Caledonia Centuries in the Making...
Since opening in January 1994, Caledonia Golf & Fish
Club has rapidly gained a reputation as one of the
premier courses in America. Famous for its natural
beauty and challenging layout, Caledonia is also rich
in history and tradition. The original plantation
was named by its founder, Dr. Robert Nesbit, a Scottish
immigrant who named it Caledonia, the ancient Roman
name for Scotland. Dr. Nesbit acquired the plantation
in the 1700's by marrying Elizabeth Pawley whose family
originally founded Pawleys Island and after whom Pawleys
Island is named. Historic land records from Georgetown
County indicate that Caledonia was, at one time, one
of the largest plantations in South Carolina with
land stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the rice
fields on the western edge of the Waccamaw River.
Perhaps the most striking aesthetic feature of the
plantation is the impressive avenue of live oaks leading
to the clubhouse steps. These century-old trees, laden
with Spanish moss, mark the site of the old King's
Highway as it made its way along the coast in the
1700's. Dr. Nesbit and his descendants continued to
own and operate Caledonia until 1940. Agricultural
records indicate that, at its peak in the mid-1800's,
Caledonia's annual production of rice was more than
700,000 pounds. This production was above average
compared to other area plantations. Changes precipitated
by the Civil War affected agricultural production.
After Nesbit's ownership, the plantation was gradually
sold off, to the point that this once-substantial
landholding was whittled to 152 precious acres from
its original 2,542 acres. The current owners purchased
the property in 1971 to use primarily as a hunting
and fishing club. Each member had his own small lodge
on the property, and he would often come to fish in
the river and hunt ducks in the rice fields. Every
Thursday the group would meet at Caledonia to cook
dinner and socialize. The old shed used for this occasion
still exists on the property beside the clubhouse.
With the exception of a few cosmetic changes, the
shed still exists in its original form and the Thursday
tradition of fellowship continues. Nowadays, however,
old hunting boots are often joined by golf spikes
as players finishing their round join the group for
the catch-of-the-day. It is this fellowship and tradition
that led to the creation of this magnificent new course.
As sportsmen, the owners wanted to build a course
preserving as much of the land's natural beauty as
possible. As southerners, they wanted to create an
atmosphere of warmth and hospitality that each golfer
could take home with him. The goal of Caledonia is
that each visitor remembers his or her day not just
as a round of golf, but as an overall southern experience.
Dress Code: No denim, collared shirt and bermuda shorts required
Metal Spikes: Not Allowed
Earliest Tee Time: 7:00 AM
Greens: Champion Bermuda Grass
Fairways: Bermuda Grass
Number of Sand Bunkers: 71
Water Hazards in Play: Yes
Greens Aerated: May-August
Overseeding Schedule: September/Open
Walking the Course: Not Allowed
Driving Range: No
Additional Facilities: Putting Green, Sand and Chipping Area
Food Availability: Beverage cart, snack bar, restaurant
Bar: Full service bar
Year Built: 1994
