Opened in 1989 and immediately nominated Best New Course by Golf Digest and voted Top 50 in the Southeast by Golf Week, River Hills Golf Club is known for its signature rolling hills, which is unusual for a coastal course. Its natural beauty, southern charm, excellent course conditions, friendly customer service, and overall value have put River Hills on the map of “must play” golf courses.
Designed by architect Tom Jackson, River Hills is one of his signature “visually intimidating” courses: easier to play than it looks. According to the 1999 Sun News publication “The 100 Greatest Holes along the Grand Strand”, River Hills boasts one of the most unique challenges at hole # 14, but the 17th hole is considered the signature hole, with its double dogleg par 5 and two water carries.
A 2003 renovation made River Hills “friendlier” to play, although it retains its intimidating look and feel. Tom Jackson himself describes the picturesque 18-hole, par 72 course he created as “modern in concept, yet traditional in nature . . . a pleasing blend of old and new design ideas unlike any other course at the beach.” You might encounter Tom at River Hills; he makes a point of coming to play the course a few times a year.
Heavily wooded with natural wetlands, River Hills boasts an amazing wildlife ecosystem, with a surprisingly wide array of birds and animals. Animals include gray and fox squirrels, raccoons, possums, alligators – and even bobcats!
