Clyde Johnston

Old South Golf Links

Bluffton, SC

The Kapalua Golf Club (Village Course), designed by Arnold Palmer, was known for embodying his philosophy of creating courses that were enjoyable and accessible for a wide range of golfers, while still offering strategic challenges. Opened in 1970, the Village Course featured gently rolling fairways and generous greens, winding through the lush, verdant terrain of Kapalua with views of the Pacific Ocean and the West Maui Mountains. While specific signature holes are less frequently highlighted than its sister courses, the overall design emphasized a harmonious blend with the natural landscape, offering a classic resort golf experience. The course was part of Kapalua’s rich golf history, contributing to the resort’s reputation as a premier golf destination. Though it is no longer operational, the Village Course provided a memorable and picturesque round, celebrated for its scenic beauty and Palmer’s characteristic design that encouraged thoughtful play amidst a stunning Hawaiian backdrop.

Wachesaw Plantation East

Murrells Inlet, SC

Princeville Makai Golf Course, Robert Trent Jones Jr.'s inaugural solo design, is a testament to his philosophy of integrating golf with the natural environment. Opened in 1971 and meticulously redesigned in 2009, the course is perched on bluffs overlooking Kauai's Hanalei Bay, offering panoramic ocean views and dramatic elevation changes. Jones Jr. crafted a layout that challenges golfers with strategic bunkering, serene lakes, and native flora, all while showcasing the stunning Hawaiian landscape. The course is particularly celebrated for its six breathtaking oceanfront holes, with the par-3 7th often cited as a signature, demanding a precise shot over a chasm to a green framed by the Pacific. The use of Seashore Paspalum turf ensures immaculate playing conditions. Princeville Makai is consistently ranked among the top public courses, providing a championship-level experience that combines challenging play with unparalleled scenic beauty, making every round feel like a postcard-worthy journey.

The 500 Club

Statesville, NC

Kiawah Island Golf Resort - Oak Point

Johns Island, SC

The Trophy Club of Apalachee in Dacula, GA, is a semi-private golf course that opened in 1994, designed by the collaborative efforts of Bill Bergin and Steve Melnyk [1]. Their design philosophy for this course emphasizes creating an engaging and challenging experience, blending strategic elements with the natural landscape of Dacula. The course is known for its diverse layout, offering a variety of holes that test different aspects of a golfer's game. A notable signature hole is the 5th, a medium-length 351-yard par 4 that plays dramatically downhill, requiring precision from the tee as the fairway ends around 280 yards [2]. Another distinctive hole is the 8th, a 290-yard par 4, which demands a tee shot from an elevated position to a dogleg right fairway, guarded by rock formations on the right [3]. These holes showcase the architects' intent to provide memorable and strategic challenges. The Trophy Club of Apalachee offers a well-maintained course that caters to golfers seeking a rewarding round. Its blend of scenic beauty, strategic design, and varied hole layouts makes it a worthwhile destination for those looking for an enjoyable and challenging golf experience in the Georgia landscape. References: [1] Trophy Club of Apalachee. \"Dacula, GA Golf Course - Home.\" https://www.golftca.com/ [2] World Golfer Blog. \"Review: Trophy Club of Apalachee.\" https://worldgolfer.blog/2016/07/27/review-trophy-club-of-apalachee/ [3] ForeTee. \"Trophy Club Of Apalachee%2C The in Dacula, Georgia.\" https://foretee.com/courses/georgia/dacula/usa/trophy-club-of-apalachee,-the/4381

Glen Dornoch Waterway Golf Links

Little River, SC

A tribute to Donald Ross situated on the Intracoastal Waterway, Glen Dornoch features small, daunting greens that penalize shots missed in the wrong area. The par-3 17th plays over marshland and the 18th plays alongside the Intracoastal to a massive double-green shared with the 9th.

Covered Bridge Golf Club

Sellersburg, IN

Sound of Freedom Golf Course

Cherry Point, NC