Santee National Golf Club Par 3s

[Larry Gavrich]

I played at Santee National earlier today, in Santee, SC, just off I-95.  It is a fairly undistinguished layout (by Porter Gibson) but with what I believe may be a unique distinction:  Its two toughest holes (on the card) are par 3s.  In my experience, it is rare for a par 3 to be among the toughest nine holes on any course, let alone the #1 handicap hole.  But the #1 and #2 handicaps as par 3s on the same course may be unprecedented.  Does anyone know of another such case?  By the way, the #1 handicap 7th played 191 yards from the white tees, 225 from the back.  The #2 handicap 13th played to 205 and 237 respectively and was considerably harder (as well as longer).  The 7th, though, had a steep false front and two levels.  The pin on the 13th was left rear, on the top tier of two and behind a deep bunker. 

[Joel Zuckerman]

Just played in Santee 2 weeks ago, including Santee National.  I was underwhelmed by the whole region, though the prices are certainly very reasonable, which is a large part of the appeal.  You are right--those par 3s are tough..I hit 3-wood on #7 and driver on #13 and needed every bit of that firepower.

Your boy tells me you just left beautiful Skidaway Island....sorry I missed you, would have been glad to show you around, and perhaps have teed it up.