Good News for Musgrove Mill
Reports of demise of renowned Arnold Palmer-designed golf course in South Carolina are exaggerated, as club owner McConnell Golf teams with membership to continue operations
RALEIGH N.C. (February 1, 2012) - In late 2011, McConnell Golf announced it would be closing one of its eight clubs, Musgrove Mill Golf Club in Clinton, S.C., at least temporarily due to continuing losses and declining membership.
Turns out the reported closing was very temporary, as McConnell Golf has now announced formulation of a plan with the Musgrove Mill membership that will allow the club to continue operations. The plan includes a partnership that shares responsibility for keeping the club open, and if the new partnership is successful then the club will remain open indefinitely.
McConnell Golf president and CEO John McConnell said the company is planning to transform Musgrove Mill into a more regional golf course with some innovative membership opportunities expected to attract a wide range of golfers from all over the country.
"We have been very pleased with the outpouring of support and interest to maintain operations," McConnell said. "Musgrove Mill is a special place and it is obvious that the members and community recognize the impact it has on the surrounding area. Our plans are to keep Musgrove open at this point and hopefully the excitement will continue to build."
Designed by Arnold Palmer Design Company and opened in 1988, Musgrove Mill (
www.musgrovemill.com) boasts 6,933 yards of challenging golf for a par of 72. Over the years, Musgrove Mill has hosted almost every South Carolina Golf Association event and Carolinas' Amateur tournaments, and has been consistently ranked as Golfweek Magazine's "America's Top 100 Modern Courses" and Golf Digest's "Top 10 Rated Golf Course for South Carolina."
McConnell Golf bought Musgrove Mill ("The Mill" as it is affectionately referred) in 2007. Part of The Mill's challenge is its remote location. Set in Clinton, S.C., about halfway between Greenville and Columbia, it is an hour and a half from the nearest other McConnell Golf property.
Yet, while Musgrove Mill is indeed off the beaten path - a special getaway reminiscent of Pine Valley in Clementon, N.J. - it is also a pure golf club where members and their guests will find the ultimate in destination golf.
The Mill features cottages for overnight accommodations, a first-rate practice facility, full-service clubhouse with a private chef, and historic significance as a former Revolutionary War battle site. Boasting a small, select membership, no tee times, and a secluded, natural course layout, The Mill is the ideal destination for the accomplished golfer.
The Mill's course design is expertly placed amid the picturesque landscape with topography ranging from wetlands, various elevations and the Enoree River. Musgrove Mill Golf Club is also part of the Musgrove Mill South Carolina State Park due to its unaltered natural beauty and significance as a former Revolutionary War battle site.
The Mill's signature hole is the 189-yard par 3 seventh hole, which commands a tee shot over the bend of the Enoree River to reach the green. The hole was named one of "The King's Dream 18," an honor bestowed by Arnold Palmer to his best and most challenging designed holes.
McConnell said he has always envisioned Musgrove Mill as a tribute to pure golf and a great day-trip for any golfer wanting to tackle one of golf's finest tests - a sanctuary for golfers to eat and rest their heads after their rounds.
"Musgrove Mill is a phenomenal golfing venue," said McConnell. "It's a true golfer's golf club. Every shot demands a quality execution and there is a unique array of golf holes and hole design. There is not one hole that remotely resembles any other hole on the course."