Tucked away in the heart of Palmetto Bluff, one of the most luxurious and picturesque communities in the Lowcountry, you'll find the May River Golf Club crafted by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. This course is a true testament to the marriage of natural beauty and thoughtful design, offering a golfing experience that is as challenging as it is visually stunning. Ranked as the #11 course in South Carolina by Golf Digest in 2023, May River Golf Club showcases Jack Nicklaus’s signature design philosophy, emphasizing playability, strategy, and harmony with the natural environment. The course is shaded by ancient oak trees draped in Spanish moss, and its fairways are crafted from eco-friendly Paspalum turf, known for its resilience and immaculate playing conditions. This lush, environmentally conscious choice not only enhances the course's aesthetic appeal but also ensures year-round playability with fast and firm conditions. The use of Paspalum turf throughout the course is a nod to both environmental sustainability and playability. This turf thrives in the coastal climate of the Lowcountry, providing a consistently excellent surface for golfers. The turf’s ability to withstand saltwater irrigation also ensures that the course remains in pristine condition, even during the hottest summer months.

The layout of May River Golf Club is a classic out-and-back design, with the front nine guiding players through a clockwise journey through dense forests, while the back nine traces a counterclockwise path that skirts the marshy wetlands along the May River. This configuration not only provides a varied and engaging golfing experience but also immerses players in the serene beauty of the Lowcountry, with each hole offering a new and captivating view. The course is characterized by its strategic design with numerous bump-and-run opportunities, expansive greens, and Pine Valley-esque waste areas.

Signature Holes:

Hole 6 – Par 4: The 6th hole is a standout par-4 that epitomizes the strategic challenges of May River. The hole features a dogleg right with a wide, forgiving fairway that narrows as it approaches the green. A well-placed drive down the left side sets up the best angle for the approach, but players must navigate a large waste area that guards the right side of the green. The green itself is expansive, with subtle undulations that make putting a challenge. The marshland views from the fairway add to the hole’s visual appeal, making it a favorite among members and guests.
Hole 14 – Par 3: The 14th hole is a picturesque par-3 that plays over a tidal marsh, requiring a precise tee shot to a green that is surrounded by water on three sides. The green is large but slopes gently from back to front, making it difficult to hold if the approach is not well-struck. The setting, with the marsh and river as a backdrop, creates a serene yet challenging environment, and the hole is often cited as one of the most beautiful on the course.
Hole 17 – Par 5: The 17th hole is a classic risk-reward par-5 that offers players a chance to make up strokes late in the round. The hole features a wide fairway that doglegs left around a series of bunkers, with the May River running along the right side. Long hitters can challenge the bunkers to set up a chance to reach the green in two, but the approach is fraught with danger, as the green is protected by water in front and a deep bunker behind. The green is one of the most challenging on the course, with multiple tiers and subtle breaks that can turn a birdie opportunity into a bogey if not approached with care.
Hole 18 – Par 4: The finishing hole at May River Golf Club is a demanding par-4 that plays back toward the clubhouse, with the May River providing a stunning backdrop. The fairway is narrow and requires an accurate tee shot to avoid the large waste areas on both sides. The approach shot is to an elevated green that is well-protected by bunkers and slopes from back to front. The hole provides a fitting end to the round, combining strategy, challenge, and beauty in equal measure.

One of the hallmarks of May River Golf Club is its impeccable course conditions. The use of Paspalum turf ensures that the fairways and greens remain lush and firm throughout the year, providing a consistent and enjoyable playing experience. The greens are particularly noted for their speed and smoothness, offering a true test of putting skill. The course’s maintenance staff takes great pride in ensuring that every detail is attended to, from the grooming of the bunkers to the manicuring of the waste areas.

May River Golf Club is not just a place to play golf; it’s a destination where luxury and nature come together to create an unforgettable experience. The course is part of the Palmetto Bluff community, a sprawling 20,000-acre retreat that offers world-class amenities, including fine dining, spa services, and a variety of outdoor activities. The clubhouse at May River is a welcoming space where members and guests can relax after their round, enjoying the camaraderie of fellow golfers and the stunning views of the river and surrounding landscape.

Par Number

72

Yards

7,171

Slope

141

Rating

74.8

Crossroads at Palmetto Bluff

Spanning just 54 acres, Crossroads is the latest creation by South Street Partners, designed by Tad King and Rob Collins, the duo renowned for their work on the now legendary Sweetens Cove in Tennessee and Landmand in Nebraska. Exclusive to members of the Palmetto Bluff Golf Club, Crossroads offers two distinct 9's known as The Hammer and The Press, both designed for reversibility and tailored for match play. Players will explore a dynamic landscape featuring dune ridges reaching heights of 40 feet. With bold contours and multiple teeing areas, Crossroads allows flexibility in yardage, ranging from 1,000 to 3,100 yards over each nine-hole journey. The Hammer and The Press each follow a par-36 layout, featuring a mix of par 3, par 4, and par 5 holes. The course's design emphasizes firm and fast play, with tightly mowed fairways and greens. Elevations changes of around 10 feet add to the uniqueness of the Lowcountry setting, promising one of the most distinctive golf experiences in the country. While the Jack Nicklaus-designed May River course is accessible to guests of the Forbes’ Five Star Montage Palmetto Bluff Resort, Crossroads remains exclusive to Palmetto Bluff Golf Club members, with no resort guest access at this time. The unconventional course also boasts a 34,000 square-foot "Himalayas" putting green located near the first tee.

Ready To Get the Ball Rolling?

Let's talk about living in Palmetto Bluff!

We would love to get to know more about you and your goals.

Contact Us here!

Or Call: 404-399-8993

Palmetto Bluff

The Community

Palmetto Bluff is an exclusive private residential community spanning over 22,000 acres between Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia.
Offers world-class spa and resort, exceptional homes, vacation properties, and an abundance of remarkable amenities for the entire family.
Endless opportunities for relaxation and adventure, from paddle-boarding along the May River to rejuvenating spa days.
Palmetto Bluff offers a variety of activities including clubhouse dining, fishing, fitness, racquet sports, shooting, bowling, and biking.
Premier lifestyle offerings await within the splendid, rolling landscape, from unforgettable dining experiences to friendly games at Wilson Lawn and Racquet.
Boating and water enthusiasts can access tranquil waterways through the Wilson Landing marina, offering kayak and paddleboard storage and hosting social events.
Monthly boat excursions across the Lowcountry are a beloved tradition among members, neighbors, family, and friends.
Palmetto Bluff's undisturbed managed forests provide opportunities for nature walks, exploration, and outdoor activities like fishing and shooting.
Wilson Lawn and Racquet Club serves as a recreational hub with eight Har-Tru tennis courts, six pickleball courts, two bocce courts, and a well-equipped pro shop.
The community harmoniously blends history with modern comforts, embodying a true sense of place.

Palmetto Bluff

Initiation Fee: $40,000

Community Enhancement Fee: 3/4 of 1% of sales price.

POA Fees: $5315 Annually

**All Rates Subject to Change**

Palmetto Bluff

Real Estate

Wander along peaceful streets illuminated by gas lamps, where inviting wraparound porches beckon and friendly encounters await. Whether you seek the cozy charm of cottages lining picturesque streets or a more secluded haven, Palmetto Bluff has it.

Moreland Village
Moreland Village serves as the perfect starting point for exploring the charms of the Lowcountry. Nestled within a remarkable natural setting where forests, marshes, and waterways converge, the village offers a distinct environment. Interconnected trails guide residents to convenient amenities and inviting gathering spots nestled within the woods and along the water's edge. You can meander through the live oak trails, engage in activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, or fly-fishing in the river, and later, enjoy an evening Lowcountry boil under the starlit sky.

Moreland Forest
Life within the ancient tree canopies of Moreland Forest is a daily adventure. Meticulously designed to maximize the potential of Palmetto Bluff's 7.5-mile Inland Waterway and preserved wetlands, this community perfectly balances exquisite natural beauty with convenient access to Moreland Village. Situated within a short walking distance from the amenities of Moreland Village, as well as the Palmetto Bluff Conservancy, the Canteen, and Lake Bales, Moreland Forest serves as an ideal destination for families. Upon completion, Moreland Forest will extend the Inland Waterway by an additional mile, resulting in a total length of 7.5 miles. Residents of Moreland Forest will enjoy the unique advantage of navigating between Moreland Forest, River Road, and Wilson Village without ever needing a vehicle. Connected through a network of existing trails to Moreland Village and River Road, Moreland Forest is conveniently situated for easy access to the amenities of Moreland Village and the headquarters of Palmetto Bluff Club. These amenities encompass Cole’s restaurant, a bowling alley, a game room, an art loft, two swimming pools, and a cutting-edge fitness center. Additionally, the area offers biking trails and community docks along freshwater lakes and Cauley’s Creek.

The Grove
Homes within The Grove will incorporate many of the distinctive exterior elements unique to Moreland Forest, including color combinations, purposeful blends of materials, and color palettes inspired by nature. The understated yet charming details of the Lowcountry, such as gabled roofs, shed roofs, dormers, and standing seam metal roofs, harmoniously come together to create a relaxed and inviting aesthetic. A range of lot sizes, several of which have approved dock easements along the Inland Waterway, ensures a variety of homesites to suit individual needs. The Grove, the latest enclave of homes within Palmetto Bluff's Moreland Forest neighborhood, is an embodiment of curated style and courtyard living. Here, immersing yourself in nature is as effortless as opening your door and taking a serene stroll along the lush, tree-covered trails. Offering 12 homesites and three distinct home plans, The Grove provides limitless opportunities for comfort and enjoyment.

Wilson Village
Wilson Village represents the culmination of extensive research into the distinct qualities of small coastal Southern towns. Providing access to the river, a variety of activities, a gourmet market, and signature shops and restaurants, Wilson Village effortlessly embodies the spirit of Palmetto Bluff. Serving as a beacon for the entire Palmetto Bluff community, Wilson Village encapsulates the vision in its purest form: comfortable, authentic, regionally responsive, and seamlessly integrated within the surrounding trees. It stands as the quintessential example of what Lowcountry architecture should aspire to be. While architectural styles may subtly evolve as you move from the Village core to other neighborhoods, Wilson Village remains a benchmark for architectural excellence.

River Road
An extension of Wilson Village, River Road seamlessly continues the established charm of Wilson Village while bordering the expansive 120-acre River Road Preserve. This neighborhood embraces more classic and period-specific architectural details, evoking a slightly more formal atmosphere. Recognized as the Garden District of Palmetto Bluff, River Road has been thoughtfully planned to integrate community green spaces, staying true to the landscape of the South Carolina Lowcountry and harmoniously incorporating the natural environment. Conveniently positioned between Wilson and Moreland villages, River Road boasts a community garden, Cove Park, and The Lodge, an exclusive amenity available to members. The Lodge encompasses a fitness center, a playground, a dog park, a lounge area, and a zero-entry pool along the tranquil banks of the inland waterway. Serving as a bridge between the two major villages, River Road exudes a slightly more classical and timeless ambiance, all while remaining faithful to the essence of Lowcountry architecture. The neighborhood draws inspiration from historical architectural periods, bearing influences from Charleston and Savannah. Symmetry, rhythm, and classic proportions pay homage to the beauty and heritage of Southern architecture. This sense of classicism and formality extends seamlessly into the landscape designs and meticulously maintained gardens.