Founders Club at Pawleys Island

A decidedly different golf course in a decidedly different location, the Founders Club Golf Course embraces its natural setting and strives to make a minimal impact on its surroundings. Instead of trying to confine and control the area’s sandy ground, the course makes use of it with about 85 percent of the cart paths being sand as well as much of the rough.

Originally named the Sea Gull Golf Club, the course was designed by Gene Hamm and opened in 1967. It underwent a $7 million renovation in 2008 lead by golf course architect Thomas Walker, reopening with its new name. The makeover included a new clubhouse and dramatically improved greens, tees and fairways. At 7,007 yards from the back tees, this par-72 course offers unique challenges not only in its ample sand but also in the positioning of its longer holes. The front nine features two par-5s at No. 6 and No. 9 while the back nine has two at No. 10 and No. 12. For players starting on the back nine, that means there are 11 holes before they play another par 5.

Individual golf instruction is offered and the course features two putting greens and a large driving range. There are a full-service restaurant and lounge and other facilities located at an outstanding clubhouse