Nestled among the marshes and moss-draped oaks of Pawleys Island, River Club stands out for its beautiful setting and water-heavy layout that tests every club in your bag. Built on a former rice plantation, the course lives up to its name—water comes into play on 15 of the 18 holes, making strategy and accuracy paramount.

With immaculate conditions and a memorable finishing stretch, River Club remains one of the Grand Strand’s best-kept secrets.

Course Overview

Designed by Tom Jackson and opened in 1985, River Club is a semi-private course that caters to both locals and traveling golfers. It offers wide fairways, generous landing areas, and elevated greens protected by bunkers and water hazards. The risk/reward par-5s and well-placed doglegs make for an exciting round every time.

  • Architect: Tom Jackson

  • Yardage: 6,677 yards from the tips

  • Slope / Rating: 128 / 71.2

  • Par: 72

  • Course Type: Semi-Private

  • Greens: Champion Bermuda

  • Signature Hole: #18 – A par-5 finishing hole with water running the length of the left side and a green reachable in two for daring players

The Golfer’s Review

River Club is a shotmaker’s course. While you won’t need to overpower it, you will need to carefully choose targets off the tee and pay attention to pin positions. With its scenic vistas and consistent maintenance, it’s a fan favorite among locals and visitors alike.

It’s also one of the most underrated courses on the southern Grand Strand—often overlooked, but never forgotten by those who play it.

Amenities

River Club’s facilities are polished but unpretentious, and the course is part of the Founders Group International network, making it easy to book in golf packages or as part of a stay-and-play.

  • Clubhouse: Pro shop, grill with indoor seating

  • Practice Area: Driving range, putting green

  • Pace of Play: Well-managed

  • Rental Clubs: Yes

  • Replay Value: High—especially if you enjoy water-heavy strategy courses

  • Group Friendly: Yes

Location

  • Address: 11 Pine Dr, Pawleys Island, SC 29585

  • Nearby Courses: Litchfield Country Club, Tradition, Willbrook

  • Lodging Nearby: Litchfield Beach & Golf Resort, Hammock Coast accommodations

  • Dining Nearby: Rustic Table, Bistro 217, Franks Outback

River Club delivers a visually stunning round of golf with plenty of challenge and reward. It’s the kind of course that gets better the more you play it, with subtle strategies to uncover over time.

Pro Tip: Play conservatively off the tee and aggressively into the greens—you’ll avoid big numbers and give yourself scoring chances.