History

The Club takes its name from the original Articles of Secession - for South Carolina to withdraw from the Union – that were drafted in Beaufort in 1860 shortly before the first hostilities in what became the Civil War. It’s a doff of the cap to the area’s landmark place in the national story, an acknowledgement of the event and all parties, not an invitation to argument.

- Trent Bouts, Carolinas Green (Sep/Oct 2007 issue)

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The idea of an all-walking golf club

... devoted to the grand traditions of the game in the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry was conceived in 1985. Gibbes Island Limited Partnership was formed in 1988 to create and develop Secession Golf Club. The Partnership purchased Gibbes Island, where the Club is located, and in the Fall of 1992, the course was officially opened for play. 

In the ensuing years a Clubhouse with the balance of the original concept featuring typical Lowcountry architectural charm and 12 guest rooms was completed. Additionally a “Member Grounds Area” on a separate property adjacent to the Golf Club was developed. It includes a short-game practice area and member-owned rental cottages where members and their guests may stay during visits to the Club.

Membership at Secession has always been on an invitation-only basis. Using this approach the Club has created one of the most interesting and strongest playing memberships in the country, including the 1993 Walker Cup Captain and a Senior PGA Tour Player as well as PGA of America professionals from several fine clubs. The Club's membership is unique. Nearly two-thirds are single-digit players who hail from fine clubs all over the United States and foreign countries, including Pine Valley, Winged Foot, Augusta National, Baltusrol, Congressional, Merion, Shinnecock Hills, Oakmont, The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, Royal Dornoch, Royal Portrush, and Muirfield.