For the past two years, those of us in the golf business in the Lowcountry have cringed at the sight of the neglected, weed-choked fairways that were once part of the Rose Hill Golf Club. Given its high-profile location on U.S. 278 in Bluffton, the course’s sad state sent a less-than-promising message to those heading east toward Hilton Head Island.

Fortunately, that is changing. In January the Rose Hill Property Owners Association contracted with Signature Golf Group of Myrtle Beach on a long-term deal to manage the course and its facilities. The POA bought the 27-hole course in late 2007 from its bankrupt Texas-based owners. 

The course’s revitalization is already on display. The grass has been cut and the weeds eradicated from the four holes that border the highway. Signature Golf has announced that nine holes will be closed and converted into a passive park for the surrounding residential community. The greens of the existing 18 will be replanted with a Miniverde Bermudagrass known for its tolerance to heat, salt and shade – all natural enemies to Lowcountry superintendents. All bunkers will be re-sanded as well. Substantial improvements have already been made to the clubhouse. 

Signature Golf certainly has the track record to make a successful go of it at Rose Hill. But the next six months will be revealing. The company’s commitment to re-open Rose Hills in September is ambitious, even with the work that has already been done. And it will be interesting to see how the rates for the “new” Rose Hill compare to the price points of the more established neighboring courses in the Bluffton area. Signature’s positioning of Rose Hill in a somewhat stagnant market will go a long way in determining its long-term prospects.

But make no mistake, the company’s work to date is already a huge step in the right direction.