“Clients tell us it’s one of the nicest events they’ve experienced and one of the friendliest, even given the intense level of competition. That’s our goal. To bring our friends together, enjoy great golf and show how much we appreciate their business.”—Mike Collins, Principal Partner, IMI

It starts with a pairings party and ends with a celebration, one team victorious, another vowing to return to unseat the champions. As the time to depart nears, nearly everyone has cleared his calendar for the next year’s IMI Lowcountry Boil. Held in November, the Lowcountry Boil is IMI’s way of saying thanks to clients, owners, golf pros and friends. The 2004 event will take place Nov. 7–9. What began with 16 golfers in 2000 has become an event now enjoyed by more than 50 of IMI’s “best friends.”

The Fun Is in the Details

IMI flies all participants to either Charleston, SC, or Savannah, GA, and then transports them to the picturesque South Carolina Lowcountry town of Beaufort and its famed Secession Golf Club, a private facility whose clubhouse accommodates all guests for the three-day event.

A pairings party on Sunday night determines the two teams. Each year, the list of amateur players includes many of IMI’s longtime developers. “The quality of this event gives us a great platform for saying thanks to our clients for the opportunity to do business with them and also shows prospective new clients what IMI is all about,” says Mike Collins, chief executive officer of IMI.

Amateur golfers especially enjoy this tournament because they get to play three days with some of the top professionals from the PGA and Nationwide tours. IMI-sponsored Tour players Lee Janzen, Tim Petrovic, Matt Kuchar, Jim McGovern, Stan Utley, Brett Quigley, Patrick Sheehan, D.A. Points, Jason Caron and Charles Warren are all event regulars.

Over the years, IMI has played host to PGA star Peter Jacobsen; ABC and ESPN commentators Ian Baker-Finch and Charlie Rymer; former CBS commentator Ben Wright; Jack Nicklaus’ sons Jack and Steve; and music recording artists Jim “Soni” Sonefield and Dean Felber from Hootie & The Blowfish, and Edwin McCain. “In addition to being decent golfers, our musician friends provide incredible, spontaneous after-dinner entertainment in the clubhouse,” Collins says.

Tee Up

The Ryder Cup–style format includes 13 two-man team matches Monday and Tuesday mornings, capped by the 26 singles matches on Tuesday afternoon. IMI completes the theme by having all participants dressed in uniform (matching shirts, pants and hats). Players also receive gifts—golf clubs and balls, shoes, luggage and a team golf bag.

Not that they have to carry it. Secession Golf Club provides all players with a caddy. The stately, private, walking-only course is set amid marshes and stands of giant oak trees draped with Spanish moss. Designed by Bruce Devlin,
it provides plenty of challenges for every golfer, and the caddies’ local knowledge proves critical as they direct the golfers on placement off the tee, help them navigate the swirling wind currents, and assist players around the greens.

A PGA Tour–like scorer accompanies the group throughout the match, reporting hole-by-hole scores back to the central scoreboard at the clubhouse.

The 19th Hole

After the first day’s golf, the group returns to the clubhouse to partake in a “Lowcountry Boil.” Fresh oysters and shrimp are served, followed by steaming stacks of lobsters, crabs and sausages. Everyone is encouraged to sample Beaufort’s traditional Frogmore Stew—a savory mix of shrimp, corn and sausages.

IMI chose Secession for its regal setting and its ability to accommodate large groups. Plus, Secession has a certain cachet attributed to its limited access by even the most connected golfers. All in all, a great score.