The old saying goes if you aren’t moving forward, you are moving backwards. At Sandpiper Bay Golf & Country Club, there is no doubt which direction the 27-hole facility is moving – straight ahead with the goal of providing the best golf experience possible.
In recent years, Sandpiper has installed new MiniVerde greens on all three nines – the Sand, Piper and Bay – and renovated the Sand Course. Not content with just those improvements, the 2010 Myrtle Beach Area Golf Course of the Year is undergoing another facelift this summer, with goal of making the course even more enjoyable for guests.
There are 250 trees that impact sunlight and turf growth being removed from the Piper Course and it’s receiving new cart paths. The Piper nine is closed through mid-September, but rest easy, there are 18 holes open everyday at Sandpiper.
Sandpiper is also launching an extensive bunker project on all 27 holes, installing new drainage systems and new sand, removing selected bunkers and renovating others. The installation of a new irrigation pump will also improve turf conditions throughout the property.
Throw in some work on the clubhouse exterior and management’s commitment to the course is as obvious as it is fun to play.
Part of Sandpiper’s continuing appeal has been the expertise of new superintendent Jon Stewart (no, not that Jon Stewart!), who has made sure the standard set by the late Jay Varallo, the super for the previous 15 years, has been carried on.
(Sandpiper Fun Fact: Not only is general manager Tim Tilma a 26-year PGA Professional, he played four years of varsity tennis at Alma College in Michigan, helping the Scots to four NAIA District 23 titles. He is the king of the Country Club Olympics!)