Ralston Creek at Daniel Island Club

Ralston Creek, one half of the Daniel Island Club's celebrated 36-hole pairing, quietly asserts its own brand of Lowcountry challenge, distinct from its more heralded sibling. This is a course where strategy outweighs sheer power, demanding thoughtful shot placement rather than bomb-and-gouge tactics.

A Rees Jones design, Ralston Creek presents a modern interpretation of parkland golf, weaving through the tidal marshes and maritime forests that define Daniel Island. Generous fairways lull golfers into a false sense of security, quickly dispelled by the undulating greens and cleverly positioned bunkers that guard the approaches. The course favors a controlled fade off the tee, setting up ideal angles into many of the receptive, yet deceptively contoured, putting surfaces.

While not a regular stop on the professional circuit, Ralston Creek has served as a host venue for elite amateur competitions, testing the mettle of rising stars against its subtle defenses. Members take pride in the course's playability, its commitment to a fair test for all skill levels, and the convivial atmosphere found at the 19th hole – where stories are shared, often accompanied by the club’s signature shrimp and grits, a Lowcountry staple.

The absence of major championships on its resume belies the course's intrinsic quality and its enduring appeal to a discerning membership. Ralston Creek represents a thoughtful, challenging, and ultimately rewarding golf experience, true to the spirit of the game and the unique character of Daniel Island.