Bluffton Golf Club is an incredible golf course that is open for public play. It is not overly long, and with a slope rating in the mid to high 120s for men, it offers both a challenge and a good time.
Bluffton Golf Club was built in 1937 by PGA TOUR professional Ken Mast, a local man better known for basketball in the state than golf. Bluffton GC gives you five sets of tees to choose from, so finding a yardage that suits your game, and you’re sure to enjoy yourself. From the Blue Tees, the course plays 6616 yards with a slope of 129 and a par of 72. yards. Move up to the White Tees and the yardage and slope drop to 6,148 and 118 respectively. These tees provided a fitting challenge and allowed me to leave with some dignity! Ladies, juniors, and seniors will enjoy the Red Tees at 4,490 yards.
The course features Bentgrass tees, fairways, and greens. Looking at the size of the trees that line several fairways, you can tell that Bluffton GC is a mature golf course. The winding Little Riley Creek comes into play on 13 holes, often cutting across the fairway immediately in front of the green, taking away any chance of running the ball up to the hole. There are also a few small lakes to play over and around.
An interesting aspect of Bluffton GC is the back-to-back par 5s at the 2nd and 3rd holes. Number 2 plays 502 yards and is straight as an arrow. A couple of small fairway bunkers dot the landscape in the landing area off the tee, as do mature trees here and there on the peripheries. A good drive will leave an opportunity to go for the green in two. With very little trouble around the green, it’s a good chance to make up a stroke or two. The 3rd hole is another straight par 5 that plays 472 yards. The creek is in play off the tee but shouldn’t pose a problem for most golfers. Your approach shot will require accuracy as several large trees shrink your margin of error and a grass bunker crosses the fairway directly in front of the green.
Bluffton Golf Club has a driving range and practice putting green, so you can loosen up before your round or just spend the day honing your skills. Inside the clubhouse, you can grab a bite to eat and beverages are available. The pro shop has everything you’ll need for your round, including logoed apparel that you can take home as a memory.
Bluffton Golf Club’s sister course, Hidden Creek, is just 6 miles away. Each one provides a unique and diverse golfing experience. If you find yourself wanting to go back and play the courses over and over, consider an annual pass. It gives you access to both courses and includes a golf cart; range balls can be included in your membership for one low price. This annual pass is one of the best golf values in the area. For those visiting the area, find yourself a local hotel and play a couple of great local golf courses run by a golf legend!