Closure Announcement for River Oaks Golf Club

River Oaks Golf Club is set to close its doors on October 31, marking the end of its operational days as it prepares for redevelopment into single-family homes.

The countdown to closure began when Chris Manning of Chris Manning Communities acquired the remaining 18 holes in February 2024. He has already commenced the permitting process with Horry County and state authorities.

Manning expressed optimism on Monday, stating that he anticipates obtaining the necessary permits in the fall to initiate construction on 370 housing lots.

Currently, the course operates as River Oaks Golf Club LLC, managed under a lease agreement by a group of investors, including general manager Scott Taylor, who confirmed that the lease will end on October 31. He assured that the course will continue to be well-maintained until it closes, highlighting recent improvements such as the installation of new sod on four greens.

River Oaks, designed by Gene Hamm, spans 6,800 yards and opened in 1987, later expanding to a 27-hole facility with the addition of the Bear nine in 1991. Redevelopment has already begun on the former Bear nine, which was sold to Manning in September 2021 and subsequently transferred to Mungo Homes for housing development.

The new construction on the east side includes 220 lots, with Mungo Homes responsible for the house building. This expansion will increase traffic on River Oaks Drive, which is set for an upgrade to accommodate four lanes in the near future. Local developments also include Waterway Plantation and Berkshire Forest, among others.

In its time as a golf course, River Oaks has been known for its affordable green fees and a strong commitment to community engagement, having hosted numerous charity tournaments. Taylor remarked that his team plans to hold commemorative events in the lead-up to the closure, encouraging community support for the staff, many of whom have been with the course for over a decade.