Ohio Golf Journal July 2020

SouthCarolina’s Santee &Cheraw State Park Offer Fantastic Golfing Opportunities By Len Ziehm Cheraw State Park Joy and I are never reluctant to check out hidden gems and Cheraw State Park was a great track that I am glad we were able to visit. Cheraw State Park Golf Course opened in 1992 and receives heavy play from Canadian golfers, who like to rent cabins on the park grounds. Superintendent, Chris Flowers, is considered top notch and the course was in the best condition of any we’ve seen so far in 2020, plus the clubhouse was impressive. Tom Jackson, a course architect based in Greenville, was the designer. The best hole, No. 13, is a sharp dogleg par-4, that plays 492 yards from the back tees. The green is protected by water on the left side and continues around the back, plus most of the right side. This hole clearly merits its designation as the No. 1 handicap hole. Jackson worked for both Robert Trent Jones Sr. and George Cobb before starting his own architectural firm in 1971 and has built over 100 courses, mostly in the Carolinas. One interesting side note: Cheraw was the first course we have played this season that had rakes available in every bunker. Cheraw measures 6,928 yards from the back tees and can play as short as 5,408. For more information check out www.playcheraw.com.