myrtle Beach area in a
long, long time.
Classic Golf broke ground on the reconstruction of the old Sea Gull Golf Club right off Highway 17 in the summer of 2006 under the direction of Thomas Walker, the former lead architect from the Gary Player Design Group. Walker took the basic routing and, in the words of General Manager and Head Professional Wayne Welden, “moved a LOT of dirt.” What he’s created are 18 uniquely designed holes that offer golfers their own opportunity to pick a signature moment, while flowing from one challenge to another through a stunning visual landscape that only the Pawleys Island area can provide.
 The tabby-style walkway at the bag drop leading up to the 5,000 square-foot, wonderfully-appointed clubhouse, the tabbywork on the interior facings of the relaxing Lowcountry wrap-around porch and the plush locker rooms and grille seating for 70 are a modern twist to the legacy of the Pawleys Island area.
Two of Classic Golf Group’s other properties have been named by their peers in the Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course Own-ers Association as “Course of the Year” in the last four years. Indian Wells was the choice in 2004 and Burning Ridge in 2006, both judged on their course quality, ownership and management, contributions to the community and to the growth of the game.
“In golf, as in life, it is the follow through that makes the difference.”
 You can expect the Founders Club to follow through in that legacy. Walker has designed a challenging layout that is, above all else, really fun to play, beginning with the unique practice putting green that is big enough to also be the first tee box. Now how often have you begun our round, literally, by teeing off the practice green? Larger-than-normal greens, a great use of mounding and color changes to frame each hole, and natural sandy areas you’ll drive your cart through instead of regular bunkering are features at the Founders Club.
“Patience, persistence and perspiration makes an unbeatable combination for success.”
A lot of all three P’s has been expended on The Founders Club at Pawleys Island. A little more patience from the golf-crazy Grand Strand will be rewarded with a no-sweat opening early in 2008. To keep up with the progress and to book your early tee times, call 800-TEES-OFF or visit their web site, www.classicgolfgroup.com, where you can also find the latest stay-and-play packages and discounts for members at other Classic Golf Group courses.
|
