Wachesaw Plantation

Vibe: The USGA qualifier at Wachesaw was our first national qualifier experience — and it showed. Eighty-four boys competed for three qualifying spots and three alternate spots, drawing players from across the country and several from overseas. The field was deep, the competition stiff, and the atmosphere on the range was immediately intimidating, especially for younger kids and first-timers. We had a rain delay at the start and were taken off the course during a period of heavy rain. The course drains well, but playing in wet conditions made the greens unpredictable. The winning score was -3. The competitive cluster ran from +4 to -1 — a tight range that reflects how much the course demands patience and course management over raw power.

Course notes: The practice facilities are solid — good bunkers, plenty of range space, a quality putting green. The one logistical frustration: the bathroom is back near the pro shop, far from the practice area and a real problem if you're starting on the 10th tee. The course plays very differently on each half. The front nine is compact and walkable — roughly 5,000 steps. The back nine is nearly twice that, with long stretches between holes and one particularly grueling walk between 18 and 1. A practice round isn't just helpful here; it's essential. The yardage book doesn't capture the mounded, mogul-like fairways or the significant elevation changes. You need to see it to understand it. Hole 18 has a beautiful view and an intimidating green.