Founders Club at Pawleys Island: A Sneak Preview
The drywall dust hasn't yet settled in the new Lowcountry-style clubhouse, and the grass is still filling in, but just one look at the layout of the Founders Club at Pawleys Island tells me all I need to know:
This is going to be a special golf course.
Course architect Tom Walker, former vice president at Gary Player Design with more than 30 years' experience in golf course design (including the world-class Canyon Springs Golf Club in San Antonio, Texas), is overhauling the former Sea Gull Golf Club with dramatic elevation changes that give it a picturesque, challenging look that will nonetheless make for a fair, fun and memorable play for its golfers.
When asked for his thoughts on Founders' most defining characteristic, general manager and head golf pro Wayne Welden marveled at the net effect of Walker's substantial changes. "With all the differences from the Sea Gull layout, it's really impressive how Tom Walker was able to blend them in so seamlessly with the natural terrain," he explained. "It may all be new, but it will look like it's been there for years when all's said and done."
Earlier this week, Welden was kind enough to give the Beach Blog a sneak preview of what we can expect when it opens September 1. Here's a sampling of what we saw:
Surprises come early, starting with a creative reduction in what used to be Sea Gull's monster par-4 opening hole at 445 yards from the back tees. Beyond changing the contour of the hole, Walker reduced the distance by 60 yards but added a touch of Augusta National - placing a new practice green in the former back tee area that will allow golfers to walk right off, and right onto the new first tee.
No. 3 features split tees on a 185-yard par 3, each looking into a newly-bunkered, two-tiered green. One day you might be playing the left-side tees with a slight elevation, and a narrow strip along the left side of the pond that offers a glimmer of added hope for the left-to-right fade. Another day you might be on the shaded right-side tees, and it's virtually all carry. Look back when you're finished with this one, and the view is just as impressive. http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1367/534641542_78bd816f7c.jpg
If you like split fairways, then you'll love the par-5, 540-yard No. 12. It used to be a par 4, but now, along with added length comes added options and signature risk/reward possibilities. Take the long way down the right-side fairway, lay up short of the water with your second, hit a short iron over it and go for birdie. Or, mash it down the left side, shave about 30 yards off the distance in the process, and leave yourself with a long iron or fairway wood to the green for a potential eagle. Be warned, though: fly the green, or find the drink. Either way, you'll have fun deciding. http://farm1.static.flickr.com/193/535868972_ffe2526dee.jpg
The back nine also features the par-4, 420-yard No. 14, a dogleg right which will reward a solid drive with a downhill roll but still leave a tricky approach to an elevated green; a short par-3 No. 16 (130 yards) that looks harder than it really is; and a finishing par 4 on 18 that plays 375 yards into the prevailing wind off the Atlantic, and leaves a challenging carry over water from the right but an intriguing approach from the left to a 130-foot-long, triple-tiered green nestled right behind the remodeled clubhouse. http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1053/534641546_8a59e6f893.jpg
By all indications, Founders truly reflects Walker's vision and enthusiasm for his latest effort. "Every course I design has to be the best, and I look forward to everything this project will require to be the best," said Walker when he first started the project in the fall of 2005. "To have an opportunity to build a visually stunning and challenging but fun and playable course in such a highly competitive market as Myrtle Beach is a tremendous honor. I feel confident that this course will appeal to golfers of all skill levels to truly stand the test of time."
I played Canyon Springs on a business trip not too long ago and it was a real treat. If this course is anything like that one it will be a really good addition to the south strand.
If its as good as you’re saying, then that will make for one heck of a little stretch of courses right on 17- Pawleys Plantation, True Blue, Caledonia & this one