Georgetown County Protects Local Golf Courses

News Summary

Georgetown County is taking steps to protect beloved golf courses from potential overdevelopment. Concerns from residents have led to exploring zoning changes that could prevent course closures and ensure these greens remain part of the community fabric. A public meeting is scheduled to gather resident input on these important plans.

Georgetown County Takes a Stand for Golf

On a sunny day in July, a group of enthusiastic golfers found themselves swinging away at one of the cherished courses nestled between Litchfield and Pawleys Island. It’s the sort of day that reminds folks why golf is more than just a game—it’s a community, a lifestyle, and yes, sometimes, a cause worth rallying around!

Concern in the Community

As the grass was freshly cut and the sun glinted off the pristine fairways, residents like Robin Agnew, who has called Litchfield Country Club home for over 30 years, couldn’t help but feel a tinge of worry. With whispers of potential course closures swirling around, the county is taking a proactive approach to ensure these beloved greens don’t fall victim to overdevelopment. The worry is real; the current zoning allows for up to four residential units per acre if the club ever decides to shut its doors. And let’s be honest—many residents value those lush, open spaces as key parts of the lifestyle they love.

Agnew, serving as president of her neighborhood’s property owners association, sees firsthand how essential the golf course is not just for recreation, but for the community vibe. The camaraderie, the gatherings, and the sheer joy of a sunny afternoon spent on the course are irreplaceable. It’s not just about the game; it’s about the memories made over birdies and shared laughter.

Protecting Our Greens

To tackle these concerns, Georgetown County is exploring zoning changes for two golf courses in the Waccamaw Neck area, with the intention of limiting development if either course ever decides to close for good. This is not an issue that can be taken lightly. Previous experiences in South Carolina have shown that course closures can lead to heated disputes between residents and developers regarding land use.

Thankfully, the county’s comprehensive plan promotes low-density development, encouraging folks to protect the green spaces that make the area so appealing. Richard Holly, the planning director, mentioned that under the new proposals, the golf courses will likely be classified as conservation agriculture districts. This could mean keeping the courses intact, or at least protecting them from becoming another high-density housing project.

Looking Ahead

In the coming 12 to 18 months, these zoning changes will start to roll out, reflecting the county’s commitment to maintain not only the golfing landscape but also the surrounding wetlands. There are talks of allowing limited uses, like possibly having a clubhouse amenity, while zoning changes may permit a handful of single-family homes at a rate of one house per five acres. This is a far cry from the previous R-10 zoning allowance, which lent itself to much more flexible—and potentially annoying—redevelopment.

Agnew voiced appreciation for the county’s zoning plans. It’s heartening to see that their interests align with the community’s vision for preserving beloved green spaces and local wildlife habitats. Despite the rumors buzzing about the potential sale and redevelopment of Litchfield Country Club and Founders Club, the managing company has denied any intentions to change course, at least for now.

Community Collaboration

With a public planning meeting set for May 16, 2024, residents are invited to contribute their thoughts and suggestions on how to evolve these land use plans, ensuring that future development won’t overshadow their treasured golf courses. The Myrtle Beach area, well-known for its abundant golf offerings, has also shown resilience—local courses are bouncing back after dealing with the recent harsh weather, including Feburary’s snowstorm.

As this golf-centric narrative unfolds, there’s a clear consensus within the community: they want to preserve those fairways for the next generation. Golfers, families, and neighborhood groups alike hope to maintain the charm and tranquility of their favorite courses. After all, it’s not just about tee times—it’s about community ties, shared experiences, and the joy of the game we all love.

Everyone is eagerly waiting to see how this unfolds, and one thing’s for sure—these golf courses are more than just patches of grass; they’re integral to the lifestyle and community spirit of Georgetown County.

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Additional Resources

• Myrtle Beach Online: Golf Article
• Wikipedia: Golf in the United States
• On the Green Magazine: Course Reopen Updates
• Google Search: South Carolina golf courses
• GolfPass: Best Public Golf Courses in South Carolina
• Google Scholar: Golf Course Development South Carolina
• The State: News Article
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
• Golfweek: Best Golf Courses in South Carolina
• Google News: Golf Course Closures South Carolina