This is the earliest mention of the South Carolina Golf Club of Charleston, SC that I found online. It comes from the 1793 South Carolina and Georgia Almanac by William Waring of Charleston. I don't have an original image but this is the transcription. Under the general heading of "Societies Established in Charleston" occurs this listing:
Golf Club Formed 1786.
Dr. Purcell - President.
Edward Penman - Vice President.
James Gairdner - Treasurer and Secretary.
Below is a portrait and death notice for Rev. Henry Purcell D.D. of Charleston, SC. He served as the first President of the South Carolina Golf Club. Born in England in 1739, he graduated from Oxford University in 1763, Henry Purcell came to Charleston in 1770 as rector of Christ Church. He was a chaplain to the Second South Carolina Regiment and then to the First Regiment, Purcell served as judge advocate general for South Carolina and Georgia in 1778. He was a member of the St. Andrews Society, joining in 1792. Rev. Purcell died 24 Mar 1802 and was buried in Saint Michaels Church Cemetery in Charleston.
Putting faces to names brings history alive. I wonder if the good Rev. kept the Sabbath and refrained from a round of golf on Harleston's Green?
BTW, Vice President Edward Penman died in London in 1817.
Rev. Henry Purcell portrait, Gibbes Museum of Art, Charleston, SC
Rev. Henry Purcell death notice, 27 Mar 1802 South Carolina State Gazette and Timothy's Daily Advertiser