The Patriot Golf Club at Grand Harbor – Played May 2023
- Rankings: None of my four lists
- Location: 200 Grand Harbor Boulevard, Ninety-Six, South Carolina
- Year: 2004
- Architect: Davis Love III
- Course Access: Private
- Walking Rules: Carts Available
Score Card Information:
- Black: 7,054 yards, Par 72, 74.1 Rating/140 Slope
- Blue: 6,653 yards, Par 72, 72.1 Rating/136 Slope
- Blue/White: 6,321 yards, Par 72, 70.8 Rating/134 Slope
- White: 6,171 yards, Par 72, 69.9 Rating/132 Slope
- White/Gold: 5,835 yards, Par 72, 68.1 Rating/127 Slope
- Gold: 5,709 yards, Par 72, 67.7 Rating/125 Slope
- Red: 5,080 yards, Par 72, 65.2 Rating/115 Slope (Men’s), 70.1 Rating/128 Slope (Women’s)
- Forward: 4,514 yards, Par 72, 62.9 Rating/112 Slope (Men’s), 66.8 Rating/122 Slope (Women’s)
The Patriot Golf Club at Grand Harbor sits on Lake Greenwood and is named for the surrounding area’s Revolutionary War history.
There wasn’t a lot of history on the course’s website but that makes sense because it isn’t quite 20 years old. It has hosted some local tournaments and some college events as well.
I’m not sure of the club’s financial situation, but it could clearly use some better upkeep. I was told that it has been difficult to find grounds staff, which would certainly contribute to any issues.
With that said, let’s get into the tour. We were rained out after about 13 holes, so we won’t be seeing the entire course this time. I also wasn’t quite able to remember the exact holes, but I’ll do my best. Sorry about that!
Hole 10 – 396 yards – Par 4
We started on the back, so I’ll go in that order. Usually, I don’t like to do that, but it was the best way to organize the photos.
The hole starts from a slightly elevated tee and asks for a drive placed between bunkers. You don’t want to go long with the approach.
Hole 11 – 390 yards – Par 4
This is a tougher tee shot than it looks. Misses to the left will find trees and tall grass while there are bunkers up the right side.
The green is massively sloped and anything above the hole will be treacherous.
Hole 12 – 357 yards – Par 4
Here is the approach view on this short dogleg left. The further right you can get your tee shot, the better the angle to the green.
Hole 13 – 496 yards – Par 5
A good drive on this hole can catch the downslope you see below and give you some extra yardage. If that happens, it’s very possible to get home in two here. The green is open in front as the two bunkers in the middle are a bit short of the putting surface.
Hole 14 – 374 yards – Par 4
Staying out of the bunkers with your drive makes for an easier approach shot. The green is a pretty larger target but it is guarded by two deep bunkers in the front.
Hole 16 – 415 yards – Par 4
Our tees must have been up on this hole because it didn’t play this long. Some of that could also be the severe dogleg left. The pond fronting the green is the major hazard, but beware of the creek that runs behind the green as well.
Hole 17 – 165 yards – Par 3
The hazard naturally draws your attention when standing on this tee. Fret not, because there is plenty of dry ground to aim for. Anything aside from a duff and big flare right will be fine.
Hole 18 – 472 yards – Par 5
A blind tee shot here gives way to this approach shot. The high grass on the slope is a makeshift hazard that will swallow any golf balls headed its way. The green has a sharp dropoff on the left. Notice the recreations of Revolutionary War-era forts.
Hole 1 – 396 yards – Par 4
The first plays from an elevated tee but this is the view as you walk down to the fairway on this straightaway hole.
Hole 2 – 352 yards – Par 4
This hole is a slight dogleg right with a trio of bunkers guarding the bailout on the left side. Two more traps bracket the front of the green. This hole can play much tougher than it’s yardage.
Hole 4 – 164 yards – Par 3
My last hole of the day is this daunting par three. The green does provide a big target but the water lurks closely on the left. Also, if you are not on the correct tier of the green, putting will be fairly tricky.
Unfortunately, my round was cut short at The Patriot Golf Club. However, I believe I got in enough holes to get a feel for the place. With some improved maintenance and a little TLC, it could be quite good.
For a rolling property, the course is walkable and the holes are interesting. There is some challenge but not so much to feel like you’re constantly getting beat up. If you get an invite, I encourage you to check it out for yourself.