Did you know there is a resident alligator hanging out at the 17th hole of Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course, host of the 94th PGA Championship? He is watching all the live action, and you may, too!
Here is the link: click.
Follow us on Twitter for behind-the-scenes details on the players, PGA officials and golf media. We were with Darius Rucker last night, and we are and on the 18th hole today. You’ll find us @explorechs.
There is good reason South Carolina license plates are emblazoned with the slogan, “First in Golf.” The first golf club, course and clubs imported into the United States all originated in Charleston, South Carolina.
The South Carolina Golf Club was established in 1786, and players enjoyed the sport on Harleston Green, a municipal greensward that fronted Calhoun Street. Nearly all of the founding members were Scottish merchants.
The first ever-transatlantic shipment of golf clubs and balls arrived in Charleston from Leith, Scotland, the birthplace of golf. A copy of the original customs ledger verifies 432 balls and 96 clubs were shipped aboard the Magdale on May 12, 1743. Today, that manifest is housed at the National Archives of Scotland.
The popularity of golf in Charleston surged between 1888 and 1900—the age of railroad—and the game spread to other cities. In the winter, Northern industrialists traveled on the train to temperate climates, such as Charleston, where they enjoyed past times such as hunting, fishing and golf.
In the 1880s, the Pine Forest Inn opened in Summerville. Billed as a health resort, guests were encouraged to spend time outdoors. In 1891, the Inn built a 130-acre golf course.
By 1901, Charleston had its first modern golf course, a nine-hole course called Belvidere that had 300 members. Shortly thereafter, Belvidere was sold to Standard Oil and moved to McLeod Plantation along Wappoo Cut on James Island.
Today, the Charleston area boasts more than 24 famed courses, including those designed by Pete Dye, Tom Fazio, and Jack Nicklaus. Charleston and Resort Islands Golf can help you with everything from tee times to lodging. Fore!
