Set along the banks of the Savannah River, The River Golf Club in North Augusta, SC is a semi-private facility that opened for play in 1998. The facility is conveniently located across from downtown Augusta, GA, just across the Savannah River. Shortly after the course opened, Golf Digest named it a top five new course nationally. Ever since that time, The River Golf Club has continued to enhance its reputation with improvements to the club. In 2002 they hosted a US Open qualifier and were the host site of the mini tour championship in 1999 and 2000
As you make your way around the course, you’ll see the evidence that the property was once an old rail yard as tracks and trestles dot the landscape. The layout winds its way around several lakes with plenty of wetlands, water hazards and, of course, gators. The River Golf Club was designed by internationally acclaimed golf course architect Jim Fazio and features lush fairways, great bunkering and terrific Mini-Verde Ultradwarf Bermuda greens with plenty of subtle slopes and lots of undulations. They’re as fast as any greens you’ll find in the area.
The River Club has several holes that you’ll remember for a while. Number 6 is an interesting hole. From the Blue tees, the hole plays 357 yards. Your tee shot is a short carry over water, and is best played up the right side, avoiding the fairway bunker and trees on the left. A couple of bunkers guard the front side of the green, so you’ll need to carry your approach shot on to it. The green is two-tiered so check your distance and make sure you’re on the right level.
With a good tee shot, Number nine is a reachable par 5. At 464 yards from the Blue tees, the best line off the tee is down the left side, that will take the water on the right side out of play; at least for now. A good drive will leave a long iron or hybrid into the green. Miss the green to the right and you’ll most likely find the water; there’s room left if you want to bail out. Sand also guards the front of the green on both sides. Birdies – or better – are within reach!
At 324 yards from the Blue tees, Number 16 is a short par 4. There’s water down the right side and you’ll have to cross it twice on your way to the green. The hole is best played with less than driver off the tee, which sets up a short pitch shot into a large green set at an angle. It will take two well played shots to have a chance at par or better. The railroad trestle on the right side adds a nice touch.
Number 17 is an intimidating par 3 with water all around the green. The hole plays 142 yards from the Blue tees, slightly downhill to an island green that is set at an angle. There’s also a bunker middle right that catches its fair share of balls. Par is a good score here.
After your round, be sure to stop by The River Golf Club’s restaurant located inside the clubhouse. Sit back and reminisce with your playing partners about shots that were and shots that could have been. You’ll find a good selection of domestic and imported beers and adult beverages as well as a wide selection of clubhouse food: salads, sandwiches, burgers and wraps. They also make a great Monte Cristo; turkey, ham and Swiss cheese on white bread, that’s dipped in batter and grilled to a golden brown and then dusted with powdered sugar and served with raspberry preserves. It’s absolutely delicious.
In addition to a great golf course and full-service restaurant, The River Golf Club also offers accommodations that are second to none. Accommodations at The River Golf Club include three cottages, Cypress, Palmetto and Sweetbay. Cypress and Palmetto have four bedrooms each, with two full beds and a private bathroom and shower in each room. Sweetbay has eight bedrooms, each with one king size bed, a private bathroom and shower. Wireless high speed Internet is available in all cottages along with televisions in each bedroom and the living room and full kitchens. There’s also a washer and dryer in each unit in case you packed too light. It’s a short walk to the course, clubhouse and practice facility and the deck and back porch overlook the lake and the eighteenth hole.
As a guest at The River Golf Club cottages, you’ll be treated like a member with preferred tee times and complimentary range balls as well as member privileges such as free bottled water and towels and merchandise discounts. The cottages can be booked up to two years in advance, with priority given to returning guests.
The River Golf Club offers several membership plans designed to meet the needs of anyone. Junior, Senior, Individual, Family, Out-of-Town and National plans are available. Each membership offers unlimited greens fees, priority tee times, practice range privileges, and complimentary handicap services as well as many other benefits. There are also no minimums or assessments.
During Masters week, the River Golf Club is a favorite and hosts guests from all corners of the world. They consistently provide outstanding course conditions and service. One of the most appreciated aspects of The River Golf Club is the pace of play. By scheduling only an appropriate amount of play during this time, they are able to ensure a proper spacing on the course. Your Masters package at the River Golf Club includes green fees, carts, taxes, range balls, tee packages, course yardage book, beverage cart service, breakfast and lunch.
The River Golf Club is the perfect place to host a golf event, corporate outing or banquet. Large outings are usually held on Mondays so that the course will remain open for our members. They also offer banquet packages meeting room rentals, and in-house catering. They also have an upstairs room that is a great spot for business meetings; followed by a round of golf!
Whether you’re looking to warm up before your round or spend some quality time on the practice range, The River Golf Club has some pretty impressive practice facilities. They offer a full-length driving range where you can hit every club in the bag. You can practice your short game on the chipping green and putt to your heart’s content on one of two practice putting greens.
It seems that a lot of golf courses have given up on trying to compete with the big box retail stores when it comes to golf apparel. But the River Golf Club wants to help you look your best when you step to the first tee. Their pro shop offers golf apparel from classic apparel companies such as FootJoy, Cutter and Buck and Adidas, as well as newer companies like Under Armour and Bald Head Blues, and many more.
The River Golf Club combines a spectacular layout with a fun and fantastic setting to create a golf facility that is friendly and enjoyable. With five sets of tees, the course is playable for golfers of all abilities and was designed with golfers in mind. When combines with their cottages, The River Golf Club is a “hidden gem” as far as golf travel packages go and could be the perfect location for either a family stay or corporate retreat. For more information, give them a call. at (803) 202-0110 or visit their website at www.rivergolfclub.com. For information on Masters Week or cottage rental information, contact Director of Golf, Chris Verdery at cverdery@rivergolfclub.com.