Hit putts with both left and right breaks, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Practice Programs
Complete Golf Practice Blueprint for River Club
Discover tailored practice programs for this course.
Total Programs
16
16 complete programs built for this course
Unique Drills
88
Total unique drills across all programs
Skill Pillars
12
Accuracy · Aim · Alignment · Dispersion · Distance Control · Green Reading
Session Durations
6
3 days , 5 days , 6 days , 7 days , 8 days , 9 days
The River Practice Profile
We've mapped a comprehensive practice profile for The River, identifying the specific skills this course demands most. The skill distribution below shows which areas of your game will be tested most frequently based on the hole-by-hole analysis (hole handicaps, stroke index, yardage, etc.), while the handicap ranges indicate the typical player profiles who perform well here.
Focus your practice on these key skills to maximize improvement and lower your scores. Check the practice programs below for targeted drills that address these specific skills.
Skill Distribution
Handicap Performance Insights
The handicap ranges shown represent the typical performance levels for this course. Players within these ranges can expect competitive scores, while those outside may yield benefits or may need additional practice in the highlighted skill areas to perform at their best.
Top Drills
Featured Drills for The River
Most-used drills from for this course. Practice as standalone drills or scroll down for full programs.
Stop the Ball: Circle, Eyes Closed [Long]
Stop the ball inside the circle with your eyes closed.
Pitch | Deep Rough and Other | Above/Below Feet
Hit two buckets of balls (avg. bucket is 40 balls) from the sloped deep rough and other extreme grass types; one bucket with balls above feet level, one bucket with balls below feet level.
Driver | Ladder Challenge
Complete the Ladder Challenge using driver only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Wedges (LW to PW) | Birdie-Par-Bogey Radius
Use wedges only to land the ball inside the radius. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls. Keep the score relative to PAR.
Wedges (LW to PW) | 9 Targets
Hit 5 balls to each target using wedges only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls. Count total number of successful shots.
Wedges (LW to PW) | Scattered Targets (Longer)
Hit to different targets using wedges only. Hit one bucket of ~50 balls.
Course Details
Everything you need to know about The River.
Contact Information
Facilities
Location
11 Pine Circle
Course Description
River Club Golf is a Tom Jackson Signature golf course located in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, within the Myrtle Beach Lowcountry region. The plantation-style, par-72 layout spans about 6,700 yards and is noted for its water features, coastal scenery, and strategic design. It is recognized as a premier part of the Hammock Coast and is a member of Founders Group International, offering tee times, memberships, and dining at Jackson's View Restaurant. The course has earned high marks from Golf Digest’s Places to Play and features a strong local and visiting golfer audience seeking a memorable Myrtle Beach golf experience.
golf course • lowcountry golf • myrtle beach golf • pawleys island golf • signature course • tom jackson design • plantation-style course • par-72 • water hazards golf • coastal golf • island green • golf packages • tee times • golf memberships • Jackson's View Restaurant • Founders Group International • golf reviews • golf guides • golf trips
Course Information
Holes
18
Par
72
Type
Parkland
Architect
Tom Jackson
Opened
1976
Google Reviews
River Club Social Media Presence
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Programs
Skill-Based Practice Programs for The River
We studied the course layout and prepared practice programs to lower your scores. The programs are purpose-built for each tee to align with the course strategy. Each program consists of curated drills, with pre-defined modules designed to deliver results.
Filter programs by category (select one)
Showing 16 Programs
% match to course practice profileEliminate careless misses, for a 5-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get StartedCheck setup, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Set up for success, for a 25-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
15 Week Flagship Program for The River
A complete and progressive long-term development curriculum mapped from easier to harder drills, specifically for The River. Start with the basics and work your way towards more challenging drills. Commit to 15 weeks of training and get in proper shape. Four days counts as a week.
Putting · 3 ft (1m) only
Reduce Short Putts
Difficulty: Expert · Program HCP 4.0
Putting · Long (20+ ft)
Make Every 20+ Ft Putt
Difficulty: Expert · Program HCP 0.0
Short Game · Chip
Check Setup: Feet Hips Shoulders
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Short Game · Pitch
Dial in your aim: pitch to a tight pin
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 28.0
Short Game · Pitch
Feet, hips, shoulders—are you set up for success?
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 25.0
Short Game · Sand
Pick your spot and trust your swing—bunker aim challenge
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 18.0
Driving Range · Driver
Control Driver Ball Flight
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Driving Range · Short irons (9,8)
Hit Short Irons Close To Flag
Difficulty: Beginner · Program HCP 35.0
Driving Range · Driver
Control Driver Flight Path
Difficulty: Intermediate · Program HCP 17.0
Hit fairways consistently, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Control long iron distance, for a 7-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Set sights, for a 29-handicap player, ~20 minutes.
Picture the roll, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Pick spot and trust, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Thread the needle, for a 15-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Achieve distance consistency, for a 18-handicap player, ~15 minutes.
Precision wedges, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Master driver length, for a 6-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Hit close to flag, for a 35-handicap player, ~30 minutes.
Unlock Your Golf Potential
Get personalized coaching and custom training programs tailored to your game.
Get StartedPrecision 3-wood shots, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Advanced accuracy, for a 1-handicap player, ~10 minutes.
Prepare for Tournaments at The River
Follow a complete multi-week structured practice program ahead of the upcoming events and arrive prepared.
No upcoming tournaments at this time.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about The River
Get answers to common questions about playing The River and what to expect.
How difficult is The River for mid-handicap golfers?
Players often find The River technically exacting. The 120 slope rating keeps it accessible for developing players. The course rating of 70 reflects on scoring relative to par 72.
What tees should a 15 handicap play at The River?
A 15 handicap golfer should consider tees closer to 6000 yards. The back tees extend to 6500 yards, which makes approach shots longer and scoring more challenging.
What is considered a good score at The River?
With a course rating of 70 and par 72, a mid-handicap golfer would typically score in the mid to high 80s. Stronger players aiming to break 72 must manage approach shots and avoid penalty strokes.
How long is The River and how does yardage affect play?
At a full length of 6500 yards, it balances distance with positional strategy.
What type of course is The River and how should I play it?
Architecturally, it reflects a Parkland style. Overall, the setup will reward players who place the ball in safe positions far from hazards. Also, type of shot is more crucial rather than just trying to gain distance.
What features make The River strategically challenging?
The combination of a slope rating of 120 and yardage reaching 6500 yards creates consistent pressure on approach shots. You will need to balance risk and reward, especially on longer par 4s and protected greens.
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