News Summary
The River Oaks Golf Club, a beloved golf destination since 1987, will close its doors permanently on October 31, 2024. This closure paves the way for a major redevelopment project, transforming the course into a residential neighborhood with nearly 600 housing units planned. The transition reflects changing recreational trends and increasing demand for housing in the area, marking the end of an era for golf enthusiasts while opening up opportunities for new community developments.
River Oaks Golf Club to Close Its Doors for Good in 2024
In a significant shift for golf lovers and real estate enthusiasts alike, the beloved River Oaks Golf Club will officially close its fairways on October 31, 2024. This closure is not just a typical farewell but part of a grand plan to usher in a whole new chapter—one that will transform the picturesque golf course into a bustling neighborhood.
Goodbye Greens, Hello Housing
Once a prime destination for golfers, the River Oaks Golf Club officially opened its doors in 1987. Featuring three nines—named Bear, Fox, and Otter—the course quickly became a revered spot for putting skills and leisurely outings. However, like many golf courses facing challenges in recent years, the time has come for visionary developers to take the reins. Almost 600 housing lots are slated for construction in place of the former greens, meaning farewells to more than just puts and drives.
The Path to Development
The transition from golf club to residential housing began in 2021 when Chris Manning Communities made the initial move by acquiring the Bear nine for $3 million. This was just the tip of the iceberg. The Bear portion, rich in history and memories, was then flipped to Mungo Homes for a whopping $9.5 million. Fast forward to February 2024, and the Fox and Otter portions of the course were also snatched up by Chris Manning Communities, completing their acquisition.
Zoning: A Smooth Transition
One of the silver linings in this redevelopment story is the zoning of the land. It is already classified as single and mixed residential land, which means the developers won’t hit any snags with rezoning approvals from the Horry County Council. This makes it easier to roll out plans for building new homes swiftly.
What to Expect
The numbers speak volumes; the plans outline a total of 590 housing units projected for the site. Specifically, around 220 lots will make their debut on the Bear land, while the Fox and Otter sections will yield an additional 370 housing lots. It’s a big endeavor, promising to change the landscape while providing new homes to meet the growing demand in the area.

