News

April 15, 2009, Pawleys Island, S.C. – Six of the golf courses appearing on the just released list of “30 Best Courses You Can Play in South Carolina,” published by the South Carolina Golf Course Ratings Panel, are located along the Waccamaw Golf Trail, a region situated just below Myrtle Beach. Reviewed in the spring issue of Palmetto Golfer, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, Founders Club at Pawleys Island, Heritage Club, Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country, TPC of Myrtle Beach and True Blue Plantation were named to the 2008 ranking of the state’s top resort, public access and daily-fee courses. TPC rejoined the ranking after missing the 2007 honors while Founders Club made its first appearance.

“We are thrilled to be one of the Waccamaw Golf Trail courses recognized among the top golf facilities in the state by the South Carolina Golf Course Ratings Panel,” said Rick Taylor, general manager and head golf professional at Founders Club at Pawleys Island. “After reopening in 2008, this was the first year that we were eligible and we believe that the course is one of the most challenging, picturesque courses in South Carolina. The Waccamaw Golf Trail features 12 courses that are worthy of the panel’s consideration and we are proud to have been chosen.”

The South Carolina Golf Course Ratings Panel consists of 125 Palmetto State residents who represent all facets of the game and all levels of playing abilities. Rankings are conducted by a closed vote with results tabulated once voting has closed. The objective of the South Carolina Golf Course Ratings Panel is to promote excellence in South Carolina golf course design and operations through competitive rankings, education and public advocacy.

In determining course ratings, panelists consider the following criteria: routing – how the course flows from hole to hole in harmony with existing topography; variety – degree to which the course demands a full range of shot requirements; strategy – how design features test course management; equity – the course’s capacity to reward good shots and penalize poor ones; memorability – the distinctiveness of the golf course and its individual holes; aesthetics – the degree to which scenery and surrounds lend to the enjoyment and experience – incorporates all elements of the course: practice areas and clubhouse.

About the Waccamaw Golf Trail
The Waccamaw Golf Trail is the designation assigned to the most southern region of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Waccamaw Trail encompasses Murrells Inlet, Litchfield and Pawleys Island, home to twelve highly awarded golf courses, and one of the America’s premier golf resorts on the Carolina Coast – Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort. The collection of golf courses that make up the Waccamaw Golf Trail includes Blackmoor, Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, Founders Club at Pawleys Island, Heritage Club, Litchfield Country Club, Pawleys Plantation, River Club, TPC of Myrtle Beach, Tradition Club, True Blue Plantation, Wachesaw Plantation East and Willbrook Plantation. Most of the courses on the Trail were built upon the sites of 18th and 19th century rice and indigo plantations, set amid ancient moss-draped oaks and tidal rivers. The list of accolades for these courses includes GOLF Magazine’s “America’s Top 100,” Golf Digest’s “Top 100 Courses,” Golf for Women’s “Top 25 in America,” seven 4½ -star courses and one of only three 5-star courses in the southeast as rated by Golf Digest. Preferred tee times for the Waccamaw Trail courses and accommodation packages are available by visiting waccamawgolftrail.com or calling 1-800-354-0862.