Dye at Colleton River Club

Coastal South Carolina is blessed with some excellent golf courses, and Colleton River's Dye Course belongs high on the list. Combining a graceful and entertaining parkland front nine with a gorgeous marshside inward half, it manages to serve up the full range of Lowcountry looks without feeling disjointed, all while showing why Pete Dye was one of the greatest golf architects who ever lived. It is a splendid journey where every shot is intriguing, and you'll be itching to go around again as soon as you finish. As a place for golf-loving retirees, it is very hard to beat.

I recall this round fondly from back in 2008. I had the course all to myself on a misty morning. I thought it was better than the Nicklaus course, even though that layout was getting better ratings by magazines.

It's probably in my top five Pete Dye designs all-time and that's ahead of many TPCs & Whistling.

Pete Dye used this relatively flat terrain with much imagination and with respect to routing around the magnificient ancient oak trees (some of them dating back 200 years plus!). The course starts with a couple of short holes, and after that, things tighten up quite a bit. Long, well bunkered par threes and doglegs will challenge every player of all level. Don't be fooled by looks, select the appropriate tee box (tee it forward - PGA slogan should be considered), as the back nine, often times with persistent winds will bring the golfer back to reality and scores skyrocketing. This site has been selected by the USGA to hold the 2015 Junior Amateur event. Something to look forward to. The staff, in all areas of the Club, is extremely well trained, professional and friendly. They are proud to be part of the upcoming exposure and challenge to host this prestigious event. The superintendent and his crew have a solid grip on all aspects of the golf course maintenance, respecting the marshes and the protected grounds and wildlife. One can learn much by playing this layout more than once. A course (the writer) could easily retire on as the variety of shots are never ending and the beauty of the land simply spectacular. A bucket list course for sure.