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Arnold Palmer built one of his greatest courses at Spring Island, Old Tabby Links. Known as one of his top designs, Old Tabby Links offers a tranquil, home-free experience where golfers are immersed in nature. Dirt paths replace paved cartways, promoting environmental sustainability and accommodating walkers. In 2019, for the 20th year running, Old Tabby has earned recertification in the Audubon Cooperative Program for its long standing commitment to environmental stewardship throughout the course design.
Since 1999, Old Tabby Links has been involved with the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf (ACSP), an initiative that protects the environment while working to pursue the natural heritage of the game of golf. Because of rigorous standards, only 784 courses hold the designation worldwide. Spring Island is extremely proud of our designation. During his recent site visit, Frank LaVardera with Audubon International said, “Spring Island sets a great example of what an ACSP Certified Course should look like.
Palmer and his wife enjoyed Spring Island so much that they spent many years returning with their grandchildren. One story divulges that the “Spring Island Tea”, a lemonade-sweet tea libation is now known nationwide as “The Arnold Palmer”.
Arnold Palmer took such a liking to the Island’s signature refreshment that when he was away from Spring Island he would order the drink frequently, eventually cementing his name with the Island-inspired concoction.
Since the original design of the course in 1993, its relationship with the environment has been a central element. Beginning in 2012, Old Tabby underwent a timely update, delivering on the renovation plan and vision of its original designer, Ed Seay. At that time, Old Tabby was fully restored using native plants. This approach helped make the course less labor intensive by saving water while preserving the natural experience of Lowcountry golf.
The native plant enthusiasm has carried over through the years and to this day, Old Tabby’s Director of Grounds and Community Services, Jay Gratton, also a Master Naturalist, collects seeds from various plants native to the Island and disperses them throughout the grounds to facilitate natural growth and nourishment. Gratton and his team have become so knowledgeable about the program that he is now part of the Audubon Recertification team, as well.
