Cheraw State Park Golf Course, South Carolina

Off the beaten path in South Carolina lies the Cheraw State Park Golf Course commonly referred to as "The Best Kept Secret in the Palmetto State." The Tom Jackson course is deserving of the phrase not only because of the quality, conditioning and setting of the course, but the green fees might be one of the best values in the country. In season, weekend rates for 18 holes with cart will only set you back $35. Snow bird travelers and golfers who flock to the area during the winter or early spring will find 18 hole weekday and weekend rates rates at $20 and $25 respectively. (Let me repeat that includes a cart!)

Do not let the price fool you, this masterpiece is an ideal setting for an 18 hole championship course. Every hole is lined with majestic long-leaf pines accented with rolling terrain. In the heart of the course, on the back nine you will have magnificent views of Lake Juniper.

From the tips, the course plays almost 7000 yards, however Golf Professional David "Brick" Hyduke recommended that I play up a set of tees. He stated that the course plays a little longer due to the prevailing winds and elevation changes.

Brick's favorite hole is the 496 yard par 4 13th, not because it is the signature hole, but because it is the most challenging hole on the course. The locals call it the "Hole From Hell" since a long drive off the tee still leaves you a long iron over water to a modest green guarded by sand to the right and water to the left and behind the hole. One can cut the corner with a high arching bomb over tall pines but even that shot won't guarantee a par.

After completing the round with Brick, I couldn't beleive how great the course was for such a low price. I followed him into the proshop becuase I wanted to see the rate sheet with my own eyes. He handed me the brochure and he mentioned Cheraw Golf Course has been awarded a "Super Value Course" by Golf Digest. As I type this, I am still in awe. This ranks as one of the top courses for the dollar I have ever played.

Brick's Local Golf Tip:
Hitting off the pine straw can be tricky and it is not as easy as it appears. If after an errant shot you find yourself in the trees with your ball nestled on top of the pine straw, use Brick's tips below. First, clear the straw below your feet for proper footing. Brush the straw off to the side until your spikes are in the dirt. Second, for the best result play the shot like a fairway sand bunker and try to pick the ball clean. Keep your hands in fron of the ball to pinch it off the straw.

Lodging: Camping and Cabins:
In addition to RV and tent camping, Cheraw State Park offers rustic one bedroom cabins that can sleep a foursome. The cabins are fully furnished with 2 twin beds and a pull out queen sofa in the living room. A screened porch, gas grill and satellite TV will give you the comforts needed for an ideal guys getaway golf trip. A two night stay in the cabins is required at a nightly rate under $100 on the weekends.

Cheraw State Park Contact Information:
100 State Park Rd
Cheraw,SC 29520
Phone: 843-537-9656
Toll Free: 800-868-9630
www.southcarolinaparks.com

About the Town of Cheraw:
Cheraw is located in the northeastern midlands of South Carolina, 40 minutes from I-95 at Florence, 85 miles northeast of Columbia, SC and 75 miles southeast of Charlotte, NC. Cheraw is easily reached by SC 9, US 52 or US 1.

Cheraw has been nickname as the "The Prettiest Town in Dixie" and is one of the oldest inland cities in South Carolina. While the population is just over 6,000 it is the quintessential southern small town, with picket fences and a historic downtown.

History buffs will want to stop at Old St. David's Episcopal Church , the last Anglican church built in South Carolina under King George III. This historic church was used by the Americans and the British during the American Revolution and later by both the Confederate and Union armies.

Driving Directions To State Park:
From Cheraw:Take Hwy. 52 S. for approximately 4 miles, turn right at the park entrance.

From Charlotte:Take Hwy 74 east to Hwy 601 east. From Hwy 601, take Hwy 9 south to Cheraw. Take Hwy. 52 S. for approximately 4 miles, turn right at the park entrance.

Miles From:
* Florence, SC: 35
* Pinehurst, NC: 48
* Charlotte, NC: 78
* Columbia, SC: 84
* Raleigh, NC: 123
* Charleston, SC: 145
* Augusta, GA: 158
* Greenville, SC: 163

Other Courses in The Area:
* Moree's Cheraw Country Club, Cheraw, SC - 843-537-3412
(A Donald Ross design directly across the street from the park)

* Sandy Point, McBee, SC - 843-335-8950

* Green River Country Club, Chesterfield, SC - 843-623-2233

* White Plains, Pageland, SC - 843-672-7200

* Richmond Pines, Rockingham, NC - 910-895-3279

* Loch Haven, Rockingham, NC - 910-895-3295

Town of Cheraw Video: