Golf legend gives exhibition at Palmetto Bluff

Courtey of Matt Coffey
Carolina Morning News

Golf's greatest player-turned-architect took time Friday to entertain invited guests at Palmetto Bluff.

Jack Nicklaus, who designed the May River Golf Course, gave a clinic as well as hole-by-hole commentary while playing the course.

His designs can be seen all around the Lowcountry, including the Harbour Town Golf Links. Nicklaus and designer Pete Dye finished Harbour Town in 1968 and it has been home to the Heritage ever since.

Nicklaus said he built the Palmetto Bluff course around the nature to be found there.

"We didn't try to create anything particularly," he said. "We took what we had and tried to work with that."

The result is a 7,100-yard 18-hole course with plenty of bunkers and water.

"The goal was to take the natural beauty and put good golf shots in it," he said.

Although a private course, the May River Golf Course opened for play Sept. 1 and early feedback has been positive, officials said.

"The biggest test is when women come back to the clubhouse (after playing) and say it's a good course," Nicklaus said.

Officials decided to put Paspalum - a type of grass seldom used on Lowcountry golf courses - on the tees, fairways and rough.

The greens are laid with Champion Bermuda which makes them "faster, firmer greens," he said.

"The members will be happy because Paspalum doesn't make good rough," Nicklaus said.

Paspalum is also tolerant of low water quality; Nicklaus said the course could even be watered with saltwater if necessary.