I thought I had died and gone to heaven when I played The Plantation Course at Edisto Beach.

Originally opened in 1974 as Oristo, this dream of David Lybrand, has had a storied past. Lybrand and a group of friends and associates all worked on the course, driving bulldozers and clearing the land themselves. Donald O’Connor, a friend of Lybrand’s drafted the original land plan and Tom Jackson was brought in to do the course design. Jackson actually drove a small bulldozer and pointed out where to drop the fill as he designed the greens. When the course was opened and ready for play a helicopter brought in the first players, Sam Snead, Bob Goalby and Chuck Matlock.

After several years of harsh economic times in the mid 70’s, the course began to change hands, first to Charleston investors and First Federal, then to Fairfield and then to Jim and Patti Heron. By this time the course name had been changed to the Edisto Beach Club. The succession of owners who had a serious profit motivation led to the inevitable decline of conditions on the course.

Salvation began in 2005 when the current owner, Edisto Golf LLC, purchased the course and renamed it the Plantation Course at Edisto Beach. This group, which included course GM Leland Vaughn, made a total commitment to bring the course to its full and most beautiful potential. In 2006 they demonstrated their commitment to making a complete transformation of the facility. While leaving the overall design they cleared away undergrowth and reworked the drainage as well as replacing all of the grass. They gave the course a total overhaul and face lift and it was magnificent. Very significantly, they changed all the grass to SeaIsle Supreme Paspalum, a grass very well suited to the local climate and conditions. The results are as follows:  

The tee boxes are beautiful; they are flat and well groomed. There are three sets of tees, the red and most forward tees are 5023 yards, the white tees are 5847 yards and the back tees are blue and play 6175 yards. Regardless of the tee you play from, take time to read the large laminated yardage book in each cart. You will really find great information that will allow you to play the course intelligently, even if it is your first time at The Plantation Course. Playing this course you will want to consider accuracy over distance. If you do that, you are going to find your ball resting on fairway that is in magnificent condition. You will notice from your very first step onto the fairway that you are on something special. The feel is exciting and you could almost putt on them they are so well conditioned. One thing is for certain, if you hit a bad shot from the fairway it will be your fault.

The rough is closely mown and lush. Finding your ball in the rough was never an issue when we played. What could be an issue is thinking that just because your ball was only half settled in the grass that you could hit it like you were on the fairway. So, go club up and use a little firmer grip-this stuff bites.

The greens were amazing. They were completely filled in and in perfect condition. There was not a case of acne on any green, no bumps, no grooves-just perfect. I cannot remember when I have putted on truer greens. It was like putting on green velvet. This is a course where you will truly want to track down the Superintendent, Tom Arneman and shake his hand. His work is truly amazing.

There is another thought I want to pass along. If you were thinking of playing one of the resort courses on the ocean side of Johns Island, you really should give the Plantation Course a serious consideration. From Main Road and US 17 it is only 39 miles of uncongested highway, about 45 minutes. If you take the left at Main Road you have about the same drive time-if you count the time you spend getting through the gates and to the actual golf course. The other thing to consider is that I doubt seriously that you will find any of the resort courses in any better condition and the Plantation Course will be at least half the price. If you ever considered taking the advice of a stranger when it comes to selecting a course, take it now. If you love golf, you will love this golf course.

When you finish your round you will find an excellent restaurant and a first class bar. The bar and restaurant are new additions to the Plantation Course and will rival the ambiance that you will find at almost any other golf course. Another serious plus for the Plantation Course is the close proximity of rental condo units. Again they are new and filled with all the creature comforts a golfer would want. Many units are less than a hundred yards from the first tee box and the 18th green. What more could you ask for? I can envision a weekend or a week away from home in this secluded and quiet setting. For those who might be in your group that do not play golf, there is an ocean just a few blocks away.

The Plantation Course
19 Fairway Drive
Edisto Beach, South Carolina 29438
843-869-1111
Leland Vaughan - General Manager
Tom Arneman – Course Superintendent