The Santee Winter 4 Ball Classic has been what you might say – an overwhelming success – since its inception four years ago! Success comes in so many shapes and sizes and to that the folks in Santee are making that claim.
Why you might ask? Well, even with all that we have been put through in 2020, Todd Miller, GM of the Santee Cooper Resorts, and his staff thought they should test the waters to host a Winter 4 Ball for this coming December. Of course, the first place that they are going to go is to those who have participated over the past three years. As of last Friday morning, Mr. Miller advised that “The Show will go on!” In the midst of this pandemic that’s what you call success!
“Everyone is pretty well fed up with this year and almost any excuse will do, and we gave them one” says Miller. Having attended a couple of these myself, it’s not a real surprise. You get treated right, you get lots of neat stuff and it’s an unbelievable deal to boot!
Santee is not the place where you are going to find bucket list golf. You won’t find any restaurants with world renowned chefs, although Southern Living speaks fondly of Clark’s Inn and Restaurant. What you will find is great value, good quality golf and good old southern hospitality.
Winter 4 Ball Classic – what you need to know
Dates: Weekend of December 4-6, 2020
Package rates:
2-person rate at Lake Marion Villas or Townhome – $594 per person.
4-person rate at Lake Marion Villas or Townhome – $549 per person.
The package includes:
2-day tournament plus 1 practice round – 3 rounds total
2 nights accommodation
2 breakfasts
2 lunches
2 dinners
Tour Edge Hot Launch 5 Hybrid
A pair of either FootJoy or Sketchers shoes from pro shop stock
Oncore golf balls
FootJoy glove
Towel
And an event shirt and cap!
For complete details visit: https://santeecoopergolf.com/lake-marion-golf-shop/santee-4-ball-winter-classic/
For those attending the Winter 4 Ball Classic this year rest assured that all safety measures are being adhered to for all concerned.
If you want to check out my visit to the event just two years ago – check out our little video.
The Palmetto Traverse
The entire event is pretty much focused around the Santee Cooper Resort with its two courses right there, accommodations lining the fairways and meals at the resort as well. If you have not been to the Resort in a few years you will note that they have added South Carolina’s 1st 18-Hole Natural Grass Putting Course – The Palmetto Traverse.
“We have been looking for ways to make the overall experience at our facility better and more exciting. The trend in putting course construction caught our attention and we happened to have the perfect piece of property to build something extremely unique for our area, and for the State of South Carolina for that matter,” said Miller.
The Palmetto Traverse, a 35,000 square foot green designed for wild fun, with putts as long as 260 feet possible and over some of the most varied terrain you will ever see in a putting surface. The design is based off the Himalayas putting course at St Andrews, and designed by golf course architect and Donald Ross restoration specialist Kris Spence.
Add a Few Days to Your Stay
Especially if you are coming from the colder parts of the State. Why not! Other than the two courses at the Resort, Santee National is within a mile and there are five more within 20 minutes and up to 14 within a 45-minute drive.
If you want a complete change of scenery you have over a dozen accommodation properties also all with the small town. As mentioned, Clarks Inn and Restaurant is a quaint boutique style property twice now recognized by Southern Living as a must stop for anyone traveling on I-95.
Santee is easy to get to, located right on I-95 in South Carolina, situated on the south shore of the State’s largest freshwater lake – Lake Marion, with a population of fewer than 1,000 residents.
There are a number of restaurants that you want to make sure that you visit while in Santee. Here are few of the Traveling Golfer’s favorites:
Clark’s Inn & Restaurant
Clark’s Inn & Restaurant: Southern Living says it’s a must stop – who am I to argue! Have the blue cheese and pecan salad…and fried chicken or rib eye steak.
Armando’s Mexican Restaurant: As big a margarita as you will find anywhere, and the food – outstanding!
Captain’s Quarters: Captain Kirk has been serving visitors to Santee for over 30 years – what more needs to be said? A fine selection of great seafood and more.
Wilbur’s Cocktails & Supper Club – first tip – have the pork chop! Second best selection of wine in town. Ask for Suzanne the wine lady! Stay and have some fun – great music.
Thai House Restaurant: Fine Thai and Chinese food. Family owned and operated. Menu choices include fresh Sushi made by Mr. Sam right in front of you. Small, intimate dining. Located near several hotels for easy walking.
Out on the town and want to hang out with some locals? Key Largo is the welcoming place to go!
For more information on the Town of Santee visit santeetourism.com
I have been visiting Santee for over 20 years and going back feels like home!
