The 4 Toughest Holes at River Club — and How to Play Them
River Club in Pawleys Island is known for its scenic beauty, Lowcountry charm, and strategic challenge. With water in play on most holes and Tom Jackson’s thoughtful design throughout, it’s a course that rewards smart golf over brute strength. Among its many tests, four holes stand out as the ones that most often determine whether a good round becomes a great one. Here’s a closer look — and how to navigate them.
No. 5 – Par 4 – 369 yards
One of the course’s toughest two-shotters, the fifth hole demands both accuracy and control. A tree roughly 100 yards from the tee guards the left side, while a pair of bunkers tighten the fairway on the right. Finding the short grass off the tee is only the beginning — the approach must carry all the way to a heavily bunkered green. There’s no chance to run one up here; it’s an aerial test that punishes anything short.
No. 9 – Par 4 – 394 yards
The longest par 4 on the course is also among its most daunting. Off the tee, players must avoid a fairway bunker on the right and out of bounds down the left, leaving a narrow target for the drive. From there, it’s a long-iron or hybrid approach to a green surrounded by four bunkers, each ready to collect a miss. The hole is straightforward in design but demands two of your best swings — precision over power is key, though a big tee shot certainly helps.
No. 11 – Par 5 – 524 yards
The back nine opens with River Club’s hardest par 5 — and one of its most honest holes. In fact, there’s even a sign on the tee that spells it out: “Takes three shots to reach this hole. Optimal tee shot is left center of the fairway.” Translation: don’t get cute. Trying to bomb one over the dogleg is a fast track to double bogey. The smart play is to stay disciplined, position yourself in the fairway, and lay up to a comfortable number for your approach. The bowtie-shaped green tilts sharply to the right toward water, making it tough to hold even from a perfect angle. Par here feels like a small victory — and one you’ll have earned. (River Club 11th top photo)
No. 15 – Par 4 – 384 yards
This scenic dogleg right can be both an opportunity and a trap. The aggressive line flirts with the out of bounds on the right, setting up a short approach to a green that demands
a carry over water. The safer route — up the left side — adds distance but takes some danger out of play. However you choose to play it, precision on the second shot is everything. The 15th rewards both strategy and nerve, making it one of River Club’s most memorable holes. Because the green is so well protected, many players choose to treat it like a three-shot par 4, laying up short and hoping for a safe bogey to get out of dodge. (Insider’s tip: When the pin is tucked right, don’t get aggressive, play to the middle of the green)
From start to finish, River Club challenges golfers to think their way around the course. These four holes, in particular, showcase the creativity and precision that make this Pawleys Island gem a must-play on the Grand Strand. Play smart, stay patient, and you might just tame them — but even if you don’t, you’ll still enjoy one of the Hammock Coast Golf Trail’s hidden gems.
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