Sure, we all know Pinehurst, Ponte Vedra, and Pebble — all bucket list items you must play at least once.
But on this episode of the Traveling Golfer, Tony introduces us to a bucket list item that you need to add to that list.
He actually shows us two incredible golf courses at the same place.
Caledonia Golf and Fish Club and True Blue Golf Club are in Pawleys Island, South Carolina less than an hour south of Myrtle Beach.
They are rated among the top 5 in the state of South Carolina which is pretty good company.
Oh and trust us: this isn’t a day trip.
Here’s what Tony shows us.
Breathtaking Scenery
Nestled along the South Carolina coast, Caledonia and True Blue boast picturesque settings with lush fairways winding through stunning Lowcountry landscapes, featuring moss-draped live oaks, serene lakes, and vibrant flora.
What you’ll enjoy about the episode is that show Director and Photographer Dustin Gilder allows you to take the time to indulge in the course. In addition to the natural beauty, you will experience the meticulous groundskeeping at both courses.
Challenging and Rewarding Courses
Both Caledonia and True Blue offer unique and challenging layouts that cater to golfers of all skill levels. We suggest playing each course more than one time each.
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club blends natural surroundings with strategic bunkering and undulating greens. This is a tough, target course.
Tony shows us Caledonia’s Par-3 17th that is an island green but surrounded by sand.
That is the prelude to the tough par-4 18th hole that requires an approach shot over water while the clubhouse crowd watches, cheers or jeers you.
We suggest playing it when the lunch crowd and in the pre-dinner cocktail crowd are there.
Meanwhile, True Blue Golf Club has a totally different layout.
Unlike Caledonia, True Blue showcases generous fairways, large greens, and impressive water features.
Like Caledonia, True Blue’s 18th hole also will get clubhouse spectators.
But Tony chose to play True Blue’s par-4 5th hole, a dog leg left with True Blue Golf Pro Eltoria Renwick.
E, as he is known, schools Tony on the tough hole and collects a Tony-paid Yeungling after sinking a birdie putt.
These courses also have some golf design history. This is one of the last designs by Mike Strantz, known for his bold and daring design style that challenged traditional golf course architecture. As in all of his courses, here at Caledonia and True Blue, Mike’s designs featured dramatic landforms, strategic bunkering, undulating greens, and seamless integration with the natural surroundings. His courses were a testament to his creative genius and passion for the game.
Sadly, Mike died of cancer at 50. Still, his vision and skills live on at courses like Caledonia and True Blue.
Luxury Golf Stay
Both golf courses have excellent restaurants and bar areas to enjoy before or after golf. True Blue has a full breakfast.
In addition, you will want to stay at the Inlet Sports Lodge, which is connected to both golf courses.
These are not just hotel rooms. These are luxury apartments where you can hang out and even cook for yourself.
Tony gets a tour from General Manager Michele Grzelak including the amenities that allow you to lounge by the pool and also help you if you want to go fishing.
Tony then uses the Inlet Sports lounge and outdoor grill to cook up a gourmet meal for everyone.
But let’s say you want to leave the cooking at home, then you have a ton of options.
First, right at the Inlet sports lives. There is a great restaurant called Costa.
Next, hit nearby Murrells Inlet, which features the inviting Marsh Walk, loaded with restaurants, bars, and live music that is literally a short Uber away.
This is why we suggest that at the least you spend a long weekend here in comfortably a whole week.
We also suggest you click on the episode below and sit back and enjoy for the next 30 minutes.
John Daly is a TV host, producer, and author who contributes to Traveling Golfer. John is also the co-creator and co-host of Undercover Jetsetter that can be seen on WingDing TV, including an episode of a Golf and Gourmet weekend at Caledonia and True Blue, where he surfed on True Blue.
