Take a slight detour to Woodfin Ridge

Golf 2010

Robert Gilbert

SOUTH CAROLINA INSIDER

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The 18th hole at Woodfin Ridge

The 18th hole at Woodfin Ridge provides a picturesque finish after a round played in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Moutains on the shores of Lake Bowen.

Posted 6/9/2010 2:41:00 PM

If you are anything like me, your golf clubs are always in your car. Considering I drive a Mini Cooper, this is a bit more of a challenge. However, the point remains, I always want to be prepared while traveling. After all, you never know when an opportunity for a round will present itself.

This is especially the case in South Carolina, where incredible golf can be found just minutes off the busiest Interstates. For a great example, look no further than Woodfin Ridge Golf Club. Located just 2 miles from Interstate 26 and 9 miles from Interstate 85 in northern Spartanburg County, Woodfin is easily accessible for traveling golfers, yet beautifully scenic and tranquil.

Designed by Bill Bergin, the course is situated on the shores of Lake Bowen and at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Not surprisingly, water and elevation changes can be found throughout the course.

Jacobs Creek gets the fun started early, forcing accurate tee shots on both No. 2 and No. 3. Thanks to a central reservoir, the front nine ends with a great variety and challenging trio of holes. The 7th hole is particularly challenging — assuming you land your drive safely in the fairway, the approach is to a crowned green guarded on three sides by bunkers and water.

The back starts off with a long par-4 that almost had me wishing I had stopped at the turn. However, the beautiful view of the mountains from the 11th tee box, as well as signature water hole 15th, more than made up for it.

The majority of the golfers on the course at any given time are members who play the course frequently, so even on the busiest days, play keeps moving at a pretty good pace. This, combined with the great value ($38/weekdays, $48/weekends), makes Woodfin Ridge a great choice for golf, whether you’re vacationing in the area or simply traveling down the Interstate en route to another destination.