
The Reserve of Pawleys Island Course
The Reserve Golf Club of Pawleys Island

About this course
The Reserve of Pawleys Island occupies a coastal South Carolina setting along the Intracoastal Waterway, designed by Greg Norman with Rich Mandell and opened in the late 1990s. The course reflects Norman's design philosophy from that era, emphasizing strategic options and visual drama drawn from the natural landscape. The routing takes advantage of the property's waterfront position, with several holes playing directly along or across tidal marshes and wetlands that characterize the Lowcountry environment. The layout moves through distinct zones of terrain, from higher ground with stands of live oaks and pines to open expanses where marsh grasses and water define the playing corridors. Norman's design incorporates wide fairways that encourage aggressive play while presenting clear risk-reward decisions, particularly on holes where forced carries over wetlands come into play. The greens are typically large and contoured, demanding precision on approach shots and careful reads on the putting surface. The Reserve operates as a private club serving a residential community, maintaining a relatively low profile compared to some of the region's more tournament-oriented facilities. The course provides members with a layout that balances the strategic demands Norman is known for with the aesthetic qualities of its coastal setting, where views across the marsh and waterway contribute to the playing experience without overwhelming the golf itself.
Rankings
Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.
Best in World
Best in USA
Best in SC
Quick facts
- Location
- Pawleys Island, SC, USA
- Access
- Private
- Year built
- 1998
- Holes
- 18
- Designer(s)
- Greg Norman, Rich Mandell
- Par
- 72
- Length
- 7,151 yards
- Difficulty
- 73.9/140
- Course Vaults score
- 7.8
Getting there
The journey to The Reserve Golf Club of Pawleys Island begins at Myrtle Beach International Airport, a straightforward hour's drive north along the Carolina coast. The route traces Highway 17 through the Lowcountry, where salt marsh gives way to ancient live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and the air grows thick with the humid stillness unique to this stretch of South Carolina. As you cross into Pawleys Island - the state's oldest seaside resort - the final turn inland reveals The Reserve's discreet entrance, a quiet threshold into one of the Grand Strand's most deliberately secluded sanctuaries.

FAQ
Common questions about The Reserve of Pawleys Island at The Reserve Golf Club of Pawleys Island
Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.
The Reserve of Pawleys Island at The Reserve Golf Club of Pawleys Island has a Course Vaults score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 19 logged golfers.
The Reserve of Pawleys Island was designed by Greg Norman and Rich Mandell.
The Reserve of Pawleys Island at The Reserve Golf Club of Pawleys Island is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.
Par at The Reserve of Pawleys Island is 72.
The Reserve of Pawleys Island plays 7,151 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.
The slope rating at The Reserve of Pawleys Island is 140.



