Savannah Golf Club

The Savannah Golf Club holds the distinction of being the oldest golf club in the United States, with roots tracing back to 1794 when Scottish settlers first played golf on the greens of Savannah. The club was formally established and has operated continuously since the late 18th century, making it a cornerstone of American golf history. The current course property was developed in the early 20th century, and the legendary Donald Ross was brought in to design the 18-hole championship layout that members enjoy today.

Ross crafted a classic 6,534-yard, par-72 course that takes full advantage of the serene Lowcountry setting, with fairways winding beneath towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss. The club underwent a significant clubhouse renovation in 2010, ushering in a new era focused on family and modern amenities while preserving the historic character that has defined Savannah Golf Club for over two centuries.

Savannah Golf Club offers an intimate, historic golf experience unlike any other in America. The compact Donald Ross layout winds through one of the most beautiful settings in Southern golf, with ancient live oaks creating cathedral-like canopies over the fairways. The course plays shorter than modern championship layouts at 6,534 yards, but Ross's crowned greens and strategic bunkering demand precision and creativity.

As a private club, the atmosphere is refined and unhurried. The Lowcountry landscape provides a serene backdrop with abundant wildlife and the distinctive Spanish moss that defines the Savannah aesthetic. The course is walking-friendly and rewards a thoughtful, strategic approach to each hole.

Club selection around Ross's crowned greens is the key to scoring well at Savannah Golf Club. These convex putting surfaces shed approach shots that miss the center, so aim for the middle of greens rather than chasing pins on the edges. A reliable bump-and-run game is valuable for the many shots around the greens where the ball needs to be kept low under overhanging oak branches.

The course rewards accuracy off the tee more than distance. Focus on hitting fairways to give yourself the best angles into the well-defended greens. The flat Lowcountry terrain means drainage can be an issue after rain, so expect softer conditions in the winter months.