I spent this past weekend with some friends playing golf in Charleston.
Our first round was at "The Muni" which I have not played since Troy Miller renovated the course during COVID.
I have long been a fan of the course, even when it was in less than stellar shape, as you could see it's wonderful bones. It also has a great location just off Maybank Hwy on the marsh.
The "new" holes are terrific. Thoughtful fairway bunkers were added but not overdone, and through the green it retains it's low country charm.
The greens are where the course excels. They certainly are a bit on the small side (especially as compared to the modern behemoths being built at "minimalist" courses), and they feature a significant amount of internal contour. Greens such as the 1st, a double plateau, are mesmerizing and bring interest to an otherwise flat piece of property.
Troy also built a wonderful Eden green on the 4th. The par-5 7th, with its massively built up green, is a hoot. You then get to play a 230+ yard Biarittz followed by the Alps 9th. Terrific fun.
Then once making the turn you are treated to an awesome redan on the 11th, with the back slope mimicking the maybank bridge in the distance. You then are exposed to a wonderful corner of the property, sitting out in the open near the water/marsh. The 12th is a well done Cape (with a cool ghost aiming tree). I played with a few guys who are members at other Raynor clubs and the 13th, the Road hole, was their favorite on the course. The added width and shaping there is amazingly fun - angles matter! The 14th is a Short with a wicked thumbprint.
The Clubhouse may be may favorite in golf, with a simple pro shop and bar/grill. But an authentic vibe that oozes "sense of place" - including locals heckling you on the first tee. Speaking of sense of place, Troy & team have done a wonderful job with the little details. There are *3ft* tall flagsticks, simple old school scorecards, boat cleats as tee markers, etc. Really thoughtful and cool.
What once was a course that you drove through to get to Kiawah, is now a golf course that is better than all but a couple courses on that island. Plus, it's all of $60 for out of towners to walk. If you are a GCA nerd that heads to Charleston and skip the Muni, you are undoubtedly missing out.
Don't miss it.