The Golf Club at Briar’s Creek Completes $6.5M Renovation

Work at the private club in Johns Island, S.C. included a complete course transformation, the opening of the Robert C. McNair Golf Performance Center, and the addition of three on-site cottages. A 9-hole lighted putting course, named “Churchill,” was also installed in front of the cottages.

The Golf Club at Briar’s Creek in Johns Island, S.C. recently completed a two-year, $6.5 million renovation to the club’s golf course and facilities, including a complete course transformation, the opening of the Robert C. McNair Golf Performance Center and the addition of three on-site cottages.

Additions and renovations to the private club, which is majority owned by McNair Interests, a private investment and management company, were announced in 2019. McNair Interests was founded by the late entrepreneur and philanthropist Robert C. “Bob” McNair.

C+RB reported on the project when it began.

“The improvements have undoubtedly added to the superb quality of our course and facilities while maintaining its character,” said Superintendent Kyle Bibler. “We are committed to providing our members with the most excellent golf experience in the Low Country.”

Southeastern Golf, Inc. completed the six-month renovation to the Rees Jones-designed golf course, which included re-grassing tees and fairways as well as the greens, which were also restored to their original size.

The layout of several holes was enhanced to open vistas and bring water features into play. The green on hole No.12 was moved to incorporate an adjacent lagoon and No. 13 tee boxes were shifted to maximize course views and provide more interesting shots.

Throughout the course, the 250,000 sq. ft. of bunkers have been reduced to 125,000 sq. ft., and a “Better Billy Bunker” system was installed in each to provide significant drainage improve-ment and better conditions.

The new 1,000-sq.-ft. Robert C. McNair Performance Facility features a dedicated putting room, a hitting bay equipped with cameras and top-of-the-line swing and ball flight monitors and a club-fitting room to ensure members are outfitted with the proper equipment.

The center also includes a cutting-edge course simulator, which allows members to practice virtually on real courses throughout the U.S. The facility is ideal for practice, lessons, clinics and golf schools under the leadership of Director of Instruction, Hank Smith.

The addition of three on-site cottages named Heron, Ibis and Osprey are now accommodating members and their guests. A 9-hole lighted putting course named “Churchill” was also in-stalled in front of the cottages. The moniker was selected by Cary McNair and pays homage to his father’s admiration for Winston Churchill.

“Each of these improvements have realized Bob McNair’s vision to create a golf club that of-fers state-of-the-art facilities along with the highest possible level of service,” said Director of Golf Eve VanderWeele.