Sanctuary Cove at Golf Club at Sanctuary Cove

Sanctuary Cove, nestled near the Georgia coast in Waverly, is a course whispered about more for its challenging layout than its history, but it is worth paying attention to, particularly to low handicap players. Built in the late 1990s, its design reflects a modern approach to golf course architecture, emphasizing strategic play and risk-reward scenarios. The terrain is classic Lowcountry, a pleasing mix of tidal marshes, towering pines, and undulating fairways that demand creative shot-making.

While not designed by a legendary name in golf architecture, Sanctuary Cove bears the mark of a regional architect with a keen understanding of the land’s natural contours. The layout is known for its narrow fairways and strategically placed water hazards, features that tend to reward precision over raw power. The course's back nine, in particular, tests golfers with a series of demanding doglegs and blind shots, making club selection a crucial part of any successful round.

Sanctuary Cove remains primarily a haven for its members, a tight-knit community of avid golfers who appreciate the club's unpretentious atmosphere. The club's annual Member-Guest tournament is a popular event, known as much for its spirited competition as for the seafood feast that follows – a local tradition featuring the region’s famed wild Georgia shrimp. It may not grace magazine covers, but for those who seek a challenging and rewarding round in a setting of natural beauty, Sanctuary Cove is worth a visit.