With many great new golf courses being built, differentiation is key. Broomsedge Golf Club does a great job of that with a bold, challenging layout that is apparent from the first tee shot. By the time you reach your approach shot, you’ll realize that this isn’t a place to ease into a round. Broomsedge demands your best from the outset, thanks to a notoriously challenging stretch that has given rise to the club’s unofficial motto: “Survive the First Five.”
The Brutal Opening Stretch
The first five holes at Broomsedge are a true test of golf. The beastly starting stretch features four different types of par-4’s: The first, a long par-4 (that can also be played as a 5) that goes uphill from the tee with plenty of room however leaves a long approach to a large and sloping green with many pin placement options. It’s a beast of a par-4, requiring two solid shots to reach the green. The second hole is another challenging par-4 with the fairway sloping down and then back up to the small target – a tough approach that places high importance on placement off the tee. Holes 3 through 5 continue the stout challenge— winding through native “broomsedge” grasses and playing off natural elevation changes, they demand every club in the bag and every ounce of strategic thinking. The 3rd hole is a long uphill par-4, requiring two good shots to an elevated green. The 4th hole runs along the property’s border, straight away with O.B. right, to a really challenging green. The tee shot will test every nerve.Rounding out the tough stretch of holes is the uphill par-3 5th, which takes you back to the first tee and practice area. It’s a medium length par-3, with a very large front bunker and hard left/back to front to right undulation. Depending on the pin placement and wind direction, there are a number of ways to play the hole which is the mark of a great design.
A Routing That Evolves
Designed by Mike Koprowski and Kyle Franz, Broomsedge is not just difficult for difficulty’s sake — it’s thoughtful. Each hole presents options, and success often hinges on knowing when to play boldly and when to simply hold your ground. The “first five” have become a common theme amongst those who have played it in its early days. Making it through them at even par? You’re on your way to a good round, but still have to play solid golf.
As with any great golf course there are scoring holes or a stretch of holes that you have to capitalize on. That stretch comes on the 6th, 7th and 9th holes, with the demanding 8th tucked in the middle. The 6th is a short par-3 over the pond that sits along the middle of the property. It’s a beautiful hole, playing just 122 yards from the ‘Short’ tee making it a potential birdie hole after a good approach. The 7th is a short, reachable par-4 with a small green – by all means a birdie hole. There’s an option to go straight at the green from the tee or out to the left which is the safe route. Bunkers split the middle of the fairway so a decisive angle must be taken. The 8th is another challenging hole, a long par-3, downhill to a massive green that slopes back to front and every which way in between. I teed off all the way back from 300+ yards which speaks to the varying setup options (it can get long!). The 9th brings you back towards the middle of the property, with a long par-5 utilizing the natural topography, notably the large right to left sloping hillside left of the fairway which serves as a waste area. The generous fairway allows for a safe play out to the right but leaves a longer second. The more you use the left side of the fairway, the shorter the hole, but it brings the severe hillside waste area into play (strategic). Good scores on 6, 7 and 9 can right the ship after the tough start and a par on the 8th is the most challenging part of that stretch.
The back nine continues on the north and south side of the property, showcasing more of the property’s natural undulations and panoramic views throughout. Views over to the front nine can be seen all the way from the 15th hole which are quite scenic. The back nine is a great mix of scoring holes and optionality when it comes to setup. The bunkering that winds amongst the 10th, 11th and 13th holes are one of a kind, and are highly memorable. The 10th hole again utilizes the land’s natural counters with the fairway sloping dramatically downhill, bringing well placed bunkers into play. The par-3 11th has two green options, one to a short postage stamp green and the other, a more traditional, medium length par-3 that goes downhill to an angled green. A right pin placement makes for a really tough approach. The 12th through 15th holes present another gettable stretch, as they are shorter par-4s that reward good tee shots, as short approaches bring birdie opportunities. The round then finishes on three unique and challenging holes that force you to refocus. 16 is a great dogleg left par-4, winding downhill and favoring a drive up the left which cuts off distance (but brings the waste area into play). It’s a great driving hole, especially for those who draw the ball. The green sits down toward the pond in the center of the property. The 17th is one of the most unique holes on the course. It goes uphill and out to the left, making for a tough visual of where to drive it. Its not overly long but with the center bunkering its tough to commit to the tee shot making it one of the tougher holes on the course. The round then finishes on the par-5 18th that provides another great driving opportunity. It goes downhill with an option to try and carry the bunkers left or take the safer option out to the right side and leave a longer distance into the green. The pond comes directly into play on the second shot where you have to decide to lay up short or try and carry it to the fairway on the other side — a great second shot with risk/reward. The green then sits right along the water, which makes even shorter approaches scary. Its a fun hole that would be especially fun in tournament play.
Early Success
It’s no surprise that Broomsedge has developed a great reputation among architecture aficionados and competitive players. It’s the kind of course that rewards strong and persistent play, as challenges reveal themselves through the round with no shortage of playing options. It’s also a place that doesn’t try to be all things to all people — it’s a stout test of golf that isn’t for the weary.
For those looking for a great mental and physical test of golf in a natural setting — and don’t mind getting knocked around early — Broomsedge offers an unparalleled experience in the Sandhills of South Carolina. But be warned: if you want to score well, you better survive the first five.
