Masters Trip - Courses around Columbia SC

[atch1330]

We are flying into Charlotte NC on the 7th and will be staying in Columbia. We have practice round tickets for Tuesday and we fly back out on Wednesday so looking to play Saturday, Sunday & Monday. This is what I have so far:

Saturday - 18 @ Windermere

Sunday - 27 or 36 depending on replay @ Columbia CC

Monday - 27 or 36 depending on replay @ Cobblestone

We also talked about playing both Columbia CC & Windermere on Sunday to open up an extra day. Any suggestions on a course between Charlotte & Columbia? Is Musgrove Mill worth the detour?

Or we could play Cobblestone on Saturday, Columbia & Windermere Sunday and then either drive to Aitken Golf Club or Monticello on Monday?

None of our group has been to the area before so this is all based on previous Golfwrx threads so open to any other suggestions as well. Would love to play Palmetto but the cost is a bit high for our group.

Also how likely are replays to be available at Columbia CC & Cobblestone? Is it worth attempting in order to keep the cost down a bit?

[jpthreesticks]

Can’t speak to the courses but realize that it’s going to be getting dark two hours earlier compared to what it is this time of year. With less daylight available, that’s less revenue for the courses as well, many of which rely on Masters Week for a lot of their yearly revenue.

Might not get many replay opportunities as you would this time of year - at least for 18 holes. Possibly 9 though.

[atch1330]

Thanks Maga will keep that in mind. How early can you realistically tee off in the morning in November? We have a tee time booked for 8:30am at Columbia CC on the Sunday and we’re planning to book a second round in the afternoon around 2-2:30pm.

[paperclip]

Northwoods is pretty good; designed by P.B. Dye, some interesting holes. Played it last year at Masters time; as I remember, the conditioning could use some work.

 

[skmcclure]

Northwoods was always a favorite when I lived there. Also I enjoyed Timberlake and Indian River. Keep in mind that this was 25 years ago so I have no idea how they have stood up over time.

[rcubed3r]

Not trying to divert this thread, but do you have to stay in Columbia? You have plenty of time to head to Pinehurst and stay and play there, or Hilton Head, or Kiawah.....

Kiawah runs a SMOKING deal that time of year! Look up the 'Golf and Gourmet package' at Kiawah resort. We've been taking advantage of that at least once per year for the last few years,

Ron

[atch1330]

Wow your not kidding that Kiawah package is a smoking deal. Unfortunately they don’t release the package for booking until some time in October and they said it will likely start late November after the Masters. Will definitely be booking a second trip to take advantage of the Ocean course pricing though. Thanks for the recommendation.

[atch1330]

Has anyone played Northwoods and the courses above? Would you recommend it over Windermere, Cobblestone or Columbia CC?

 

[irishmike27]

My friends and I played 45 holes at Indian River last year in the Sunday before we went to Augusta (we honestly thought we’d be rained out on Monday-hence the marathon). While the conditions were a bit rough, we loved the course and had a blast. Plus, we were playing on a ridiculous Groupon, and paid less than $50 per man to ride 45 holes.

Luckily the rain didn’t hit Augusta til late afternoon on Monday, so we had most of the day on course.

Again, not for everyone-but we made some great memories.

[skmcclure]

That's good to hear. Hopefully I get a chance to play there again some day. The thing I remember, it being a brand new course, was that the greens were very hard. There is a downhill par 3 that you'd have to land the ball 20 yards short in order for it to finally stop on the green.

[hojo16]

Anybody have info on Palmetto during Masters Week?

[theblackswan]

First of all glad to have you guys staying in my hometown of Columbia during Masters week! Lots of public golf around here and I'll do my best to rank what are in my opinion the top courses in the area in this order

Aiken Golf Club- If I could pick one course within an hour of Columbia to play this would be it. Less than an hour from Columbia and voted number one public course in the midlands in the heart of downtown Aiken. My friends and I drove down to play it last month for the first time. Very unique layout with short, quirky holes and very difficult greens. I prefer Aiken Golf Club to Palmetto and not just because its cheaper ($29 to ride 18!!). Just a very interesting and unique course overall that I would not pass up if you're in the area. Course was in great shape when I played it.Cobblestone- In Blythewood about 20 minutes outside of Columbia depending on where you are staying. More expensive than other public courses (but still reasonable) in the area but I believe it is justified. By far the most topography of any course in the area and is always well maintained. Formerly the University Club where the USC Gamecocks would play. The course has 27 holes but they typically restrict one of the nines for members only. Unique layout with several downhill, uphill, and blind shots. Really fun course to play especially when it is in this good of shape. Golden Hills-In Lexington. About 30 minutes from downtown Columbia. Very well maintained for a public course. Interesting mix of holes that weave through a neighborhood. Very narrow and short. Some aspects of the layout are a bit boring but the condition of the course makes up for it in my opinion.Linrick- More affordable than Cobblestone and in pretty good shape as of yesterday. I play here weekly. Greens can get a bit fuzzy but overall the course is in decent shape and has a handful of interesting holes. Great valueNorthwoods aka The Spur- Played here last Saturday. Course has a lot of potential and was recently purchased by an owner with plans to make significant improvements. Can't say that he's made many so far. The front nine is a little boring (I love 5) but the back nine is much more fun. Right now some of the greens are in rough shape. They punched them recently but some are recovering better than others. Still a fun course regardless of the condition. Pete Dye design. They do tend to. pack the course out so if you want to play I would tee off as early as possible. Windemere- Conditions here are hit or miss. I do enjoy the layout and it has some characteristics of a links style course on certain holes. I can't comment on the current condition as I haven't played here in over a year. Overall its worth checking out and from what I hear the conditions here have improved since my last visit. Hope this helps!