Sandpines has new ownership as of spring 2018 (same management group). The course is now named Florence Golf Links (for the name of the city). Stayed in Florence the first weekend in June on a 2 week ... Continue »

Sandpines has new ownership as of spring 2018 (same management group). The course is now named Florence Golf Links (for the name of the city). Stayed in Florence the first weekend in June on a 2 week driving trip. Wanted to play as early as possible on Sunday. The tee sheet started at 7:30am and the first several groups were booked. So on Saturday I stopped by to see if I could get out as a single prior to the first tee time. The gentleman working in the pro shop was very friendly. He told me he opens up the place at 7am and I could go out at soon as the ground crew gave him the ok. He asked me if I had played the course, when I said no, he gave me a yardage book and told me I would need it. The next morning I showed up and teed off at 7:20am while the regulars were warming up on the range. The pro shop/ event center was getting a new exterior paint job while I was there. All the staff I encountered were very friendly.

The course has an enjoyable layout with a nice mix long and short holes. Off the tee the course is fairly open with many holes having mounding along the sides. Most of the holes have no trees much like a links course while several holes meander through the evergreen trees. The course is mostly flat with some rolling terrain. The wind is the biggest factor in how difficult the course plays. On a mildly breezy morning I reached the par 3 17th playing into the breeze. From a 142 yards out to a front pin I hit 15 yards off extra club and I needed 20 yards extra club. Water comes into play on several holes.

Condition wise the course was in fine shape. The greens rolled smooth with medium/fast speed. Short iron shots held well while longer shots would release a little. The fairways had good coverage and I had good lies the whole round. The rough was in good condition overall. The length was somewhat penal (mostly on longer shots). The bunkers looked to be on the finishing end of a rehab. Mentioned in a prior review was the under cut faces and long grass edges. The faces appeared to be redone and the long edges mowed down. I was in one bunker and the sand was in good shape. The tee boxes were in overall good condition and fairly level.

Overall the course was worth the $79 visitor rate I paid. The club house was nice. I enjoyed good conditions. Although the layout may not leave you in awe it is very enjoyable and had plenty of variety. The yardage book that was given to me definitely helped. The weather was 60deg. and sunny. The Staff was great!