The Reserve Golf Club of Pawleys Island

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.