Pee Dee Country is a seven-county region, named for the original Native American Pee Dee Indians who inhabited it long ago. In the heart of the region is Florence most famous for the Darlington Raceway, NASCAR's oldest speedway. For golfers who drive to Myrtle Beach, Charleston or Hilton Head Island kno the region as great golf courses without the ocean prices. For many it is an ideal stop for a warm up round or two. Do not overlook this region as a destination in itself, as it features almost 30 golf courses.

Where To Play
The Country Club of South Carolina

The small town of Florence is located at the intersection of two major highways I95 and I20. The crown Jewel of the area is The Country Club of South Carolina. Built in 1968, the Elllis Maples designed course winds thru several small lakes and Black Creek. Many greens are tucked into hollows surrounded by dogwoods, azaleas and old-growth hardwoods. Mature trees draped with Spanish moss line the fairways and monster bunkers call for target golf. Host of the 2007 state Am, the semi-private course is open to the public.

CC of South Carolina features the most feared hole in the area. The monster par 4 14th climbs a three to four story hill. Take and extra club and a half or you might find your ball coming up shirt and rolling back down the hill another 30-50 yards.

On property are spacious 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom condos with course views and of Lake McDonald.

Four Tees: 76062, 8887, 6062 and 5292 Yards Slope/Rating: 141/74.8 Rates: $65 with golf package Designer: Elllis Maples

The Country Club of South Carolina 3525 McDonald Boulevard Florence, South Carolina 29506 843-669-0920

The Traces Golf Club The Traces is a 27 hole championship course located just off I20 (exit 137) that can be played in any combination.

The Woodlands Course was designed by Lakeland, Florida native, Ron Garl. This 9 features the property's signature hole, the par 3 4th. The 175 yard hole forces you to carry a large pond and massive sand trap. Bring you're a game because water comes into play on 5 of the 9 holes.

The Meadows Course is a mixture of parkland and link style golf. Five holes are completely open with the remaining heavily lined with pines and hardwoods.

The Creekside Course is appropriately named with water on almost every hole. Beware, water is not the only obstacle. Golfers will need to navigate tree lined fairways, rolling hills and big undulating greens to post a good score.

4 Tees: 27 Holes Architect: James Goodson/Ron Garl Rates: $40-$30 depending on season

The Traces Golf Club 4322 Southborough Road Florence, SC 29501 843-662-7775

Other Courses In The Area
Beaver Creek Golf Club Darlington 393-5441

Bishopville Country Club Bishopville 484-3675

Clio Country Club Clio 586-9361

The Crossings Golf Club Florence 665-8040

Darlington Country Club Darlington 393-2146

Dusty Hills Country Club Marion 423-2721

Foxboro Golf Club Lydia 332-0613

Fox Creek Golf Club Hartsville 332-0613

Governor's Run Golf Club Lamar 326-5513

Hartsville Country Club Hartsville 332-1441

Lake City Country Club Lake City 374-3415

Marlboro Country Club Bennettsville 479-7741

Oakdale Country Club Florence 662-0368

Pineland Country Club Nichols 526-2175

Sandy Point Golf Club Hartsville 335-8950

Swamp Fox Golf Club Kingstree 382-3436

Twin Lakes Country Club Dillon 774-3740

The Wellman Club Johnsonville 386-2521

Eats and Treats
Red Bone Alley The food is fresh and innovative South Carolina regional cuisine. Closely tied to the land, sea and rivers that abound in the region, South Carolina's cuisine is influenced by hundred of years of French, Mediterranean, African, English and West Indian cooking.

The dish to die for is The Low Country Shrimp and Grits. Your mouth will water just reading the menu."Our popular creamy, cheese grits loaded with spicy fried shrimp, seared ham, mushrooms with green onions.

1903 West Palmetto Street Florence, SC 29501 (843) 673-0035

Where To Stay

Hilton Garden Inn Florence

2671 Hospitality Boulevard, Florence, South Carolina, USA 29501 843-432-3001

What Else To Do In The Area
Darlington Raceway Tour

The "Track too Tough to Tame," NASCAR's oldest super speedway has been the site of many legendary races. Hourly tours of the track will show you history, tradition and family fun!

Open 7 days, 9 am-5 pm. Tours: Adults $5; Children 6-12, $3; 5 & under Free.

Darlington Raceway Stock Car Museum and NMPA (National Motorsports Press Assoc.) Hall of Fame

Take a trip back in time to relive the magical moments that have made NASCAR racing the world's greatest spectator sport. See and learn about the pioneers of the sport and the historic cars that carried them to greatness. NASCAR souvenirs in the gift shop.

Open 7 days, 9 am-5 pm. Admission: Adults $5; Children 12 & under, Free

1301 Harry Byrd Hwy. Darlington, SC 29532 843-395-8900

Rants and Raves
Fran Willis, Executive Director of Pee Dee Tourism Commission summed it up best when she said "while this area is a great place to visit, it is even more amazing place to live." Great golf, affordable prices and a year round golf destination makes this region a must visit. When should you go? Well if you want to see the Azaleas bloom, book your travel for this coming spring.