Tom Jackson

Rock Barn Country Club & Spa: Jackson Course

Conover, NC

Experience the captivating blend of challenge and scenic beauty at Rock Barn Country Club & Spa’s Jackson Course, a public-access gem nestled in the foothills of Conover, North Carolina. Designed by the esteemed Tom Jackson and opened in 1969, this course is renowned for its sprawling layout across hilly terrain and undulating fairways, offering a dynamic and engaging round for golfers of all abilities. The historic, wooded facility provides a picturesque backdrop, with each hole presenting a unique visual character that complements the strategic demands of Jackson’s design philosophy. While tipping out at a modest 6,427 yards, the par-71 layout cleverly incorporates carries and elevation changes that ensure a thoughtful and rewarding playing experience. The Jackson Course has garnered local recognition as a top public course, celebrated for its fun mix of challenging and scoreable holes. It’s an ideal destination for both local enthusiasts seeking a regular test of skill and destination golfers looking for a memorable round amidst North Carolina’s natural splendor.

Springfield Golf Club

York, SC

Springfield Golf Club is a semi-private Tom Jackson design in York, SC, about 35 miles southwest of Charlotte. Set in a residential community, the course features rolling terrain, tree-lined fairways, and several water hazards. A popular option for golfers in the southwestern Charlotte suburbs and York County.

Monroe Country Club

Monroe, NC

Magnolia Greens Golf Club

Leland, NC

Cobblestone Park Golf Club

Blythewood, SC

The South Course at Eagle Ridge Resort in Galena, Illinois, opened in 1984 and was designed by Roger Packard. Voted one of the top 75 upscale courses in the country, Packard’s design masterfully integrates the course into a beautiful wooded valley, where streams influence play on 11 of the 18 holes. This course, while shorter in yardage than its counterparts at Eagle Ridge, is renowned as the resort’s most difficult, providing a rigorous test of accuracy and shot-making skills. The signature 18th hole is a dramatic 406-yard par 4, beginning with a tee shot from 90 feet above a landing area guarded by lakes on both sides and a stream crossing the fairway. The approach shot plays uphill to a well-bunkered, elevated green, offering a thrilling and challenging finish to the round. The South Course has recently undergone renovations to restore its original architecture, ensuring an enjoyable experience that demands strategic play amidst its stunning natural setting.

Wildewood Country Club

Columbia, SC

Makray Memorial Golf Club in Barrington, Illinois, is an 18-hole championship course designed by Roger Packard. Packard's design philosophy for Makray emphasizes a challenging yet fair layout, where course knowledge and strategic play are paramount. The course is known for its immaculate conditioning and extremely challenging greens, which demand precision putting. While the course is fair, golfers often find that understanding its nuances is critical to scoring well. Among its notable features, the par-3 fourth hole is often considered a signature hole due to its scenic views and strategic design, requiring a thoughtful approach. Another frequently cited signature is the 6th hole, though details on its specific challenge are less prominent. Makray Memorial offers a premier golf experience with a private club atmosphere, providing a rewarding and memorable round for golfers who appreciate a well-maintained course with intricate green complexes and a layout that tests all aspects of their game.

Crowfield Golf & Country Club

Goose Creek, SC

You'll discover a layout that gracefully weaves through the lowcountry landscape of Calabash, North Carolina, offering a distinct blend of challenge and playability. Designed by Willard Byrd in 1993, this course showcases his signature approach of integrating natural wetlands and mature tree lines into strategic hazards, demanding thoughtful shot placement rather than brute force. The terrain features subtle elevation changes, creating intriguing sightlines and varied lies that keep you engaged from the first tee to the final green. You'll encounter meticulously maintained Bermuda grass fairways and greens, providing consistent surfaces for both long drives and delicate short game shots. What makes this course truly worth playing is its ability to reward strategic thinking; you'll find opportunities for aggressive lines, but often the smarter play is to navigate around the water features and bunkers that define many holes. It's best suited for golfers who appreciate a classic, well-balanced design that prioritizes accuracy and course management over sheer power, offering a rewarding experience for players of all skill levels seeking an enjoyable round in a serene setting.

Plantation Golf Course at Edisto Beach

Edisto Island, SC

Stepping onto the first tee, you're immediately immersed in the coastal charm of Myrtle Beach. This course, while lacking a named architect, presents a thoughtful layout that cleverly integrates the natural Lowcountry landscape. You'll navigate through mature pines and pristine wetlands, where strategic bunkering and water hazards demand precision without overwhelming the casual golfer. The terrain offers subtle elevation changes, providing engaging sightlines and varied shot opportunities on every hole. What makes this track truly stand out is its commitment to a memorable experience; each hole feels distinct, inviting you to think through your approach rather than simply power through. You'll discover a harmonious blend of challenge and playability, making it ideal for golfers seeking an enjoyable round with friends or a competitive match. The greens are meticulously maintained, rolling true and presenting a fair test of your putting stroke. This is a course where you can truly appreciate the beauty of the South Carolina coast while enjoying a well-designed golf adventure.

Chickasaw Point Golf Club

Westminster, SC

Prepare for a truly distinctive Myrtle Beach golf experience where every shot demands precision and strategic thought. Designed by the acclaimed Tom Jackson in 1996, this course is a masterful integration of golf and water, with all 18 holes artfully sculpted around a sprawling 107-acre lake. You'll find water in play on nearly every hole, creating a visually stunning yet strategically demanding environment. Jackson's design philosophy here emphasizes risk-reward, inviting you to challenge carries over water or play safely to generous landing areas. The course's character is defined by its island greens and peninsula fairways, offering a unique aesthetic and requiring thoughtful club selection. You'll encounter a layout that rewards accuracy over brute force, making it an ideal test for golfers who appreciate a strategic challenge. This course is best suited for players who enjoy navigating intricate water hazards and are looking for a memorable round that stands apart from typical coastal designs. Its consistent high ratings from fellow golfers attest to its engaging and well-maintained conditions, promising a round where every hole presents a fresh, aquatic-aquatic-infused puzzle.

River Club

Pawleys Island, SC

You'll discover a layout that masterfully blends with the natural Lowcountry landscape, offering a memorable round for golfers of all skill levels. Gene Hamm, a prolific architect known for his player-friendly designs, crafted this course in 1987, ensuring a fair yet engaging test of your game. His approach here emphasizes strategic shot-making over brute force, rewarding thoughtful play and accurate iron shots. You'll encounter wide, forgiving fairways that invite you to unleash your driver, but don't be fooled – the challenge lies in navigating the subtle undulations and well-placed hazards that guard the greens. The course's character is defined by its pristine conditions and the serene beauty of its surroundings, where towering pines and tranquil water features create a picturesque backdrop for your golf adventure. Each hole presents a unique challenge, from doglegs that demand precise placement to greens protected by bunkers and water. This course is particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a classic design that prioritizes enjoyment and strategy. You'll find yourself using every club in your bag, making it an excellent choice for a diverse golfing experience. The consistent quality of the greens and fairways ensures a pleasant walk or ride, and the welcoming atmosphere makes it a perfect destination for a relaxed day on the links. You'll leave with a sense of satisfaction, eager to return.

Pebble Creek Country Club

Taylors, SC

Stepping onto this Colorado gem, you'll immediately sense the distinctive touch of a legendary architect. Opened in 1986, its links-style layout in Brighton, CO, offers a stark contrast to the typical Rocky Mountain golf experience. Here, you'll navigate a landscape sculpted with strategic mounding, deep pot bunkers, and railroad ties that define the fairways and greens, hallmarks of Pete Dye's design philosophy. The terrain, reminiscent of classic Scottish courses, demands thoughtful shot-making and rewards precision over brute force. You'll encounter challenging sightlines and deceptive distances, requiring careful club selection and an astute understanding of the wind. The greens, often undulating and protected, present a true test of your short game. What makes this course truly worth playing is its unique blend of playability and strategic depth; it’s a masterclass in risk-reward golf. Dye’s approach here emphasizes angles and visual intimidation, forcing you to think your way around every hole. This course is best suited for golfers who appreciate architectural nuance, enjoy a strategic challenge, and seek a memorable round that stands apart from the conventional. It’s a true inland links adventure.

Eagle Chase Golf Club

Marshville, NC

Country Club of Newberry

Newberry, SC

Stepping onto the first tee, you'll immediately sense the unique character of this North Myrtle Beach gem, a testament to Russell Breeden's vision from 1967. The terrain here offers a delightful blend of low-country charm and strategic challenges, where mature pines line fairways that gently undulate, guiding your eye toward well-protected greens. Breeden, known for his thoughtful integration of natural features, masterfully incorporated existing water hazards and elevation changes, ensuring no two holes feel alike. You'll encounter several memorable design highlights, including risk-reward par-5s that tempt you to go for the green in two, and par-3s demanding precise iron play over water. What makes this course truly worth playing is its ability to reward intelligent shot-making over brute force, encouraging you to think your way around each hole. The strategic bunkering and subtle green contours will test your short game, but never unfairly. This course is best suited for golfers who appreciate classic design, a fair test of skill, and a round where strategy is as important as power, offering a rewarding experience for players of all handicaps seeking a distinctive coastal golf adventure.

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort - Baytowne Golf Club

Destin, FL

The original Sandestin course, redesigned by Tom Jackson. A more accessible layout ideal for resort guests of all skill levels.

Silver Creek Plantation

Morganton, NC

Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort - The Links Golf Club

Destin, FL

Bayfront links-style course at Sandestin with stunning views of Choctawhatchee Bay. Risk/reward design with dramatic water carries.

Siler City Country Club

Siler City, NC

Stoney Creek Golf Club

Whitsett, NC

Chestnut Mountain Golf Club

Arden, NC

Linville Land Harbor Golf Club

Newland, NC