The restoration of Pawleys Plantation, a stunning Jack Nicklaus design that plays along a tidal marsh, continues to progress smoothly, and the layout’s plans for an October reopening are on schedule.
As previously reported by GBN, Founders Group International, Pawleys’ parent company, closed the acclaimed design on May 22 for a comprehensive greens, bunkers and clubhouse renovation project. The on-course work is being led by Nicklaus Design and its Design Associate, Troy Vincent, with the goal of reinvigorating a layout that has been among the Myrtle Beach area’s most popular since its opening in 1988.
At the heart of the project is the restoration of the course’s greens to their original size and specifications, an effort that will collectively expand the putting surfaces at Pawleys by nearly 40,000 square feet. To put that in perspective, the average green will be 48 percent larger after reopening, dramatically increasing the number of pinnable areas.
By early August, the greens at Pawleys were all restored to their original size and re-grassed, while the greens surrounds are largely complete as well.
As substantial as the restoration of the greens is, the changes to the bunkers are even more transformative. Every bunker on the course is being overhauled and the sprawling bunkers on holes 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10, 12, 16 and 18 are being replaced by smaller fairway traps, native areas or expanded fairways, enhancing the course’s playability for mid to high handicappers without reducing the challenge for more skilled players.
“Watching the work at Pawleys Plantation take shape has only served to heighten our excitement about the project,” said Steve Mays, President of Founders Group International. “The restoration of the greens will infuse the layout with creativity, and the reimagination of the bunkers will help ensure that Pawleys Plantation maintains its place among the best courses in South Carolina for years to come.”
“There are a lot of changes to the course, and they are going to be very noticeable,” Vincent said. “The majority of the large bunkers are gone and in their place will be expanded fairway, more traditional fairway bunkers, and native areas. The layout is going to be more playable, but we haven’t taken the teeth away for better players.”
While the golf course work attracts much of the attention, the clubhouse overhaul is no less significant. A roomier Pawleys Pub will now showcase an expansive view of the par 4 18th hole and an outdoor deck will provide golfers the opportunity to enjoy the area’s idyllic weather and unforgettable scenery.
Featuring six back nine holes that play along a stunning, tidal marsh, Pawleys is one of South Carolina’s most scenic layouts, wowing locals and visitors alike with its beauty and challenge.
Founders Group International owns 21 Myrtle Beach golf courses, making it one of the largest management companies in the Southeast, and FGI has aggressively reinvested in its courses in recent years.
FGI has also undertaken significant capital improvement projects at Grande Dunes Resort Course, TPC Myrtle Beach, Pine Lakes, Aberdeen Country Club, River Hills, Tradition Club and the PineHills and Palmetto courses at Myrtlewood over the last four years.
With additional capital improvement projects on the horizon, FGI is reinforcing its commitment to providing golfers with the best golf vacation experience possible.
