2 Apr Caledonia Golf and Fish Club in Pawleys Island 4th in national USA Today ranking Caledonia Golf and Fish Club, one of South Carolina’s Hammock Coast’s most popular and most scenic golf courses, has placed 4th in a national ranking of “Best Public Golf Courses” in the United States. Part of the Hammock Coast Golf Trail, Caledonia Golf and Fish Club was one of 20 courses around the country chosen to compete for the title of America’s “Best Public Golf Course” in the USA Today/10 Best contest. Caledonia Golf and Fish Club, one of the most popular and most beautiful courses on South Carolina’s Hammock Coast, has been named one of the Top 5 public courses in the United States by USA Today/ 10 Best. (Photo courtesy of Caledonia Golf and Fish Club) The public was invited to vote daily until voting ended on Monday, March 24. The 10 winners were announced at noon on Wednesday, April 2. “This is very exciting, great news,” said Bob Seganti, PGA general manager of Caledonia. “We are very thankful for everyone who took the time to vote for us and to USA Today for sponsoring the contest.” He went on to say that Top 5 in America is quite an honor for Caledonia. “It points to the commitment of our ownership and team members to provide a quality golf experience in a fun and relaxing environment,” Seganti said. “It continues to shine a spotlight on all the Hammock Coast has to offer for both locals and visitors. From world-class golf courses, restaurants, fishing and our award-winning beaches, we are lucky to call the Hammock Coast home.” According to the editors at USA Today, the best public golf courses are impeccably maintained, set amongst gorgeous scenery, and most importantly, are well-designed with challenging layouts and unique features that make for a rewarding round. These 20 courses — nominated by an expert panel as the best public golf courses in the nation — fit that bill and beyond, with many even having hosted prestigious golf tournaments. Caledonia competed against courses in Georgia, Oregon, Michigan, North Dakota, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, California, New York, Wisconsin, Arizona, North Carolina, Colorado, Alabama, and New Mexico in the contest, before being reduced to the Top 10. Caledonia is located on the mainland of Pawleys Island and is a member of the Hammock Coast Golf Trail, a collection of 12 public courses in Georgetown County, spanning from Georgetown to Murrells Inlet. This aerial shot of Caledonia shows the amazing design by the late Mike Strantz. (Photo courtesy of Caledonia Golf and Fish Club) Consistently ranked on top public course lists including Golf, Golf Digest and Golfweek Magazines since opening in 1994, Caledonia is a 6,526-yard, par-70 course recognized for its design and incredible beauty. It impresses visitors with its contrasting topography, including towering oaks, deep greens, and curving streams that provide a welcome challenge to golfers. Caledonia was the first solo design of the late, great golf course architect Mike Strantz, who considered himself as an artist rather than an engineer. “The Hammock Coast is a wonderful place to visit,” Seganti said. “If you love the beach, great restaurants and golf, this is the place to be and as the top ranked golf course along the Hammock Coast why not book a tee-time at Caledonia?” Caledonia’s rates are seasonal and is open year-round. “There is a date and rate for everyone,” Seganti said. “We also have a very popular restaurant that is a local’s favorite. All are welcome here!” The other 11 courses on the Hammock Coast Golf Trail are the Litchfield Country Club, Pawleys Plantation, True Blue Golf Club, the Founders Club, Willbrook Plantation Golf Club, Tradition Club, and the River Club, all in Pawleys Island; Wedgefield Country Club in Georgetown; and Wachesaw Plantation East, The Players Club (TPC), and Blackmoor Golf Club, all in Murrells Inlet. By Clayton Stairs, tourism manager for the Georgetown County Chamber of Commerce and South Carolina’s Hammock Coast 0 Hammock-All, Golf, Pawleys Island
