Course History
Much excitement surrounded the opening of the totally renovated 'The Plantation Golf Course at Edisto' on October 5, 2006. Many golfers anxiously awaited the many improvements made to the course by its new owners, Edisto Golf LLC.
The golf course has had a checkered history over the last 35 years. It started as a dream of David Lybrand's in 1971 when he purchased the 300 acre site and set to develop a golf course, of which he knew little about. He assembled a team of locals, each with their own specialty, and began construction. Many challenges were addressed in constructing over 30 acres of lakes, and planning around the the beautiful trees.
Pleased with their work, but somewhat skeptical of their ability to plan traps and build greens, they employed architect Tom Jackson to complete the final phase. He did a masterful job of blending greens and traps which matched the terrain and beauty of the site.
The course was originally named 'Oristo', and the grand opening in late 1973 featured a helicopter landing on the course bringing Sam Snead, Bob Goalby, and Chuck Matlock to play the first round. The Pros were complimentary of the course and so were many golfers who would long enjoy Edisto's new facility. Soon after opening, Oristo received recognition from several sources as one of the best new courses in the Carolina's.
Within a couple of years of opening, severe economic conditions forced ownership to give up their dream for which they had worked so hard. The course passed through two other ownership's groups before Fairfield Ocean Ridge purchased the facility in 1976. The course was renamed and operated successfully as 'Edisto Beach Golf Club' until 1994 when the corporation liquidated all golf facilities.
The course was then purchased and operated by Jim and Patti Heron of Findley, Ohio for 10 years. Several factors contributed to their decision to sell the facility to present owners in May 2005.
During its history, the course has been visited by golfers from every state in the Union. Serving as host for Wyndham Fairfield community has enabled many guest an opportunity to enjoy this golf gem of the low country of South Carolina.
The island known as Edisto, is rich in history. Stories abound of the Indians who first enjoyed the area, on to the struggles and battles of the Civil War years, and later the Mystic of the Plantation days. Thus, the naming of our new course honors the past of the area, and encourages excitement about its future as a truly beautiful and interesting layout.
