
The May River Golf Course in Bluffton, South Carolina, is a masterpiece designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 2005. The 18-hole course spans 7,171 yards across the May River Forest neighborhood and is renowned for its eco-friendly turf and imported bunker sand. The course has been certified by Audubon International as a Cooperative Sanctuary for wildlife and habitat management, and it follows the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy's guidance to protect the natural habitats of wildlife in the area. With its stunning scenery, challenging layout, and commitment to environmental sustainability, the May River Golf Course has become a beloved favorite among golf enthusiasts in South Carolina and beyond.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Bluffton, SC |
| Course Designer | Jack Nicklaus |
| Course Length | 7,171 yards |
| Year Opened | 2005 |
| Number of Holes | 18 |
| Course Type | Championship Course |
| Course Rating | "Best New Course" in South Carolina by the South Carolina Course Ratings Panel |
| Tee and Fairway Grass | Paspalum, heat and salt tolerant |
| Bunker Sand | Imported from Ohio |
| Natural Features | May River, ancient oak trees, dune ridges |
| Facilities | May River Grill, PGA-certified professionals, practice facility |
| Course Layout | Meandering fairways, strategic bunkers, natural waste areas, undulating slopes |
| Caddie Service | Required with each round |
| Playing Hours | Tuesday–Sunday, 7:00/7:30 a.m.–5:00/6:00 p.m. |
| Green Fees | Vary based on season and number of holes played |
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What You'll Learn
- The May River Golf Course is a Jack Nicklaus Signature design
- The course offers 18 holes and challenges golfers of all skill levels
- The course has been certified as a wildlife sanctuary by Audubon International
- The course features eco-friendly turf and imported bunker sand
- Palmetto Bluff's Crossroads is a 9-hole course designed by King-Collins

The May River Golf Course is a Jack Nicklaus Signature design
The course offers a challenging and unique experience for golfers of all skill levels, with wide, inviting fairways, strategic bunkers, and natural waste areas. The Champions Bermuda greens are guarded by white-sand bunkers, testing golfers' nerves, while the gently undulating slopes demand precision in putting.
The May River Golf Course has been recognised as one of the best courses in South Carolina by GolfPass readers in the Golfer's Choice Awards. In addition, the course has been certified by Audubon International as a Cooperative Sanctuary for wildlife and habitat management, environmental planning, outreach, and education in partnership with the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy.
The course follows the Conservancy's guidance to protect the natural habitats of wildlife on and near the course. It is also known for its stunning beauty, with century-old live oaks and serene native landscapes. The May River Golf Course offers a world-class practice facility with PGA-certified professionals, making it a true golf paradise.
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The course offers 18 holes and challenges golfers of all skill levels
The May River Golf Course in Bluffton, South Carolina, is a masterpiece designed by Jack Nicklaus. It opened in 2005 and offers 18 holes that challenge golfers of all skill levels. The course spans 7,171 yards across the May River Forest neighbourhood and is surrounded by ancient oak trees, with several holes on the banks of the river. The course is known for its eco-friendly Paspalum turf and imported bunker sand, with fairways made of turf that is heat and salt tolerant. The sand in the bunkers is unique, as Nicklaus chose sand from Ohio for its ability to adhere to sloped surfaces and withstand coastal weather.
The course features wide, inviting fairways, strategic bunkers, and natural waste areas. The Champions Bermuda greens are guarded by white-sand bunkers, testing golfers' nerves, while the gently undulating slopes demand precision in putting. The natural beauty of the course, with its serene native landscapes and century-old live oaks, has earned it a spot among the best courses in South Carolina. It has been recognised by GolfPass readers in the Golfer's Choice Awards and was named "Best New Course" in South Carolina by the South Carolina Course Ratings Panel in 2005.
In addition to the 18-hole course, May River Golf Course also offers a world-class practice facility with PGA-certified professionals. Golfers can also enjoy the May River Grill, located in the clubhouse, which provides a casual dining experience. The course is certified by Audubon International as a Cooperative Sanctuary for wildlife and habitat management, environmental planning, outreach, and education. It follows the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy's guidance to protect the natural habitats of wildlife on and near the course.
May River Golf Course also features a 9-hole course called Crossroads, designed by King-Collins. This course provides a unique golfing experience with stunning dune ridges up to 40 feet high and elevation changes of +/- 10 feet. It is reversible, allowing golfers to crisscross and explore the captivating terrain, with limitless shot-making possibilities. Crossroads offers two routings, The Hammer and The Press, both of which provide dramatic finishes to every round.
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The course has been certified as a wildlife sanctuary by Audubon International
The May River Golf Course in South Carolina is a stunning course designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 2005. It offers 18 holes that challenge players of all skill levels. The course spans 7,171 yards and is renowned for its eco-friendly turf and imported bunker sand. It is surrounded by ancient oak trees and native landscapes, with several holes on the banks of the serene May River.
In addition to its beauty and challenging design, the May River Golf Course has also been recognized for its commitment to environmental sustainability and wildlife conservation. The course has been certified by Audubon International as a Cooperative Sanctuary for wildlife and habitat management, environmental planning, outreach, and education. This certification is a result of the course's partnership with the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy and their shared commitment to protecting the natural habitats of wildlife on and near the course.
The Palmetto Bluff Conservancy provides guidance and expertise to ensure that the natural habitats of wildlife are protected and preserved. This includes the conservation of the ancient oak trees and native landscapes that surround the course, as well as the habitats of the diverse wildlife that call the area home. By following the Conservancy's guidance, the May River Golf Course has implemented sustainable practices and habitat management strategies that benefit the local ecosystem.
Audubon International is an organization dedicated to protecting and preserving the natural world through education, research, and conservation programs. Their certification programs recognize and promote environmental stewardship and sustainable practices in various industries, including golf course management. By achieving this certification, the May River Golf Course has demonstrated its dedication to balancing golf course operations with the protection and enhancement of natural habitats.
The certification process involves a comprehensive review of the course's environmental practices, habitat management strategies, and educational initiatives. Audubon International works closely with the course management to ensure that the natural habitats of wildlife are protected and that the course is actively contributing to the conservation and enhancement of biodiversity. This includes the implementation of sustainable practices, such as the use of eco-friendly turf and the protection of water quality, which benefit both the golf course and the surrounding ecosystem.
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The course features eco-friendly turf and imported bunker sand
The May River Golf Course in Bluffton, South Carolina, is a masterpiece of golf course design. It was created by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 2005. The course spans 7,171 yards across the May River Forest neighbourhood and is surrounded by ancient oak trees. It is renowned for its eco-friendly turf and imported bunker sand.
The turf features a new type of paspalum grass that is tolerant of heat and salt. This grass is used on the tees and fairways, providing a unique playing surface that is both durable and environmentally friendly. The course is also bordered by the May River, with several holes located along its banks, adding to the beauty and challenge of the course.
The bunker sand at May River Golf Course is also unique. Nicklaus chose to use sand from Ohio due to its angular grain, which adheres better to sloped surfaces and holds up well to coastal weather conditions. This sand allows for the construction of bunkers with steep flashed faces, creating a challenging and visually appealing golf course.
In addition to its eco-friendly turf and imported bunker sand, the May River Golf Course has been designed with a focus on protecting the natural habitats of wildlife in and around the course. The course has been certified by Audubon International as a Cooperative Sanctuary for wildlife and habitat management, environmental planning, outreach, and education. It follows the guidance of the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy to ensure the preservation of the natural environment.
The May River Golf Course offers a stunning and challenging golf experience for players of all skill levels. With its eco-friendly turf, imported bunker sand, and commitment to environmental preservation, the course provides a unique and memorable golfing destination in the heart of South Carolina's Lowcountry.
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Palmetto Bluff's Crossroads is a 9-hole course designed by King-Collins
Palmetto Bluff's Crossroads is a 9-hole golf course designed by the highly acclaimed golf architecture firm King-Collins. It offers a unique golfing experience, with a reversible layout that encourages golfers to explore its captivating terrain and enjoy an exciting and dynamic experience each time they play. The course is designed for match play, with two routings, The Hammer and The Press, offering dramatic finishes to every round.
The course provides stunning dune ridges that reach up to 40 feet in height and elevation changes of +/- 10 feet throughout, adding to the challenge and beauty of the game. It is located in the heart of the Lowcountry, offering a sense of belonging and a thoughtfully designed and visually stunning layout.
Crossroads was introduced as an addition to the May River Golf Course, a beloved favourite among golf enthusiasts in South Carolina. The 18-hole May River Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, spans across the May River Forest neighbourhood and is surrounded by ancient oak trees. The course features eco-friendly Paspalum turf and imported bunker sand, with several holes along the sun-dappled river.
Palmetto Bluff is committed to protecting the natural habitats of wildlife on and near its golf courses. In partnership with the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, the May River Golf Course has been certified by Audubon International as a Cooperative Sanctuary for wildlife and habitat management, environmental planning, outreach, and education. Similarly, the Crossroads course follows the Conservancy's guidance to safeguard the natural habitats of wildlife in the area.
The Palmetto Bluff Golf Club offers a golfing lifestyle like no other in the Lowcountry. With its stunning courses, world-class practice facilities, and scenic beauty, Palmetto Bluff provides an ultimate golf paradise for enthusiasts.
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Frequently asked questions
The May River Golf Course is an 18-hole golf course in Bluffton, South Carolina. It was designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 2005.
The course is known for its natural beauty, with several holes along the sun-dappled May River and ancient oak trees. It is also eco-friendly, with Paspalum turf and imported bunker sand.
Yes, the May River Golf Course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players.
The fees for playing at the May River Golf Course vary depending on the season and the number of holes played. During peak season (March-July, September-January), the rate for 18 holes is $350 + caddie gratuity, while during off-peak season (January-March, July-August), the rate is $270 + caddie gratuity. Club rentals are also available for an additional cost.
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