George Fazio Golf Course in Pawleys Island: Layout, Rates, and What to Expect

A championship course designed by a Masters winner

George Fazio Golf Course is an 18-hole championship layout in Pawleys Island built in 1988 and designed by George Fazio, a PGA Tour professional who won the 1960 Masters Tournament. The course stretches across 6,800 yards from the back tees and plays through a mix of marsh, maritime forest, and open fairways typical of the Lowcountry. It sits within the Litchfield Country Club community, a private residential development, but the course itself operates as a semi-private facility that accepts daily play.

The design reflects Fazio's playing experience and his understanding of how championship courses should challenge golfers without punishing them unfairly. Water hazards appear on most holes, and the greens are built to reward accurate approach shots while penalizing those that miss by significant margins. The course plays differently depending on which tees you choose, making it accessible to players of varying skill levels while still offering a test for low handicappers.

Key Takeaways

• George Fazio Golf Course is a semi-private 18-hole championship layout in Pawleys Island designed by Masters winner George Fazio and opened in 1988.
• The course stretches 6,800 yards from the back tees and features water on most holes, with greens that reward accuracy and punish poor positioning.
• Daily play is available to non-members, though rates and availability vary by season and day of the week.
• The course is walkable in places but hilly in others, and cart rental is standard; walking is typically restricted during peak times.
• Pawleys Island is a quiet, historic beach community about 60 miles north of Charleston, making the course a destination for a golf-focused trip rather than a casual outing.

Course layout and playing conditions

The front nine plays through more open terrain with wider fairways and fewer trees, while the back nine tightens considerably and weaves through maritime forest. Water hazards—ponds, marshes, and wetlands—come into play on 14 of the 18 holes, so course management and club selection matter more than raw distance. The greens are medium-sized and slope away from the fairways on most holes, meaning approach shots need to be both accurate and the right distance to leave a makeable putt.

Fairways are well-maintained Bermuda grass, and rough is thick enough to penalize wayward shots without making recovery impossible. The course drains well even after heavy rain, so it remains playable year-round in the Lowcountry climate. Pace of play typically runs four hours and fifteen minutes to four hours and thirty minutes for a full group, depending on course traffic and player skill level.

Rates, membership, and how to reserve a tee time

George Fazio Golf Course operates under a semi-private model: members pay annual dues and enjoy unlimited play, while non-members can reserve tee times as daily players. Daily rates vary by season and day of the week, with peak rates during winter months (November through March) when Northern golfers travel south. Weekend rates are typically higher than weekday rates. Cart rental is included in most daily rates, though walking is sometimes restricted during busy periods.

To reserve a tee time as a non-member, contact the pro shop directly by phone or through the course website. Tee times are usually available up to 30 days in advance, though availability tightens during winter and around holidays. The course does not require membership to play, but calling ahead is essential, especially during peak season, because daily slots fill quickly.

What's included and what to bring

A round at George Fazio includes cart rental, course maintenance, and use of the practice range. Most daily rates do not include a caddie, though caddies are available for hire if you request one when booking. The pro shop sells golf balls, tees, and basic supplies, but prices run higher than retail shops, so bringing your own is more economical.

The clubhouse includes a small restaurant and bar that serves lunch and drinks during and after play. Locker rooms with showers are available to daily players. If you plan to play multiple rounds during a visit, ask the pro shop about multi-round discounts, which are sometimes offered to visiting golfers.

Difficulty level and course management tips

George Fazio Golf Course plays to a slope rating of 135 from the back tees, making it a challenging but fair test for golfers with single-digit handicaps. From the middle tees, the slope drops to around 125, and forward tees bring it down further. The course rewards strategic thinking over power: knowing when to lay up short of water, which club selection leaves the best angle into the green, and how to read the Lowcountry wind matters more than driving distance.

The back nine is notably tougher than the front, so pace yourself mentally. Holes 13 through 17 are particularly demanding, with water guarding most greens and limited bail-out areas. If you're playing for the first time, consider starting from the middle tees to learn the course before attempting the back tees. The pro shop can provide a course guide that shows hazard locations and recommended club selections for each hole.

Getting there and planning your visit

George Fazio Golf Course is located in Pawleys Island, a historic beach community about 60 miles north of Charleston and roughly 30 miles south of Myrtle Beach. The course sits within the gated Litchfield Country Club community, so you'll need to check in at the gate when you arrive. Parking is available near the clubhouse, and the pro shop staff will direct you to the first tee.

Pawleys Island itself is quiet and residential, with a small downtown area featuring local restaurants and shops. The beach is public and walkable, making it easy to combine a round of golf with a beach day. Nearby Murrells Inlet offers seafood restaurants and boat tours, and Georgetown—a historic port town—is about 20 minutes away. If you're staying overnight, accommodations range from vacation rentals to small inns; book lodging in advance during winter months.

Nearby courses and alternatives

The Pawleys Island and Murrells Inlet area hosts several other courses within 15 minutes of George Fazio, including Willbrook Plantation Golf Club, Prestwick Country Club, and True Blue Golf Club. Each has a different design philosophy and difficulty level, so golfers visiting the area often play multiple courses during a trip. True Blue, designed by Mike Cowan, is known for its tight fairways and dramatic water features, while Willbrook plays more open and forgiving.

If you're interested in playing George Fazio but want to explore other options, ask the pro shop staff for recommendations based on your skill level and what kind of course experience you're looking for. Many visiting golfers book a package that includes rounds at two or three courses in the area, which can offer better rates than booking each course individually.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I walk the course instead of taking a cart?

Walking is permitted on most days, though it may be restricted during peak season or busy times. The course is hilly in places, particularly on the back nine, so walking is more strenuous than on flatter layouts. Call the pro shop before booking if walking is important to you, and confirm whether it's allowed on your preferred tee time.

What's the best time of year to play George Fazio?

Winter (November through March) offers the most pleasant weather and the most consistent course conditions, but rates are highest and tee times fill quickly. Spring and fall are less crowded and still offer good playing conditions. Summer is hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms common, but rates are lower and tee times are easier to secure.

Do I need to be a member to play?

No. The course accepts daily players and does not require membership. You do need to reserve a tee time in advance by calling the pro shop, as walk-ups are not may provide a spot, especially during peak season.

Is there a restaurant at the course?

Yes. The clubhouse has a small restaurant and bar that serves lunch and drinks during play. The menu is limited but includes sandwiches, salads, and beverages. You can order food before your round or between nines.

How far in advance should I book a tee time?

Tee times are typically available up to 30 days in advance. During winter months, book as early as possible—popular times can fill within days of becoming available. Weekday tee times are usually easier to secure than weekend slots.