Jack Nicklaus Returns to Pawleys Plantation

The legendary Jack Nicklaus returned to Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club in October 2018 in celebration of the course’s 30-year anniversary. The course is one of two Nicklaus designs along the Grand Strand, the Hammock Coast Golf Trail’s counterpart to his signature layout on the North Strand at Long Bay Golf Club.

The Golden Bear spent the day touring Pawleys Plantation, and even surprising some unsuspecting players. He recalled his heavy involvement in the course’s initial design and construction phases in the 1980s.  “Any signature course I do is hands-on” Nicklaus said. “And I came here quite a few times.” He fell in love with this piece of property, which features centuries-old live oaks and breathtaking views of the scenic saltwater marsh, and knew that it would combine with his design expertise to produce a truly memorable track.

Nicklaus especially remembered the construction of two signature holes at Pawleys Plantation, the par 3s at Nos. 13 and 17. Despite being two of the most visually stunning on the course, they are also two of its most challenging. A prevalent ocean wind, peninsula green and strategic bunkering are just a few things you can expect to encounter. It’s holes like these that players remember year after year (and Jack does, too!).

In a press conference following his tour of the course, Nicklaus also recalled some of the specific trees that were instrumental in the looks of some of the holes throughout the golf course. He loved the variety of the property and he was proud of the finished product.

Nicklaus also cheerfully remembered an alligator emerging from the water on the 3rd Hole, scooping up his ball on the putting green just after the initial opening of the golf course in 1988.

Upon the conclusion of his tour of the course, Nicklaus spent some time on the driving range with approximately 40 children from The First Tee of Coastal Carolinas. “It’s using golf as a vehicle to teach kids lessons of life,” Nicklaus said of the program.

To learn more about the Golden Bear’s Pawleys Plantation or to check out other courses along the Hammock Coast Golf Trail, click here or call 888.293.7385.