Hear ye, hear ye – The Olde English District, Part One
Embracing the past while pursuing the future has always been at the forefront of our great nation. The Olde English District of South Carolina does just that, encompassing seven counties in the Sand Hills bordering the state line of North
Carolina, south of Charlotte. Our journey takes us over deeply wooded, rolling hills 
through quaint towns and cities of early Revolutionary and Civil War times. Struggles to become independently self-governing and then the ravishments of confederate conflict are evident in the historical recordings and artifacts preserved by this area’s friendly inhabitants. Golf was born as a form of local respite and tourist attraction for winter visitors and settlers but has blossomed into a special golf destination.
Rock Hill – Begin close to the Carolinas border using Wingate by Wyndham, in Rock Hill as a hub for comfortable accommodations with complimentary Wi-Fi and
breakfast buffet. It is conveniently located next to an outdoor mall of restaurants and shops and a short drive from Round 1:
Springfield Golf Club in Fort Mill kicks off a sweet round with Sugar Creek running through several holes. A water tower points to the direction of a successful opening tee shot to the hilltop of a blind par 4 that is narrow and tree lined. It is a reminder of things to come. Blind from the forward tee, number 4 is an easy par 5 if you master
the green. On hole 5 go ahead and drive to the center. Layups can be just as risky. It’s one you want to immediately tackle again, knowing what you know after the first try. The dense forest framing the fairways protects homes from errant shots. Members will say it is a strategic course, which really means hidden trouble. Did we mention blind shots? What you do see are pretty views.
Fort Mill is cute, cute with an old English phone booth, tracking with the district theme, in Baxter Village. Reward yourself there with dinner at the Fish Market Grill. Chilean Sea Bass or North Carolina Trout are sure savory bets. Save room for dessert or take it home and get a good night’s sleep for Round 2:
Cobblestone Golf Club in Blythewood, once known as University Course, was the home of South Carolina’s Gamecock golf team. The massive two-story clubhouse’s 
open veranda overlooks 18 and a lake, which mirrors the reflection of the course beauty and creates one large hazard. Set within a private gated community of classic southern brick-style homes, 27 holes meander through the rich topography
with tall pines, oaks, wispy grasses and more lakes, such as number 5 on the Garnet Course where a long 
downhill drive must be straight to escape the bunkering on the right and woods on the left. Watch out in the fall forest for the falling acorns above and on the ground when putting from the rough. The elevated par 3, on number 2 of the Black nine has a peninsula green jutting out over a lake for a tricky target from the elevated greens. The wooden border is reminiscent of TPC Sawgrass’ 17. Knock out roses appear unexpectedly and live up to their name. The logo cobblestone bridge is impressive as well crossing over the Black 9. This golf community is definitely enticing from all aspects.
Scottish and Irish settled in nearby Winnsboro where a majestic church steeple and
famous clock tower anchor Main Street. Former NFL and Canadian football quarterback, Tyler Thigpen is a native and baseball legend, Shoeless Joe Jackson, once managed a farm team in Winnsboro.
The very whimsical Club 145 is a private music venue for local musicians to show off their talent and hone their skills. Relax in the eclectic room on couches or at the horseshoe shaped bar enjoying libations while soaking in the southern sounds of country, bluegrass and pop music. Food is 
catered in and opened to the public for special events. Winnsboro is a sleepy little town trying hard to awaken and win some recognition with an historical house in the infantile stage of becoming a great museum.
The Olde English District is a lot of ground to cover and we haven’t brushed the surface in our chapters, so to customize the right package for you, trust Ricky Saucier’s team at http://www.golfpackagesofsc.com/olde-english.asp
For more area info:http://oldeenglishgolf.com/