The I-95 Stop That Became a Destination

Services: Full-Service Golf Tourism Marketing | Social Media | Influencer Marketing | Content Creation | Digital Advertising | Strategic Brand Positioning | Public Relations

The Little (Golf) Engine That Could

Santee Cooper Golf Resort is a 36-hole faacility located in Santee, SC (population: 1,187), just 200 yards off the ever-busy I-95. The evolution of this resort since 2000 is nothing short of amazing.

Over the last 25 years, Santee Cooper Golf Resort has evolved from a traditional public golf course with some golf vacation play into a full-scale golf vacation destination, complete with on-site lodging, experiential amenities, and a diversified revenue model.

  • 36 Holes - Lake Marion Golf Course and Santee Cooper Country Club
  • 35,000 Square Foot Himalayas-style Putting Course
  • 24 Deluxe Golf Villas
  • 12 Deluxe Golf Townhouses
  • Hospitality Center that Offers Hot Breakfast Daily and Thursday Carolina BBQ Dinners In-Season
  • The Largest Footjoy Dealer in the Carolinas

From Fairways to Foot Traffic

We Built Systems and Campaigns that Got Golfers Here... and Spending.

Golf Creative Co. partnered closely with Lake Marion to design and execute a multi-phase growth strategy focused on innovation, loyalty, and experience.

Our work included:

  • Launching an in-house golf vacation packaging company to capture traveling golfers heading South
  • Designing a Golf Advantage Card program to drive local and regional play within a one-hour radius
  • Developing targeted email, social, and search marketing powered by 20+ years of traveler data Helping ideate, position, and market 36 on-site golf villas and townhomes
  • Elevating retail strategy to scale annual shoe sales beyond 4,000 pairs

A Hole New Experience

Palmetto Traverse Putting Course

One of the most impactful additions was the creation of a 35,000-square-foot natural grass putting course, designed to expand the guest experience beyond traditional rounds.

The goal:

  • Attract families and non-traditional golfers
  • Create a social, repeatable experience
  • Add a high-margin amenity that increased on-property engagement Alongside weekly BBQ cookouts, enhanced lodging, and curated golf packages, Lake Marion transformed into a destination where guests didn’t just play golf, they stayed, shopped, socialized, and returned.

Turn Rounds Into Returns

More Play, More Stays, More Fun

Lake Marion Golf Course has transformed into a true golf destination. Over 2,000 golfers now participate in the Advantage Card program, boosting local play and filling tee times year-round. The 36 on-site villas and townhomes generate steady lodging revenue, while the 35,000-square-foot putting course adds a fun, family-friendly experience that keeps guests engaged.

The golf shop now sells over 4,000 pairs of shoes annually, making Santee the largest FootJoy retailer in the Carolinas. These initiatives didn’t just increase revenue; they turned Lake Marion from a convenient stop along I-95 into a destination guests plan around, share with friends, and return to again and again.

Your Golf Resort Need Help?

Golf destination marketing is one of our highest areas of excellence with more than 25 years of experience. Whether your golf destination needs a boost, or looking for greater direction, our golf tourism experts stand ready to help.

Lets "Co!"

Up for a Weekly Marketing Range Session?

Sign up for marketing tips, tricks and freebies from our marketing range, where practice makes perfect.

Name(Required)