The Secession Golf Club’s all-walking golf course, masterminded by former PGA TOUR player Bruce Devlin, offers a truly unique experience. This scenic course, situated amidst the picturesque tidal marshes of the Lowcountry, presents both a physical challenge coupled with awe-inspiring natural beauty. The exposed layout guarantees it plays differently on a daily basis due to the ever-changing winds and tides. The course’s open, wind-swept landscape, reminiscent of golf in the British Isles, features Scottish-style bunkers, panoramic marsh vistas in all directions, and comfortably walkable terrain. Course conditioning is superb.
Secession spans over 7,000 yards from its most challenging tees and follows a links-style design that meanders through the wetlands of South Carolina’s Low Country. The club derives its name from Beaufort, where the original Articles of Secession from the Union were drafted in 1860. With a current membership of 750 individuals and a waiting list, Secession mandates walking with caddies, eschewing golf carts. The course offers a pleasing walking experience, with mostly flat terrain and short distances between each green and the next tee. True to the spirit of traditional golf clubs, no houses will ever encroach on or surround the course. Accommodation options include dormitory-style rooms in the clubhouse and a cottage community across the street for members and their guests.
At Secession, each hole is named after a battle from the American Civil War, and the tees themselves are named after the generals: the Grant Tees at 7,035 yards; the Lee Tees at 6,685 yards; the Sherman Tees at 6,167 yards; and the Jackson Tees at 5,512 yards.
Hole #17 (Mobile Bay) is a short par 3, measuring 124 yards with an island green surrounded by a three-to-five-foot bulwark. Wind plays a significant role, and the entire green is designated a lateral hazard if your shot carries into the marsh beyond. Missing the green left or right allows for a sand wedge shot at low tide to try and save par. Those skilled or lucky enough to hit the green on approach will happily take par. This is an exceptional golf hole. The experienced caddies at Secession are not only knowledgeable but can also offer valuable tips to enhance your game and make the most of the distinctive features of the course. Remarkably, this property was once a rice plantation and has hosted prestigious tournaments like the U.S. Women’s Open Qualifier in 2018.
Members can also enjoy formal and casual dining options at the clubhouse, as well as private event spaces. Furthermore, the onsite pro shop offers high-quality golf merchandise and apparel.
