Ohio Golf Journal July 2020

Santee Less than 1,000 people live in Santee, located between Charleston and Columbia, but this small community has three quality golf courses, within close proximity, affordable lodging and an ample supply of restaurants, highlighted by the iconic Clark’s Restaurant and Inn, a fixture since 1946. Santee mayor Donnie Hilliard likes to say, “We have less than 1,000 residents here during the day, but potentially 20,000 on the weekends.’’ They come in big numbers for the golf, and more were starting to trickle in after Palmetto Traverse – a unique putting attraction — was opened last fall.” Then the pandemic hit. “For us it wasn’t just the lack of revenue but the timing of it all,’’ said Todd Miller, general manager of Santee Cooper Resort. “After Traverse opened, we had the momentum going. Then all this (pandemic concerns and inevitable restrictions) happened and we don’t know if it’s done yet. That’s the hard part.All we can compare it to in our area is the hurricanes, and they come and go.’’ The three-course triumvirate consists of Santee Cooper Country Club, a George Cobb design that opened in 1967 ; Lake Marion, designed by Eddie Riccono for a 1978 opening; and Santee National, a Porter Gibson creation that made its debut in 1989. Palmetto Traverse Putting courses aren’t new. Many golf facilities, even storied St. Andrews in Scotland, have them as an extra amenity for golfers. Palmetto Traverse isn’t one of the bigger such courses, but it is one of the best. Its not just a putting course, Palmetto Traverse has been labeled a ‘putting experience.’ Covering over 35,000 square feet, Palmetto Traverse was designed by Kris Spence, an architect based in Greensboro, North Carolina, with help from Robbie Wooten. You putt from black “tee’’ markers to holes labeled with white flags. A 260-foot putt is possible, plus the layout offers putts steep uphill, speedy downhill, as well as, putts breaking in all directions. This ‘putting experience’ even includes two bunkers. Palmetto Traverse makes the perfect social diversion after a round, or a challenging pre- round practice exercise. “We created the concept over what Pinehurst had done (on its Thistle Du layout) – a short, fun course,’’ said Miller, who has been with the Santee organization since 1998. “It was a way for us to introduce the game to anyone and yet experienced players can enjoy it just as much – if not more.’’ Ohio Golf Journal