There are no shortage of regulars on GOLF’s Top 100 Courses in the World list — in fact, it’s nearly all regulars. But that’s not to say there’s no churn or fresh faces. This time around, seven newcomers made the cut, and in the coming days, we’re going to introduce (or reintroduce!) you to each of them. Here’s a closer look at No. 89 on the 2021-22 ranking: Yeamans Hall in South Carolina.
No. 89: Yeamans Hall
Hanahan, S.C.
Seth Raynor (1925)
Continual refinements propel this Seth Raynor design back into the World Top 100, having appeared in 2003. The land is soothing, not rambunctious (it is the Lowcountry after all) and the holes gracefully meander past live oaks while edging close to a savannah several times.
As was Raynor’s want, little earth was disturbed tee to green but he did build up his famous green pads, which means the greenside bunkers are deep. Raynor’s fully restored bunkering schemes (both off the tee and greenside) and YHC’s greens, which some contend are the best in the Raynor family, complement the low-key ambience.
The 1st hole sets the stage: a generous fairway that is punctuated by a Principal’s Nose bunker complex that gives way to a dramatic double-plateau green. One compelling hole after another ensues. In fact, trying to determine Yeamans’ three least interesting holes is a chore that brings no consensus of opinion. Whatever they are, they would be among the “best worst” three holes of any course in the World Top 100.
Yeamans’ best – including the aforementioned 1st, the Redan 6th, the Knoll 14th, and the Punchbowl 17th – are stellar template holes. You could play here all year and not lose a ball – and also not quite play to your handicap. Few designs can claim the same.
