The Darlington Country Club has been a beacon of excellence in the community since 1926. It offers a wealth of amenities that make it a highly sought-after destination for both members and visitors alike. The club's 18-hole golf course, which is beautifully situated along the banks of Black Creek, presents a challenging and enjoyable test of golfing skill. In addition to the golf course, the club features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis and pickle ball courts, and a spacious club house that has recently undergone renovation, making it ideal for hosting events of all kinds. The dining facilities at the club are also second-to-none, offering a range of dining options to suit every taste, including The Black Creek Grill and Bar, The Red Bar, and Michael's Porch. Whether you're a resident of the local community, or just looking for a new place to gather with friends, the Darlington Country Club is the perfect destination. Come visit today and discover why the club has been a credit to the community for nearly a century.
Jim Vernon
General Manager
Jim was raised in Darlington and graduated from St. John's High in 1981. He attended Clemson University and received his BS in Industrial Engineering. Jim started work with Sonoco Products Co. and soon moved to Canadaigua, NY. He moved from NY to Robesonia, PA as a Production Supervisor for 5 years. Jim began playing golf in NY and found he had a passion for the game. After some time in the Industrial world he finally embarked on his career as a PGA professional. Jim has experience at public courses as well as 25 years as PGA Head Golf Professional at two upscale private clubs in New Jersey. His experience in both management with Sonoco and his extensive Country Club experience have provided him with the skills to help accelerate the revitalization of the Darlington Country Club.
Jim is excited to be back home among old friends and closer to his family. Jim enjoys golf, hunting, fishing and DIY projects in his time away from work.
Phone: (843) 393-0236
Email: office@darlingtoncountryclub.com
Keith Williams
Head Golf Professional
Keith joined the Darlington Country Club team in July, 2025 as the new Head Golf Professional. Keith comes to DCC from Caledonia Golf and Fish Club in Pawley’s Island, where he served as assistant golf professional. Keith also has experience working at Cleveland Country Club in Shelby, NC, where he was head professional, and Golf Galaxy in Charlotte, NC, where he served as lead golf professional. Keith is in the process of completing his PGA Apprenticeship Program and he is a Certified Golf Teaching Professional by the United States Golf Teaching Federation. A native of Georgetown, SC, Keith is a U.S. Army Veteran with a background in operations management and is a seasoned professional with experience in Hospitality Management and Golf Operations. In his position at DCC, Keith will focus on golf instruction, youth golf clinics, growing the golf membership, and attracting more tournament play. Make sure you stop by the golf shop and introduce yourself to Keith.
David Strickland
Golf Course Superintendent
David Strickland joined the Darlington Country Club team in 2019 as the Golf Course Superintendent. David has extensive experience in the golf course maintenance field and is one of the best in his profession in this area. David has worked at multiple golf clubs during his career, including True Blue and Caledonia in Pawley’s Island, SC; Myrtle Beach National, and The Cape Golf and Raquet Club in Wilmington, NC. David has a degree in Golf Course Maintenance from Horry/Georgetown Technical School. He and his wife, Holli, reside in his hometown of Dillon, SC. They have two daughters and one granddaughter. David enjoys hunting and fishing when he’s not spending time at the golf course or with his family. Through David’s hard work and expertise, the 18-hole layout at Darlington Country Club has become one of the finest in the region.
Nancy Huntley
Manager
Nancy is one of the owners and General Manager for the club. She is a warm and welcoming leader of the staff. She oversees all operations, membership and community involvement.
Nancy is a native of Darlington and has a love for the people and community of Darlington. She recently retired from teaching high school students at the Darlington County Institute of Technology in the Darlington County School District.
Phone: (843) 393-0236 ext 103
Email: office@darlingtoncountryclub.com
Kerry Tharp
Co-General Manager, Marketing & Community Relations
Kerry Tharp joined the Darlington Country Club team in February, 2024 as the Co-General Manager for Marketing and Community Relations. Kerry previously served as President of Darlington Raceway for eight years before retiring from that position in December, 2023. He has more than 46 years of experience working in the sports industry. Kerry worked in college athletics for 26 years, serving in media relations administrative roles at the University of Tennessee, University of Oklahoma and University of South Carolina. He also worked 11 years as the Communications Director for NASCAR before coming to Darlington as track president. Kerry and his wife, Debbie, live in the Darlington Country Club community. You can reach Kerry by emailing him at ktharp@darlingtoncountryclub.com.
Charles Lyon
Executive Chef/Food and Beverage Manager
Charles Lyon, who has more than three decades of experience as a chef, and working in the restaurant and catering business, has joined the Darlington Country Club team as Executive Chef/Food & Beverage Manager. Charles spent most of his adult life in Maryland, serving as Executive Chef at properties in Ocean City, Baltimore, Port Deposit, and Havre de Grace, all widely visited locales in the Chesapeake Bay Area. He was Executive Chef at Bulle Rock Golf Course in Havre de Grace for 13 years, a Pete Dye-designed masterpiece that has served as the site for five LPGA Championships. Charles has been described by his peers and former employers as “someone with immense talent, creativity, and expertise” in the culinary industry. Charles has an Associate of Applied Science degree in Hospitality Management from Baltimore International Culinary College.
Val Vance
Events Coordinator
Val Vance joined the Darlington Country Club team in December, 2024 as the new Events Coordinator. Val brings a versatile background in special events and customer relations. She most recently worked as the Special Events Coordinator for Easterseals SW in Sarasota, Fla. She Also served as Executive Director and Volunteer Manager for the Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute in Sarasota. Val also has experience as a corporate account sales manager in her home state of Michigan. She has Communications degrees from Grand Valley State and Western Michigan Universities. Val and her husband, John, reside in Timmonsville, S.C.
Val looks to use her talents and experience to help attract additional weddings, reunions, celebrations and corporate meetings at the Club. She also will focus on creating and organizing more events and functions for our members throughout the course of the year. You can reach Val by emailing her at events@darlingtoncountryclub.com.