It’s a sign of the economic times: Across South Carolina and the nation, private country clubs are making their golf courses accessible to the golfing public – either to help boost their bottom line, or to gain exposure in hopes of luring new members, or both.

Columbia’s Cobblestone Park Golf Club and Florence’s Country Club of South Carolina in recent years have opened their doors to visitors. Now another private course – Orangeburg Country Club – is doing the same, albeit exclusively through an arrangement with golf-package agency Santee Golf.

Located 45 minutes from Columbia via Interstate 26 and about a half-hour from the Santee/I-95 corridor, Orangeburg Country Club – designed and built in 1961 by Ellis Maples – was sold in 2009 to local businessman Frank Tourville, a 30-year club member. The 7,043-yard, par-72 layout then underwent major renovations by Pinehurst-based architect Richard Mandell that cleared perimeter areas, manicured fairways, deepened bunkers and made them more strategic, and resurfaced the course’s greens – already the first Champions hybrid Bermuda greens in South Carolina.

The club also made significant upgrades to its clubhouse, dining facility and grill, as well as its pool and tennis areas, and built a new driving range and short-game practice area. Through the pro shop, the club also features a PING Club Fitting system and video swing analysis.

“The golf course along with the club ballroom and ample meeting space make Orangeburg Country Club an ideal venue for corporate events, golf tournaments and social functions,” according to Santee Golf’s most recent brochure.

In 2012, the club hosted the Carolinas Golf Association Mid-Amateur and S.C. Golf Association Mid-Amateur Four-Ball championships, as well as a South Carolina State University homecoming tournament sponsored by former Bulldogs football players and coaches.

Since its renovations, the course has reached out to build its membership by offering a non-resident membership (25 miles or more from Orangeburg) for $119 a month, waiving initiation fees and monthly food requirements.

Now, through Santee Cooper Golf’s package plans, tourists and state residents also can play and enjoy Orangeburg Country Club, along with 16 other Santee Golf courses in Santee, Manning, Sumter, St. Matthews, Orangeburg and the Charleston area.

“We are delighted that (Orangeburg Country Club) is being offered as a part of the golf package groups in Santee,” said David Lackey, the club’s director of golf. “The Santee area affords an affordable golf destination with a diverse selection of courses.

“In a golf-rich state like South Carolina, having courses and the community working together to brand themselves as a great place to plan a golf vacation is good for everyone – especially golfers.”

To learn about Santee Golf’s online golf packages, for quotes on golf and hotel accommodations, or for directions to courses, go to the website or call (800) 344-6534.