Closed Beaufort Co. golf course has raised questions about possible development
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the status of the Cat Island foreclosure sale due to online court records that indicated the balance wasn’t paid. The sale closed in February for $425,000.
Residents concerned that a Beaufort County golf course which closed last year could be redeveloped will have a chance to quiz county planners about the process.
The Sanctuary Club at Cat Island was sold for $425,000 after a foreclosure auction in January.
County planners have not received any plans or requests related to developing the golf course, said Eric Greenway, the county’s community development department director. But county officials have received numerous questions from residents with concerns about something being built on the golf course in the community on the southern end of Lady’s Island.
More than 100 people are expected to attend a meeting in Beaufort County Council chambers on March 19 to hear from planners about what would be required to build on the overgrown golf course.
Planning staff is researching documents related to the property and what would be required to build.
“We are evaluating that right now and will have that answer on March 19,” Greenway said last week.
A planned unit development agreement showing home lots and the layout of the golf course has been in place since 1982.
Greenway said his initial position is that the golf course is shown on the master plan with no provision to redevelop the property, and that building would require an amendment to the planned unit development requiring multiple public meetings and votes.
Communities throughout Beaufort County have dealt with change in ownership recently, the prospect of new development, and the general uncertainty surrounding the golf business, which is still recovering from the Great Recession more than a decade ago.
A new owner bought Crescent Pointe and Eagle’s Pointe in Bluffton out of auction in deals this year. Prospective new owners of Bluffton’s Island West golf course plan a mix of residential and commercial development on part of the property, though nothing has come before Beaufort County government yet.
Rounds of golf played were up slightly in the area in 2019, according to the Lowcountry Golf Course Owners Association. But golf operators are still trying new things.
Hilton Head National isn’t shutting down any of its existing course but is building an upscale RV resort in vacant areas to boost business.
A recent report in the New York Times detailing golf course communities adding other amenities noted Hilton Head Plantation transforming a recreation complex into a pool and children’s splash pad to appeal more to families.
If you go
What: Public meeting for county planners to address questions about Cat Island golf course.
When: March 19, 6-8 p.m.
Where: Council Chambers, Beaufort County Administration Building; 100 Ribaut Road, Beaufort.
This story was originally published March 10, 2020 at 4:45 AM.
