Midlands Business Profiles
Midlands Profiles
Mid Carolina Club
Lee Duncan
More than a few times, you've probably glanced over at that beautiful patch of green space just off I-26 near Prosperity and wished you were taking a different kind of a drive than the one towards Upstate South Carolina.
That field of dreams is the golf course at Mid Carolina Club. For those who take the time to get off the freeway, there's a pleasant yet challenging test of golfing skill and an inviting spot for a training meeting, a corporate outing or just a relaxing afternoon.
Founded in 1968 by a group of local golfers, Mid Carolina is all about recreation. Golf may be a good walk spoiled, but out here it won't be spoiled by views of sprawling condos or houses crowding the fairways.
"You can really get into your game here," said club professional Lee Duncan. "There's a nice variety - a mix of wooded areas, water, open spaces – and you're not looking at someone's backyard."
With just under 600 members – including 21 charter members from 1968 – you're also unlikely to find a crowd on the tee box anxious for you to swing and get out of the way.
"The key thing we've tried to create here is a comfortable atmosphere for everyone," said club professional Lee Duncan. "The beginning golfer will find a very playable course, and the scratch golfer won't typically come out here and light it up the first time either."
The 6679-yard, par 72 course, designed by Russell Breeden, takes advantage of the natural rolling terrain on the site, and ponds and lakes come into play on seven holes. The course's most difficult hole is #10, a 430-yard, par 4, requiring a tee shot up a dogleg left fairway, with a pond at the curve, then an uphill approach shot to the green.
Duncan offers lessons and clinics for golfers as young as four to seniors. There are member associations for juniors, ladies, men and senior men, and events include mixed and open couples golf.
The comfortable feeling of the golf course carries over into the clubhouse, the fully-stocked pro shop and the meeting facilities. A number of Midlands businesses use Mid Carolina for meetings and outings. The conference room can seat 15 around a large table, and the banquet room provides seating and dining for up to 200. A full range of audiovisual equipment is available for meetings.
"You won't be intimidated at Mid Carolina the way you might be at other clubs or meeting facilities," said Karen Quinn, the club's business manager who handles membership and helps coordinate corporate and charity events.
An easy 20-minute drive from downtown Columbia, Mid Carolina draws its membership about equally from Lexington, Newberry and Richland counties. In addition to golf, members also have access to a pool overlooking the course. Food options include the dining room and lounge on weekends, and a snack bar open daily. Mid-Carolina is a semi-private facility and welcomes the public. Family and Corporate memberships are also available.
