The Palmetto Golf Society is hosting our 2026 NIT Qualifier (The Savannah Peel) at THE historic Savannah Golf Club. The Savannah Golf Club traces its roots back to 1794, when an invitation was posted in the local newspaper for a ceremonial ball to be held on the grounds. The history doesn’t stop there, though. The site was utilized as a bivouac for Confederate Troops during the Civil War, and many of those embankments and bunkers are still present on the course today, giving the lowcountry land more elevation and movement than any of its local counterparts. In 1927, Donald Ross was commissioned to build a new course on the property, where he conjured a challenging test of golf by weaving in those historical aspects into his final design. After completion, the course held matches starring people like Bobby Jones, Walter Hagan, Glenna Collett-Vare, Ceil MacLaurin, Gene Sarazen, and Sam Snead. Like many golden age courses, The Savannah Golf Club needed a facelift after a century of constant play, so the club commissioned Gil Hanse to restore 15 of the original Donald Ross Holes and build 3 new holes based on Ross’ vision after the originals were lost. You can see Hanse’s entire renovation/restoration plan here. Known for its challenging greens, necessity to move the ball both ways, moss-draped trees, and quirky tee boxes, The Savannah Golf Club is well on its way to being one of the best Par-71 courses in the entire Southeast. We’re fortunate to have the entire course to ourselves for the NIT Qualifier.
The Details
- Event Name: The Savannah Peel
- Date: Monday, April 27, 2026
- Cost: $200
- Field Size: 72 (need 50 to make this economical for the club)
- Inclusions:
- Golf: 18 holes of golf, range balls, horse race for top in each flight, cart
- Food/drink: Breakfast snacks, on-course water, canned Gatorade, lunch boxes
- Goodies: Tee gifts for all participants, prizes for finish position/closest-to-the-pin/long drive
- Charity Donations: To First Tee of Savannah and Carolina Adaptive Golf
- Not included in price, but available: The Golf Shop will be open for merchandise. The club will also have its halfway house open for beverages and snacks. Liz, the person who runs the halfway house, makes a mean margarita. You pass the halfway house twice on the back nine (after 11 and before 15).
- Format: 18-hole, flighted quota game. Top 1-2 in each flight (based on how many sign-ups/flights we have) will make a 9-hole horse race to crown our champion.
- Raffle: In addition to the tournament, we’ll also be hosting a charity raffle for NLU swag, gift cards, free rounds at private courses, and more.
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/TBQgY5ctXvCo82T47
Pay @heathwblack (venmo) $200 within 72 hours to lock your spot.
