Title: Unmasking the Dragons: The Toughest Holes in Myrtle Beach Golf Courses
Nestled along the sandy shores of South Carolina’s northern Atlantic coast, Myrtle Beach is a haven for golf enthusiasts. Known as the “Golf Capital of the World,” it is home to over 100 world-class golf courses challenging even the most seasoned players. This article outlines some of the most difficult holes you’ll encounter in Myrtle Beach, sure to test your skill, precision, and patience.
1. Caledonia Golf and Fish Club – Hole 18: Dubbed as one of the most challenging golf courses in Myrtle Beach, this par 4, 458-yard final hole keeps golf enthusiasts on their toes. A pond runs the length of the fairway on the right, while a large oak mits midway down the fairway makes clean shots a necessity. The second shot over the marsh to a peninsula green aesthetic as it is threatening.
2. Dunes Golf and Beach Club – Hole 13: Known as “Waterloo,” this par 5, dogleg right hole is a ferocious dragon to encounter. It wraps itself around Singleton Lake, tempting golfers to cut the corner for a chance at eagle, but more often sending balls directly into the water hazard.
3. TPC Myrtle Beach – Hole 18: This long par 4 is the grand finale. From the back tees, it stretches out to 472 yards. With water along the left side from tee-to-green, players also have to account for a treacherous green, sloping heavily from back to front. Managed by the PGA Tour and with tees stretching over 6,600 yards, TPC Myrtle Beach isn’t for the faint-hearted.
4. True Blue Plantation – Hole 1: The course ups the ante right from the start with this par 5, 624-yard hole. This is the number one handicap hole. With water on the left, and an undulating fairway leading to a well-protected green, it brings a smile to those who land a par and a sigh to many others.
5. Pawleys Plantation – Jack Nicklaus – Hole 13: Notoriously difficult, this par 3 hole is one of the shortest in all of Myrtle Beach at 137 yards, but its difficulty is in its design. Players aim for an island green that is more sand than green, and no matter the wind direction, you’re almost always playing into it.
6. Grande Dunes – Resort Club – Hole 9: This par 4, 463-yard hole is lined with hazards from tee to green. With water to the left and bunkers to the right, you must hit a long, accurate tee shot. Even then, you’re faced with a downhill approach to a green guarded by a moat-like bunker on the front.
7. Legends Golf Resort – Moorland Course – Hole 16: One of the toughest golf courses in Myrtle Beach, ‘Hell’s Half Acre’ on the Moorland Course at Legends Golf Resort highlights a par 4 hole. A wasteland stands between the fairway and the green, making long hitters think twice about their choice of club.
8. King’s North at Myrtle Beach National – Hole 6: Known as “The Gambler,” this par 5 hole lives up to its moniker by challenging golfers to take the riskier shortcut across an island fairway, or play it safe and take the long route around. Many have tried for the island, only to find their balls sinking into the surrounding water.
The challenging and diverse courses of Myrtle Beach keep golfers coming back, eager for the challenge and the chance to conquer the holes that have bested them. It’s quite evident why Myrtle Beach is a prime golfing destination: playing these holes represent a venture into risk, reward, frustration, and – hopefully – the enduring satisfaction of a well-placed shot. Embrace the challenge and revel in the variety that Myrtle Beach golf courses have to offer. After all, true golfers are always ready for a good battle.