Not only is Caledonia Golf & Fish Club one of the most aesthetically pleasing courses on the Grand Strand, but it is home to one of the truest and most underestimated doglegs you will ever play.
The 13th Hole at Caledonia is a 90-degree dogleg left that winds around a massive live oak tree to a green surrounded by bunkers. But due to its placement among an incredible run of five par 4s that make up the bulk of Caledonia’s defense on the back nine, the 13th is often overlooked.
Measuring 398 yards from the back tees and 291 yards from the forward markers, 13 is one of the shorter par 4s in this Mike Strantz layout. Although it may not look difficult on paper, there are quite a few variables that make this hole one of the most complex at Caledonia.
In determining where you want to land your tee shot, you’ve got a couple of options. If you choose to play it safe, a wood or long iron will land you safely on the right side of the fairway where there is plenty of room and a flatter lie. But playing it safe here means a longer approach shot into the green.
If you’re feeling extra confident, take a gamble and blast a driver over the oak, punch it under if you can, or whip it around the right side and find yourself safely in the fairway. Even a mis-hit ball might find its way through the branches and spanish moss. You’ll have a much shorter approach into the tight green, but you’ll also have a downhill lie.
The green itself is relatively flat but the bunkers guarding its slick surface are not shallow by any means. When your ball finds it way to the putting surface, pay close attention to the grain because those Bermuda greens can be tricky to read!
This intriguing hole, as well as the scenic views of the marshland and dozens of live oaks are just a few of the reasons why Caledonia has been ranked among America’s 100 greatest public courses by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine, and among the top 50 public courses by Golf Channel’s Matt Ginella.
Come see this course for yourself, and take a gamble on the 13th!