The first time I motored down Palmetto Bluff Road, Spanish-moss chandeliers swung overhead and the brackish scent of the May River drifted through my truck’s cracked window. I’d been told Jack Nicklaus carved “a Lowcountry Augusta” in these marshes, but I didn’t fully buy the hype until my approach into May River Golf Club’s par-4 opener fluttered across silvery water and landed on a billiard-smooth green framed by centuries-old live oaks. One round later I was convinced: this is bucket-list golf with a Southern drawl.
Quick Course Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Architect | Jack Nicklaus (Signature), opened 2005 |
| Par / Yardage | 72 / 7,171 yds (Oak Tees) |
| Course Rating / Slope | 75.6 / 141 |
| Course Type | Resort (Montage Palmetto Bluff); guests + limited public tee times |
| Top-100 Rank | #58 “Courses You Can Play 2024-25” – GOLF.com |
| Grass | Sea-Isle paspalum wall-to-wall for salt-tolerant, velvety fairways |
| Signature Feature | Ohio bunker sand with angular grains for firm faces |
Layout Overview & Routing
The course meanders in a figure-eight through 270 acres of tidal wetlands with the May River visible on five holes. Nicklaus employed gentle doglegs and risk-reward carries rather than severe elevation to defend par, making the design playable for tourists yet sneaky-tough from the back tees. Paspalum fairways reject very little spin, so even mid-irons bite hard—great news for approach control but bad news if you short-side yourself on the turtle-back greens.
Scorecard Snapshot (Oak Tees)
| Hole | Yards | Par | Handicap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 429 | 4 | 13 |
| 2 | 206 | 3 | 17 |
| 3 | 428 | 4 | 3 |
| 4 | 565 | 5 | 9 |
| 5 | 442 | 4 | 7 |
| 6 | 175 | 3 | 15 |
| 7 | 336 | 4 | 11 |
| 8 | 555 | 5 | 5 |
| 9 | 471 | 4 | 1 |
| Front Nine | 3,607 | 36 | |
| 10 | 556 | 5 | 10 |
| 11 | 169 | 3 | 18 |
| 12 | 402 | 4 | 6 |
| 13 | 472 | 4 | 2 |
| 14 | 190 | 3 | 16 |
| 15 | 535 | 5 | 12 |
| 16 | 436 | 4 | 8 |
| 17 | 234 | 3 | 14 |
| 18 | 570 | 5 | 4 |
| Back Nine | 3,564 | 36 | |
| Total | 7,171 | 72 |
Green Fees, Caddies & Extras
| Round Type | Rate (USD) | Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| 18 Holes | $350 + gratuity | Cart, base caddie fee |
| 9 Holes | $185 + gratuity | Cart, base caddie fee |
| Rental Clubs | $125 / $70 | 18 / 9 holes – Pro V1 sleeves |
Resort guests receive a 10% discount on second rounds within seven days. Shoulder-season twilight (after 2 p.m.) is $225.
Five Holes You’ll Remember
- #4 “Cypress Bend” 565 yd Par 5 – Bombers face a marsh carry; missing left tightens the lay-up.
- #7 “Nicklaus Knuckle” 336 yd Par 4 – Drivable green on a peninsula, ringed by bunkers and water.
- #11 “River Vista” 169 yd Par 3 – Two-tier green with swirling wind off the river.
- #15 “Sawmill” 535 yd Par 5 – Elevated tee, 270-yard carry over waste area to a speed-slot fairway.
- #18 “Big Bluff” 570 yd Par 5 – Bunker islands and cross-creek second, finishing under the clubhouse porch.
Course Conditioning & Agronomy
May River uses Sea-Isle paspalum for fairways, cut to 0.325″ for consistent lies. Greens run 10–11.5 ft on the Stimpmeter, and Ohio bunker sand offers firm faces.
Practice Facilities & Amenities
- 360-yard double-ended range with Toptracer
- Short-game complex: 12,000 ft² putting green + 75-yard pitching area
- Crossroads 9-hole short course by King-Collins
- “Bluffton Barbecue Shack” halfway hut serving pulled-pork sliders
Low-Country Playing Tips
- Use a caddie: They know the tricky paspalum greens.
- Stay below the hole: Downhill putts run past.
- Adjust for humidity: Add half a club in muggy summer air.
- Watch the tide: River breeze affects holes 2 & 11.
- Lay up left on 18: Right-side hazards punish aggressive lines.
Pros & Cons
- Pros
- Tour-level conditioning
- Velvety paspalum fairways
- Expert caddie program
- Cons
- High green fee
- Limited public tee times
Visitor Costs at a Glance (2025)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Green Fee + Cart + Caddie | $350 |
| Caddie Tip | $35–$50 |
| Rental Clubs | $125 |
| Range Balls | Included |
| Replay Rate | $175 |
| Short Course | $85 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is May River open to the public?
Yes—non-resort players can book up to 60 days in advance.
Are carts mandatory?
No—walking is encouraged, but carts are included.
What is the dress code?
Collared shirts, no denim, soft spikes only.
Best time to play?
Late March–early May or October–November for cooler temps.
Course closures?
Usually one week in late August for overseeding.
Information here is for educational purposes and is not medical advice.
Conclusion
May River Golf Club combines Lowcountry charm with championship turf. It’s a splurge, but the breathtaking holes, expert caddies, and Nicklaus design make it a must-play. Let us know your thoughts on May River Golf Club in the comments below.