Good Golf News, Finially

Eastport Returns as The Valley Club

Anytime, in this economic climate, we can get some good news in golf, we sure as hell take it. A local's favorite has returned, along with this spring's reopening of the Grand Daddy, Pine Lakes . Golfer rejoice, we got some good news finally!

LITTLE RIVER, SC – Closed since January ‘07, Eastport Golf Club reopened on Saturday, December 20 under the new name of The Valley Club at Eastport, something many on the Grand Strand have been patiently awaiting. The golf course has been closed for nearly two years and the residents of Eastport were teased for several months, as the reopening of the golf course was postponed several times.

The Valley Club at EastportAlthough there have been some improvements, there have been no real changes to the 20-year-old Dennis Griffith’s design, a bridge across the pond from the 14th tee to the fairway has been rebuilt and nearly 800 tons of sand was brought in to redo bunkers. Mini-Verde Bermuda grass greens have been over seeded with Poa Trivialis for the winter.

“I certainly would say everyone in our community is just thrilled things have worked out the way they have, the course is looking absolutely gorgeous,” said Metzger, president of the Eastport Community Association.

The 6,200-yard golf course was closed due to former owner Mel Graham of Charlotte, NC wanting to redevelop part of the course, but homeowners fought him in court, claiming Graham signed an agreement to retain the course when he purchased the property. Graham sold in May to an ownership group that includes turf products store owner Frankie Vereen and members of his family. They will operate the course under JMJ Golf Management, which operated Cypress Bay Golf Club under a management agreement from 2004-2007.

The Vereen family hoped to host play as early as September, but in order to allow the grass to grow in, pushed the opening date back. JMJ is now satisfied that the golf course is ready for play. “I’m ready to see some people out there playing and enjoying it, we’re not quite where we want to be, but we’re close,” said JMJ partner James Jackson.

A snack bar is open and apparel with The Valley Club at Eastport logo is for sale in the pro-shop. Jackson said the club has a membership plan, and walk-in rates will begin at $35, however spring and summer rates have not been determined at this time. “We’ll play it by ear and see what everybody else is doing with their rates and match them,” said Jackson.

A Grand Opening will be scheduled after the New Year. The new pro shop phone number is 843-427-4424.