COURSE REVIEW

Patriots Point Golf Links near Charleston: Salute the flag and feast your eyes

By Tim McDonald,
National Golf Editor

Nestled on a grassy peninsula just across the harbor from historic downtown Charleston, Patriots Point Golf Links is a scenic, enjoyable golf course worthy of its "links" name.

A closer look at Patriots Point Golf Links Fazio's Links at Wild Dunes one of Charleston area's finest Check out Legend Oaks Golf Club near Charleston Charleston golf course guide

MT. PLEASANT, S.C. - Patriots Point Golf Links meets the criteria to advertise itself as a links - at least by the standards of American golf, where any open track near a big body of water (and sometimes not even that) is entitled to the name.

But in some ways this course just outside Charleston seems like a true Scottish links. All that's missing is heather, a few sand dunes and a mildly inebriated Scotsman.

Lacking those, Patriots Point will have to settle for being one of the prettiest layouts on the Carolina coast.

Nestled on a grassy peninsula overlooking Fort Sumter, the course is certainly open, save for a smattering of trees, including some willows that seem to still be weeping over those haunting first rounds of the Civil War fired nearby.

And it does have the water, overlooking Charleston Harbor and Shem Creek and dotted internally with streams and ponds. There's so much water everywhere, the sun is bound to find something to sparkle off, and it does, virtually through the entire round.

All this beauty culminates in the closing three holes, which wrap around a point of land jutting out into the harbor just across from historic downtown Charleston.

"As far as views go, this is the best around, if you want to enjoy the Charleston waterfront," local Jim Smith said.

It's not just the scenery that makes the closest stretch special; the last three holes are also the most dramatic plays here.

You have to be confident with your driver from the elevated tee box at No. 16, a marsh-hugging dogleg left, and equally confident with your irons at the No. 17, a par 3 with a small, crowned island green that drops off on all sides. With the wind usually swirling, club selection can be tricky.

The 18th bends left with a relatively narrow fairway, and it's easy to run out of room right if you hit it long and straight. Pull that draw out of your bag if you have it. If not, go with a fairway wood or long iron.

Patriots Point Golf Links: The verdict

Opened in 1981 with a design by Willard Byrd, a favorite in Carolina golf, Patriots Point makes for an excellent day on the links.

Tee times: (800) 774-4444 or (843) 958-3629 Click here for golf packages in Charleston.

Running 6,938 yards from the back tees, it's scenic, enjoyable Charleston course with little rough to speak of. As with many open, oceanfront courses, the wind can change the character of play virtually day-to-day.

Patriots Point is owned by Ginn Clubs and Resorts, which also runs Rivertowne Country Club in Charleston and well-known Florida resorts like Reunion in Orlando and Hammock Dunes in Palm Coast. Green fees range from $48 to $100, depending on time, season and residency.

Charleston hotels

Location makes Shem Creek Inn is one of the more popular places to stay in the Charleston area. It overlooks the creek of the same name, but the street address - Shrimpboat Lane - tells the real story.

The Charleston shrimp fleet is moored here, and guests can watch the shrimpers heading out to the harbor and the ocean beyond while lounging with a cup of still-steaming coffee on the pool deck.

The inn has 50 rooms, each with a private balcony offering great views of the creek and the surrounding marshes, and more personalized service than you'll find at larger hotels.

Historic Charleston, Fort Sumter, the country's largest Naval Museum and the beaches of Sullivan's Island and Isle of Palms are only minutes away. So are four golf courses: Patriots Point, Dunes West Golf Club and the two highly regarded tracks at Wild Dunes Resort.

September 24, 2007

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.