Windermere Club (Blythewood SC)

We did a spring golf trip to Columbia SC in 2003. Most people think Hilton Head, Charleston, or Myrtle Beach when golf is mentioned in SC, but the state capitol has some very good courses too.

The first course I'm going to talk bout is The Windermere Club, a Pete Dye course designed in 1987. It has many of Pete's architectural trademarks including railroad ties, waste areas, and switchback holes. Switchback holes are ones that move one way off the tee, and then the other way into the green. There are several holes that fit this profile but eleven and twelve best exemplify this strategy.

There are many memorable holes at Windermere. The first hole starts it off with a mid length par four that doglegs left. A creek guards the left side before crossing in front of the green. It's a good introduction and one where mistakes are punished quickly. A couple strong par fours, second and eighth holes, makes the front nine a real challenge. The ninth is the best hole on the course. A par three across the water that has a lima shaped green. The right pin location is several more yards of carry to reach the green safely. Add in any type of wind, and it can ruin a round.

The back nine starts off with a par five that is reachable. The bunker that guards the green is forty feet deep and will make you think twice before grabbing a club. The par three thirteenth has a bow tie shaped green with large mound fronting the middle. It's almost like having two separate greens. Then fourteen is a short par four whose line of charm is broken by deep traps. If you're going for this green, then you better strike it pure. Conservative plays typically leave a blind approach. Pete Dye just doesn't let you have an easy birdie!!

Finally the eighteenth hole sweeps along side the lake as this dogleg left par five finishes off the round with a gambling proposition. A perfect draw will shorten up the hole and leave a great angle to reach the green in two shots. Most players will blow it right and let it bounce off the hill. A safe strategy that can net a par on most plays. The clubhouse sits just up the hill overlooking the green, offering all those on the patio a chance to watch the action coming in.

Overall the Windermere Club is a challenging golf course. It has to be up there as one of the top courses in Columbia. I give it a solid 5 rating.

(Pictures taken from Internet.)