8.71

Caledonia Golf & Fish Club

ARCHITECTS

Course info

ACCESS
Public
EST.
1994
GRASS
Bermuda
SEASON
Year Round
CART TYPE
Electric
avg. Price
$
160
?
CADDIES
Unknown
Type
Parkland
Unknown
Par
70
Unknown
Holes
18
Stimpmeter
10.5
City
Pawleys Island

Score

8.71
Design
40%
8.8
Conditions
25%
8.1
Desirability
15%
8.9
Scenery
10%
9.6
Fun
5%
8.6
Uniqueness
5%
8.3

Difficulty

Overall
Hard

Slope 144

75
155

Scratch Rating

-10
0
+10

Stimpmeter 10.5

7
15

Walkability Moderate

Easy
Brutal

Weather

Average Rain Medium

Low
Extreme

Average Wind Medium

Low
Extreme

Price

?
?
?
$
120
$
160
$
200
Low
Average
High

Yearly Rounds

0
75,000

Course Report

Caledonia was built on a historic rice plantation, and its entrance is lined by centuries-old live oaks, one of the most photographed drives in southern golf.

About

Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, designed by Mike Strantz and opened in 1994, is a celebrated par-70 public course set on a historic rice plantation in South Carolina's Lowcountry. Renowned for its natural beauty, strategic design, and live oak-lined entrance, it’s consistently ranked among America’s Top 100 public courses. The layout offers variety, challenge, and visual drama throughout.

Caddie Tip

Keep your tee shot in play—trouble lurks off the fairways with oaks and marsh bordering many holes. On 18, favor accuracy over distance; the second shot over water punishes the over-ambitious. Greens generally break toward the water and can be fast, making downhill putts especially tricky.

The Main Challenge

Strategic hazards—marsh, oaks, and water—demand thoughtful shotmaking. Most challenging is the sequence of tight par 4s, especially doglegs requiring positioning for approaches to undulating, quick greens. The 18th’s forced carry over water elevates pressure when closing out the round in view of the clubhouse crowd.

The Good

Golfers rave about the course’s unforgettable sense of place—especially the majestic live oaks, flowering plants, and stunning marsh views. Each hole feels distinct, and the artistry of the Mike Strantz design ensures constant visual interest and strategic challenge, enhancing replay value and creating lasting memories.

The Not So Good

Some players consistently note the lack of a dedicated driving range, and occasional maintenance issues in bunkers. Pace of play can be slowed at peak times, and the premium price may feel steep relative to local alternatives during shoulder seasons.

Signature Hole:

#

18

No items found.

The par-4 18th is an iconic finisher that borders the marsh and a lake. Requiring a precise tee shot followed by a dramatic forced carry over water to a green at the foot of the clubhouse, it creates a memorable risk-reward scenario with onlookers often watching from rocking chairs on the porch.

Clubhouse

No items found.

Amenities include a southern-style clubhouse with a pro shop, restaurant, outdoor dining porch overlooking the 18th, and locker facilities. Food and beverage service is highly regarded—don’t miss their famous chowder. The environment is relaxed but steeped in historic charm.

Practice Facilities

No items found.

Caledonia offers a short game area, putting green, and chipping area, but notably does not have a full driving range. The clubhouse includes a well-stocked pro shop and an acclaimed restaurant with porch seating, providing excellent views of the 18th green and marshes.

Dress Code:

Standard

No dress code enforced. All attire is permitted.

Collared shirts not required. Clean, athletic or golf-appropriate casual wear is acceptable.

Collared shirts required. No denim, gym wear, or overly casual clothing.

Collared shirts must be tucked in; no cargo or athletic shorts. No hats indoors.

Elite club standards; jackets required indoors, no changing shoes in the parking lot, and specific attire rules based on the area of the facility.

South Carolina
U.S.A.