When some or all of the causes of action in a case are referred to a master-in-equity or special referee, the master or referee shall enter final judgment as to those causes of action, and an appeal from an order or judgment of the master or referee must be to the Supreme Court or the court of appeals as provided by the South Carolina Appellate Court Rules. A matter may not be referred to a master or referee for the purpose of making a report to the circuit court.
S.C. Code § 14-11-85
1989 Act No. 36, Section 2, effective April 3, 1989, provides as follows:
"This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor and is effective with respect to all appeals from final judgments entered by a master after July 25, 1988."