Salk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Susan Hancock or Jennifer Abshire Patterson
Abshire Public Relations
912.844.9549 / 912.695.7881
abshirepr@att.net

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Salkehatchie Region Offers Three Distinctive Public Coursesfor Golfers of Every Skill Level

ALLENDALE, S.C. - The Salkehatchie region of South Carolina features three excellent public golf courses, each of which attracts golfers of every skill level throughout the year.

The golf courses in Salkehatchie stand in stark contrast to layouts on nearby Hilton Head Island, S.C. or in Savannah, Ga. due to their laid-back rural settings. These 18-hole designs offer a less harried golf experience that is perfect for anyone who truly loves the game and enjoys time spent outdoors.

"Golf in the country gives real meaning to the term 'country club,'" said Ken Burger, an Allendale native who serves as a sports columnist for the Charleston Post and Courier. "Courses like Penny Branch, Sweetwater and Edisto remind us of what golf was like when it could be played by little boys with clubs balanced precariously on the handlebars of their bikes, when working men teed off precisely an hour after church services ended, and it was still a game for everybody, regardless."

Here is a quick overview of the public courses located in the Salkehatchie region, each of which has a deep commitment to providing top-quality experiences for players, both on and off the green:

Penny Branch Club
400 Penny Branch Trail
P.O. Box 149
Furman, S.C. 29921
803.625.0222
PennyBranchClub.com

Penny Branch Club is the perfect public course for those golfers who don't want to be rushed and would rather truly enjoy the game of golf. Developed by the McKenzie family on the site of a family farm, Penny Branch preserves a rural atmosphere, mixing difficult holes with shots that give the golfer a sense of achievement. An 18-hole course that both expert golfers and beginners can enjoy, Penny Branch Club also features one of the longest holes in the state of South Carolina, plus a putting green, practice bunker and driving range with target greens.

The Plantation Course at Edisto
P.O. Box 396
19 Fairway Drive
Edisto Beach, S.C. 29438
843.869.1111
ThePlantationCourseAtEdisto.com
The Plantation Course at Edisto is rich in history, wildlife and natural beauty and offers 18 holes of exquisite Lowcountry style. The absence of noise, traffic lights, congestion and commercialism appeals to residents and visitors alike. The sole golf course on Edisto Island, the Plantation Course was originally designed in 1973 and completely renovated in 2006. The Pro Shop is open 7 days a week and features golf supplies and equipment as well as a full line of ladies and men's attire.

The Plantation Course at Edisto offers a Stay and Play Packages for golfers, which include:

· Deluxe villa accommodations
· Unlimited greens fees (Cart fee applies for extra play)
· Golf cart rental
· Club storage and cleaning from arrival to departure
· Free breakfast each morning
· One complimentary drink at Grovers Seafood Bar

Sweetwater Country Club
571 Club House Lane
Barnwell, S.C. 29812
803.259.5004
SweetwaterCountryClub.org
Sweetwater Country Club is a superbly maintained 18-hole golf course, playing 6,248 yards from the Championship tees, 5830 yards from the Member's tees, 5345 yards from the Senior tees, and 4670 yards from the ladies' tees. The course is well-trapped with small greens and narrow fairways. The front nine offers an abundance of wetlands, while the back nine features rolling elevations reminiscent of upcountry South Carolina. Sweetwater is considered a great place to learn the game, while still providing a challenge to the most talented players.

ABOUT THE SALKEHATCHIE REGION:
The Salkehatchie region of South Carolina serves as the heart and soul of the real South.
Rich in culture, history, arts and outdoor activities, this five-county area attracts visitors who want to relax and escape the stress of the city.
With its laid-back rural atmosphere and gorgeous natural setting, the region serves as an ideal year-round escape for kayakers, birders, golfers, hunter, antiques aficionados, history buffs and anyone with a passion for the outdoors.
This family-friendly area serves as ideal daytrip or overnight location, attracting visitors from across the Southeast and around the country.
For more information about the Salkehatchie region, please call 803.584.3446 or visit www.GoSalk.com online.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA SALKEHATCHIE LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE:

The University of South Carolina Salkehatchie Leadership Institute was developed to stimulate economic development in Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton and Hampton Counties of South Carolina. The Institute, an outreach arm of the University of South Carolina-Salkehatchie, opened in 1998 as a result of public private initiative including the cooperative efforts of the University of South Carolina, the Allendale County Chamber of Commerce, BellSouth, South Carolina State University, Clemson University, U.S.D.A. Rural Development, S.C. Commission on Minority Affairs, S.C. Department of Commerce, S.C. Downtown Development Association, and Leadership South Carolina. The Institute has continued to build partnerships and coalitions locally, regionally, and on a statewide basis to facilitate leadership development, community development, and economic development. For more information about the Salkehatchie Leadership Institute, please call 803.584.3446 or visit USC- Salkehatchie.SC.Edu/Leadership online.

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