Caledonia Golf & Fish Club | Caledonia Golf Course
Played on June 2017
369 Caledonia Dr, Pawleys Island, South Carolina, 29585
1 Ranking
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Off the Fringe, “Golf’s best short read.” The award winning newsletter, sent twice monthly, that provides an unconventional perspective on the golf world.
David Theoret
Pawleys Island
2017-07-19
Guest (cart included), played on Saturday, June 2017 at 10:25 AM
To golfers in Myrtle Beach and those who travel from many miles away, Caledonia Golf and Fish Club is Myrtle Beach golf. Since opening to the public in January 1994, Caledonia has rapidly gained and maintained a reputation as one of the premier resort courses in America.
A quick look at the scorecard tells you that at 6,526 yards from the back tees, Caledonia is not likely to overwhelm the long hitter. But consider that it's a par 70 course and the rating/slope from the tips is 71.8/138, and you quickly learn this course is no pushover. In fact, the White Tees at 5,710 yards (67.6/127) will show most golfers a challenge and a good time.
Ask any newcomer to the course which hole was their favorite, and the majority will choose Number 18. It's a 377-yard par 4 that requires something less than driver off the tee. The goal here is to avoid the water and leave yourself a second shot, over water into an oddly angled green that has two tiers. The top tier tends to funnel back towards the water. Bunkers surround the green and to top things off, and you may have a gallery watching your approach and putt from the balcony directly behind the green. It's fun and intimidating at the same time!
I asked several members and Assistant Professional Mike Foley the same question and, interesting enough, all agreed that the risk/reward par 5, Number 8 was their favorite. At 512 yards from the Blue Tees, a well-struck drive off the tee over the left fairway bunker on the right leaves you with a decision. The rest of the hole plays downhill and a good drive will leave around 225 yards to the green. Again, it's downhill, which makes it play shorter, however, there is a pond in front of the green that you must carry. Something else to consider is pin location. If it's front, it is slightly above water level. If it's a back pin, the upper level of the green sits about four feet higher. It's the ultimate risk/reward hole on the course.
My favorite was Number 10, a 531-yard par 5 that I almost reached in two. Fairway bunkers on either side create a narrow landing area for your drive and the waste bunker dotted with grass islands that make up the right side of the fairway is an imposing obstacle to overcome on your layup. The double-tiered green demands a good long look if you want to score well, unfortunately, I did not!
Even the short par 3, 9th hole (110 yards/Blue Tees) requires a certain amount of distance control and accuracy. Although it's short, it's all carry over sand, and with the green being very shallow, the two back bunkers see a lot of play. Number 7 is a short but interesting hole. It plays 346 yards from the Blue Tees and, with a right-side pin placement, 9 out of 10 players will have to play their approach shot over or under a massive moss-draped oak tree. Find the fairway bunker on the left off the tee, and big numbers await.
These are just some of the holes I have fond memories of, however, I'm sure every hole out here has special meaning to somebody. After all, Caledonia realistically has 18 signature holes. No houses infringe on your play; it's just you, nature and that darned little white ball.
After your round, do what many locals and other golfers do: visit the restaurant in the Old South-style clubhouse. They have a tremendous menu and, of course, your favorite post-golf libations. Now it's your turn to sit in a porch rocker and offer encouragement to fellow golfers' approach to the 18th green.
No round at Caledonia is complete without a souvenir of the day's events and the pro shop can hook you up with a hat, shirt or towel from your favorite designer, complete with the Caledonia logo.
Would travel: 120-300 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Better than average course for the area, Ranks with the best in this price level, Expensive and worth it, Best course in the area
Condition of Course, Pace of Play, Food/ Bar facilities, Difficulty, Ambiance, Staff, Pro Shop, Layout, No Houses on Course, Clubhouse
Guest (cart included), played on Saturday, June 2017 at 10:25 AM
To golfers in Myrtle Beach and those who travel from many miles away, Caledonia Golf and Fish Club is Myrtle Beach golf. Since opening to the public in January 1994, Caledonia has rapidly gained and maintained a reputation as one of the premier resort courses in America.
A quick look at the scorecard tells you that at 6,526 yards from the back tees, Caledonia is not likely to overwhelm the long hitter. But consider that it's a par 70 course and the rating/slope from the tips is 71.8/138, and you quickly learn this course is no pushover. In fact, the White Tees at 5,710 yards (67.6/127) will show most golfers a challenge and a good time.
Ask any newcomer to the course which hole was their favorite, and the majority will choose Number 18. It's a 377-yard par 4 that requires something less than driver off the tee. The goal here is to avoid the water and leave yourself a second shot, over water into an oddly angled green that has two tiers. The top tier tends to funnel back towards the water. Bunkers surround the green and to top things off, and you may have a gallery watching your approach and putt from the balcony directly behind the green. It's fun and intimidating at the same time!
I asked several members and Assistant Professional Mike Foley the same question and, interesting enough, all agreed that the risk/reward par 5, Number 8 was their favorite. At 512 yards from the Blue Tees, a well-struck drive off the tee over the left fairway bunker on the right leaves you with a decision. The rest of the hole plays downhill and a good drive will leave around 225 yards to the green. Again, it's downhill, which makes it play shorter, however, there is a pond in front of the green that you must carry. Something else to consider is pin location. If it's front, it is slightly above water level. If it's a back pin, the upper level of the green sits about four feet higher. It's the ultimate risk/reward hole on the course.
My favorite was Number 10, a 531-yard par 5 that I almost reached in two. Fairway bunkers on either side create a narrow landing area for your drive and the waste bunker dotted with grass islands that make up the right side of the fairway is an imposing obstacle to overcome on your layup. The double-tiered green demands a good long look if you want to score well, unfortunately, I did not!
Even the short par 3, 9th hole (110 yards/Blue Tees) requires a certain amount of distance control and accuracy. Although it's short, it's all carry over sand, and with the green being very shallow, the two back bunkers see a lot of play. Number 7 is a short but interesting hole. It plays 346 yards from the Blue Tees and, with a right-side pin placement, 9 out of 10 players will have to play their approach shot over or under a massive moss-draped oak tree. Find the fairway bunker on the left off the tee, and big numbers await.
These are just some of the holes I have fond memories of, however, I'm sure every hole out here has special meaning to somebody. After all, Caledonia realistically has 18 signature holes. No houses infringe on your play; it's just you, nature and that darned little white ball.
After your round, do what many locals and other golfers do: visit the restaurant in the Old South-style clubhouse. They have a tremendous menu and, of course, your favorite post-golf libations. Now it's your turn to sit in a porch rocker and offer encouragement to fellow golfers' approach to the 18th green.
No round at Caledonia is complete without a souvenir of the day's events and the pro shop can hook you up with a hat, shirt or towel from your favorite designer, complete with the Caledonia logo.