Oldfield is the first and only Greg Norman-designed course in the Lowcountry. This 18-hole masterpiece offers an unparalleled golfing experience, blending the natural beauty of the Lowcountry with the strategic challenges that are the hallmark of a Norman design. Oldfield is more than just a golf course—it's a journey through some of the most picturesque landscapes the Lowcountry has to offer. The course winds its way through broad savannas of broomgrass and palmetto, meandering up to the expansive marshes of the Okatie River. The result is a layout that feels as though it has always been part of the landscape, offering a serene and immersive experience. The course is characterized by wide fairways that offer generous landing areas, but also present strategic challenges with carefully placed bunkers, water hazards, and natural waste areas. The use of native grasses and vegetation not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the course but also creates a natural habitat for local wildlife. The design of the greens, with subtle undulations and ample size, allows for a variety of pin placements, ensuring that the course remains engaging no matter how many times you play.
Signature Holes:
Hole 4 – Par 3: The 4th hole at Oldfield is a picturesque par-3 that requires a precise tee shot over a natural marsh to a green that is surrounded by bunkers and framed by towering pines. The hole plays 179 yards from the back tees, and the green is large but features a significant slope from back to front, making club selection and accuracy crucial. The natural beauty of the marsh and the surrounding trees create a tranquil setting, but the challenge of the hole ensures that it is anything but relaxing.
Hole 9 – Par 5: The 9th hole is a classic risk-reward par-5 that offers players a chance to make up strokes before the turn. The hole features a wide fairway that narrows as it approaches a green that is guarded by water on the right and a large bunker on the left. Long hitters can attempt to reach the green in two, but they must carry the water hazard and avoid the deep bunker that protects the left side of the green. For those who choose to lay up, the third shot is no easy task, as the green is elevated and slopes from back to front, making distance control and spin essential.
Hole 13 – Par 4: The 13th hole is a challenging par-4 that plays along the marshes of the Okatie River, offering stunning views and a demanding test of accuracy. The hole doglegs left, with the marsh running along the left side of the fairway and a series of bunkers on the right. The approach shot is to a green that is perched on a peninsula, with the marsh encroaching on three sides. The green is small and well-protected, requiring a precise shot to avoid the water and find the putting surface. The setting, with the marsh and river in the background, makes this hole one of the most memorable on the course.
Hole 18 – Par 4: The finishing hole at Oldfield is a long par-4 that plays back toward the clubhouse, with the Okatie River providing a stunning backdrop. The hole features a wide fairway that doglegs right, with water hazards and bunkers strategically placed to challenge both the drive and the approach shot. The green is elevated and slopes from back to front, with deep bunkers guarding both sides. The 18th hole is a fitting conclusion to the round, combining beauty, strategy, and a sense of accomplishment when you walk off the green.
The course is meticulously cared for, ensuring that the fairways are lush, the greens are smooth and fast, and the hazards are well-maintained. The use of Paspalum turf throughout the course ensures that the playing surfaces are consistent and resilient, even in the hot and humid climate of the Lowcountry. In 2006, Oldfield Golf Course was named a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, a designation that reflects the course’s commitment to environmental stewardship. This certification is a testament to the care that is taken to preserve the natural habitat surrounding the course, making it a haven for local wildlife and a model for sustainable golf course management.
