If there was a shortlist of the unsung heroes of golf course architecture’s modern era, P.B. Dye would likely find himself on it. Given his unabashedly outgoing demeanor and penchant for expressing strong opinions about anything from golf to college football, it’s a wonder he never got more “press.”
While he could certainly be the life of any party, the youngest son of legendary Pete Dye was always happiest on the seat of a bulldozer during height of his career in the 80s and 90s. To that extent, P.B. was a driving force on dozens of famous Dye designs, including the Honors Course near Chattanooga, Tenn., and Long Cove Golf Club in Hilton Head Island
Many of his peers were constantly searching for the perfect building site for a shrine to their brands. Dye, however, relished the opportunity to work with big-time golf resort and community developers regardless of the location. These titans of industry, after all, were his clients, and Dye was quick to understand that real estate was the driving force behind golf during his period.
For golfers traveling across South Carolina and the Southeast or looking to settle down in a Sun Belt golf community, here are some of the top P.B. Dye golf courses you can play (public) or join (private).
Cobblestone Park Golf Club
Home to the University of South Carolina Men’s and Women’s golf teams, Cobblestone Park Golf Club is
A 27-hole golf panacea in Columbia chock-full of panoramic views, rolling hills, majestic oak trees and towering Carolina pines. The three nines are dubbed Garnet, Black and Gold, paying homage to the hometown Gamecocks’ colors. The Garnet and Black combo provides the sternest test from the “Champ” tees, playing to nearly 6,800 yards. Cobblestone is known for its pristine conditions on the course, and it also debuted a new 28,000-square-foot clubhouse in 2015 with a full-service restaurant, Alexander’s, overlooking the 18th green.
For more information: www.cobblestoneparkgolfclub.com
Cherokee Valley Course and Club
At Cherokee Valley just north of Greenville, S.C., Dye essentially delights golfers with multiple courses within a single layout. The first four holes are relatively flat and close to the new golf shop and chef-driven restaurant, Core 450. Six through eight take players closer to Glassy Mountain, nine and 10 circle around the practice range, while 11-18 feature more than 300-feet of elevation change. Cherokee offers memberships and daily fee play as well as golf packages featuring the club’s quaint cottages. Cherokee Valley is just 30 minutes from downtown Greenville, one of the best small cities in the U.S. The course and club are the centerpiece of a golf community with both existing home and building lots for sale.
For more information: www.cherokeevalleyclub.com.
Prestwick Country Club
P.B. Dye introduced himself to Myrtle Beach, America’s most popular golf destination, with his work at Prestwick Country Club, a rollicking layout that is adored by local’s and visitors alike. Speaking to the quality of Dye’s work, Prestwick was voted Myrtle Beach’s fifth best course in a survey of PGA professionals, and the experience is highlighted by an unforgettable back nine. A round at Prestwick reaches a crescendo on the diabolical par 5 17th, which demands power to conquer the 531-yard challenge and precision to avoid the water that lurks throughout.
For more information: www.PrestwickCountryClub.com.
The Spur at Northwoods
P.B. Dye’s wife attended the University of South Carolina in Columbia, so the preponderance of Dye layouts around the capital city is no coincidence. The Spur at Northwoods, formerly known as Northwoods Golf Club, is a compelling combination of P.B. at his playable best mixed with a fistful of signature Pete Dye design elements. Case in point is the par-4 14th hole, which features railroad ties bordering a lake hugging the bunkered green. Like Cobblestone, The Spur houses a spacious practice facility and golfers can even work on their games at night on the lighted driving range.
For more information: www.northwoodsgolfsc.com.
The Club at Olde Cypress
From South Carolina, make your way down to the “Golf Capital of the World,” Naples, Fla., to settle in at The Club at Old Cypress. This P.B. Dye gem is eminently enjoyable, progressively playable from the forward to middle tees, and at nearly 6,711 yards has enough length to challenge long hitters from the tips. New members have flocked to this privately owned, private club over the past two years, seeking sunshine, pristine beaches, fresh seafood, and a lifestyle only Southwest Florida can offer. Adding to the attraction: Olde Cypress recently reopened following a re-grassing of all tee boxes, fairways and greens, as well as updates to bunkers, the practice facility and clubhouse. Membership categories include social, full golf and associate golf and offer access to the club’s other amenities, like tennis, pickleball and fitness, as well as fine and casual dining.
For more information: www.oldecypress.com.
