
The May River Golf Course in Bluffton, South Carolina, is a golfer's paradise. The 18-hole course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels, with its scenic layout meandering through the May River Forest and along the serene May River. The course is renowned for its eco-friendly turf, imported bunker sand, and natural beauty, earning it a spot among the best in South Carolina. The May River Golf Shop offers golf enthusiasts the opportunity to purchase or rent equipment, clothing, and accessories to elevate their game and their style.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | May River Golf Club |
| Location | Bluffton, South Carolina |
| Contact | (843) 706-5473 |
| Course Designer | Jack Nicklaus |
| Course Type | 18-hole championship course |
| Course Features | Wide fairways, strategic bunkers, natural waste areas, undulating slopes, ancient oak trees, eco-friendly turf |
| Course Length | 7,171 yards |
| Course Rating | Recognized as one of the best courses in South Carolina by GolfPass readers |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday–Sunday, 7:30 am–5:00 pm |
| Fees | Vary based on the season and number of holes played, ranging from $185 to $370 plus caddie gratuity |
| Caddie Service | Required with each round |
| Dining | May River Grill located in the clubhouse |
| Practice Facility | World-class facility with PGA-certified professionals |
| Awards | Named "Best New Course" in South Carolina by the South Carolina Course Ratings Panel in 2005 |
| Wildlife Certification | Certified by Audubon International as a Cooperative Sanctuary for wildlife and habitat management |
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What You'll Learn

May River Golf Course
The May River Golf Course in Bluffton, South Carolina, is a masterpiece designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 2005. It offers an 18-hole layout that challenges golfers of all skill levels. The course meanders through the scenic May River Forest, featuring wide, inviting fairways, strategic bunkers, and natural waste areas. Its Champions Bermuda greens, guarded by white-sand bunkers, test golfers' nerves, while the gently undulating slopes demand precision in putting. Several holes are set along the sun-dappled river, showcasing the natural beauty that has earned the course a spot among the best in South Carolina.
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. It spans across the May River Forest neighbourhood, surrounded by ancient oak trees, and is renowned for its eco-friendly Paspalum turf and imported bunker sand. The course follows the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy's guidance to protect the natural habitats of wildlife on and near the course.
The May River Golf Course is part of the Palmetto Bluff Golf Club, which also includes the Crossroads, a revolutionary nine-hole course created by King-Collins. Crossroads provides a unique golfing experience with its captivating terrain and limitless shot-making possibilities. It features stunning dune ridges up to 40 feet high and elevation changes throughout the course.
The May River Golf Course is open Tuesday through Sunday from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. Green fees vary depending on the season, with rates including caddie gratuity and cart or forecaddie fees. Golfers can also take advantage of the practice facility and club rentals, with shoes available for purchase or rent in the pro shop. The May River Grill, located in the clubhouse, offers casual dining and post-round meals.
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Crossroads
Designed by the highly acclaimed golf architecture firm King-Collins, Crossroads is a unique departure from traditional layouts. It is reversible, allowing golfers to crisscross over themselves and enjoy a dynamic experience with each play. The course is designed for match play, with two routings named "The Hammer" and "The Press" that offer dramatic finishes to every round.
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. It spans 7,171 yards and is renowned for its eco-friendly turf and imported bunker sand. The course follows the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy's guidance to protect the natural habitats of wildlife on and near the course.
The May River Golf Club offers a variety of amenities, including a pro shop, a practice facility, and a clubhouse with dining options. Golfers can rent clubs and purchase or rent golf shoes at the pro shop. The practice facility is first-rate and offers PGA-certified professionals to help enhance golfers' games. The clubhouse features the May River Grill, providing a setting for casual dining or post-round meals. While the food has received mixed reviews, the selection of draft beers is enjoyed by many.
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Golf equipment
For those who are particular about their footwear, the Pro Shop provides a selection of golf shoes available for purchase or rent, ensuring you have the right shoes for the course. The course demands precision and strategy, and the right equipment is vital.
May River Golf Course, a Jack Nicklaus Signature design, presents a challenging 18-hole layout that will test golfers of all skill levels. The course meanders through the scenic May River Forest, featuring inviting fairways, strategic bunkers, and natural waste areas. The Champions Bermuda greens, guarded by white-sand bunkers, will truly challenge your nerves.
To perfect your game, the world-class practice facility offers a chance to improve with PGA-certified professionals. The facility usage fee is $45, and club rentals are available for $70 for 9 holes and $125 for 18 holes, with rental clubs including golf balls.
The May River Golf Course is a stunning masterpiece, and with the right equipment, you can focus on your game and enjoy the beauty and challenge of this renowned course.
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Golf course reviews
The May River Golf Course in Bluffton, South Carolina, is a private golf club that offers a unique golfing experience. The 18-hole course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, meanders through the scenic May River Forest, showcasing the natural beauty of the area. The course is renowned for its eco-friendly Paspalum turf and imported bunker sand, and has been recognised as one of the best courses in South Carolina.
Reviews of the May River Golf Course are mostly positive, with golfers praising the challenging layout, beautiful scenery, and excellent staff. One reviewer on TripAdvisor commented that the course is "spectacular" and that playing with a knowledgeable caddie is a "treat". Another reviewer described the course as beautiful and fun, with a great design that offers a lot of variety. However, there are also reviews that mention the mandatory caddie service as a downside, especially for non-members who have to pay an additional fee.
In addition to the main course, the May River Golf Course also features a 9-hole course called Crossroads, designed by King-Collins. This course offers a unique and dynamic experience with limitless shot-making possibilities and stunning dune ridges up to 40 feet high. Crossroads provides a flexible and fun golfing experience for golfers of all skill levels.
The May River Golf Course is located within the Palmetto Bluff community and is recognised as a Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International for its commitment to wildlife and habitat management. The course spans 7,171 yards and is surrounded by ancient oak trees, with several holes set along the serene May River. The clubhouse features the May River Grill, which offers casual dining and stunning views.
Overall, the May River Golf Course in Bluffton, South Carolina, offers a challenging and scenic golfing experience. With its diverse layout, eco-friendly features, and surrounding natural beauty, the course has received recognition and praise from golfers and enthusiasts alike.
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Golf course ratings
The May River Golf Course in Bluffton, South Carolina, is a highly-rated golf course that has received recognition for its challenging layout, scenic beauty, and eco-friendly practices. It has been certified by Audubon International as a Cooperative Sanctuary for wildlife and habitat management, showcasing its commitment to environmental sustainability.
Course Design and Playability:
Designed by the renowned Jack Nicklaus, the 18-hole championship course meanders along the serene May River and through the majestic May River Forest. The course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels, with strategic bunkers, natural waste areas, and undulating slopes that demand precision. The course's multiple tee boxes allow for playability variations, catering to different golfer preferences and abilities.
Natural Beauty and Scenery:
The golf course is renowned for its natural beauty, with century-old live oaks, serene native landscapes, and holes set along the sun-dappled river. The surrounding ancient oak trees and eco-friendly Paspalum turf enhance the visual appeal of the course. Its natural beauty has earned it a spot among the best courses in South Carolina, as recognized by GolfPass readers in the Golfer's Choice Awards.
Eco-Friendly Practices:
The May River Golf Course is committed to eco-friendly practices and has partnered with the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy to protect the natural habitats of wildlife on and near the course. The course features eco-friendly turf and imported bunker sand, contributing to its sustainability efforts.
Overall Rating:
The May River Golf Course receives excellent ratings from golfers and critics alike. It has been described as a "golfing lifestyle like no other" and a "beloved favorite among golf enthusiasts." The course's challenging layout, stunning scenery, and commitment to environmental sustainability make it a highly desirable destination for golfers seeking a unique and memorable experience.
Visitor Experience:
Reviews highlight the course's beautiful condition and challenging layout, with some expressing disappointment about the guest policies and dining options. However, the knowledgeable caddies, excellent staff, and first-rate practice facilities contribute to a positive overall experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The May River Golf Course is open from 7:00/7:30 am to 5:00/6:00 pm, Tuesday to Sunday.
The cost depends on the time of year and whether you play 9 or 18 holes. Prices range from $185 to $370, plus caddie gratuity.
Yes, the course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all abilities.
The course has a practice facility, a clubhouse with a restaurant and pro shop, and golf carts are available upon request.
Acceptable shoes must be worn at all times. Golf shoes are available to purchase or rent from the pro shop.
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