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Grand Strand Golf CoursesAngels Trace
Golf Links This public, 36-hole complex opened in 1995. It's
near The Pearl and a number of other popular courses on the southern edge
of North Carolina where scenic courses and tempting seafood restaurants
are sprinkled throughout Calabash, Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle Beach. No
houses are around the courses, and no noise or distractions will hinder
your golf game here.
Both Angels Trace courses offer a pro shop, club rentals, snack shop,
driving range and putting green. Walking is not allowed. The greens on
both courses are usually fast. Unless your shots to the green can usually
hit and stick, it is better to lay up and have your ball roll on to the
green. North Course This Clyde Johnston course follows the lay of the
land, with natural streams running through it. Gentle mounds and a few
man-made ponds add to the character. Nos. 5 and 9 are bulkheaded. No. 5 is
the signature: a par 4 dogleg left. The first shot is a placement shot,
and the second must carry over water. Traps are inside the fairway; two
are in front and one on the side of the green, which is on a hill
surrounded by oyster shells.
Water comes into play on at least nine holes. You'll find some good
long par 5s that require accurate shot placement. Tees, fairways and rough
are bermudagrass, and greens are bentgrass. Fairway width varies. The
average golfer will enjoy the North Course.
Approximate fees with cart average $55. South Course Also designed by Clyde Johnston, this course shows
similarities to the North Course. Water is a factor on 15 holes. You have
a distinct chance of losing your ball on at least 10 of these. No. 4 is a
par 3--147 yards from the men's tees. Your tee shot is slightly downhill
to a large green with bunkers in front and back. Another good hole is the
par 5 14th, 544 yards from the white tees. Besides being long, it requires
sensible play to negotiate the double dogleg. Water that bisects the
fairway is not visible from the tee. You must play two accurate shots to
be able to approach this green for a par. The best approach shot comes
from the right side of the fairway to a green that is undulating and well
bunkered on all sides.
The challenging finishing hole is a par 5 of 465 yards that doglegs
right. You can really let it fly here because the fairway is wide. The
best approach to the green is from the left side of the fairway; however,
you must be careful not to be too far left. Be aware of water on that
side. Conversely, don't be too far right, because trees will block your
approach shot. The green is wide and well protected by three small bunkers
at its front and one large bunker in the back that runs the entire length
of the green.
Approximate fees with cart average $55. Arcadian Shores Golf Club Rees Jones designed this course in 1974. The club
refurbished the course in 1994. Arcadian Shores includes 64 creatively
placed sand bunkers among natural lakes and elevated lush bermudagrass
greens. Water comes into play on eight holes. The fairways are wide and
beautifully tree-lined. Take an extra club on your approach shots because
the greens are all slightly elevated. The fairways are usually soft but
well manicured, so you won't get much roll on your drives but you should
end up with a decent lie. A challenging hole is the second, a 178-yard par
3. Your shot must travel over water and up a small hill to a fairly large
green. The par 4 13th hole is one of the prettiest on the course. If your
drive is lucky enough to make it to the top of a knoll, your ball will
roll, leaving a relatively easy second shot over water to the green.
The course offers rental clubs, a driving range, practice green, pro
shop, bar and restaurant.
Approximate fees range from $45 to $90. Walking is not allowed.
Arcadian Shores is affiliated with the oceanfront Hilton Hotel, and the
golf course is across the street. The course is bisected by Hilton Road,
which connects to U.S. 17 from the oceanfront. Arrowhead Country Club Lakes/Cypress Course Cypress/Waterway Course Lakes/Waterway Course Raymond Floyd and Tom Jackson unveiled this
creation in November 1994. The first 18 of 27 holes opened with large
bermudagrass greens and bermudagrass fairways unique for their numerous
undulations.
The nine-hole Lakes Course measures 3317 yards from the championship
tees. The nine-hole Cypress Course measures 3349 yards among hardwoods
standing in coastal wetlands. The signature 13th hole is a beautiful
355-yard par 4 that crosses water twice and overlooks the Intracoastal
Waterway.
Mounds, pristine woodlands and lakes, which come into play on 17 holes,
make the Lakes/Cypress 18 a challenging course. One particularly tough
hole is No. 2 on the Cypress, a narrow par 5. Water flanks the left side
of the tee shot, which is followed by a lay-up, then another shot across
water to a green sitting at its edge.
The nine-hole Waterway Course opened in fall 1995. You guessed it: It
also wraps along the snaking Intracoastal and calls upon all your skills
to avoid water hazards.
The national trend toward 27-hole courses is growing, and Arrowhead's
owners are delighted to have more to offer. They also emphasize their
proximity to the airport for visiting golfers in a rush.
Arrowhead Country Club is the first Ray Floyd signature course in South
Carolina. Floyd won the Golf Magazine Senior Tour Championship
played in Myrtle Beach in November 1994, a very good year for him.
Rental clubs, a driving range, putting green, pro shop, locker room,
bar and restaurant are available. The upscale country club atmosphere is
classy and comfortable. Walking is not allowed at Arrowhead. Approximate
fees include cart and average $85. Azalea Sands Golf Club This 18-hole course, designed by Gene Hamm, opened
in 1972. Tifdwarf greens are set among lakes, bunkers and trees. One of
the toughest holes is the 18th, a 540-yard par 5. Another challenging hole
is a 195-yard par 3. The 5th hole requires a shot over a lake to a green
well guarded by bunkers.
Amenities include practice greens, bar, snack bar, beverage cart, pro
shop and rental clubs. No driving range is provided.
Approximate fees, including cart, range from $25 to $54. Walking is
allowed certain times of year, and a pull cart costs $3 to rent.
The course is just minutes from several of the largest golf equipment
shops and a couple of miles from Barefoot Landing, a popular destination
for lunch or dinner. Barefoot Resort At the time of printing, Barefoot Resort was still
under construction, but much of it was scheduled to open in 2000.
Not to be confused with Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach,
Barefoot Resort promises to be one of The Beach's premier facilities. It
will feature four courses, designed by Davis Love III, Pete Dye, Tom Fazio,
and Greg Norman. That's a pretty strong foursome there!
Barefoot is likely to become one of the Beach's most sought-after
facilities--make sure you book ahead here. Bay Tree Golf Plantation You can't miss this golf course on S.C. Highway 9
because of its gigantic golf ball, which doubles as a water tower for the
Little River area. Bay Tree has three 18-hole courses, designed by George
Fazio, Tom Fazio and Russell Breeden. In 1972, Bay Tree Golf Plantation
was the first to build three courses simultaneously. It's a popular club
for local memberships among the North Myrtle Beach crowd. All three
courses have plentiful water hazards and bermudagrass fairways.
The clubhouse offers a comfortable and scenic bar and restaurant at the
55th hole, a well-stocked pro shop and large men's and ladies' locker
rooms. A driving range, practice green and rental clubs are available.
Nearby, you'll find condominiums for rent--a great option when you want to
be on three great golf courses and a bit away from the beach and its
traffic.
Approximate fees range from $25 to $45, and carts are an additional
$15. Check for three- and seven-day memberships. Walking is allowed. Gold Course The No. 1 handicap hole is the par 4 No. 5, which
plays 455 yards from the championship tees, 409 yards from the men's tees.
Heavy hitters may choose to lay up short of the water--265 yards out. If
you control your drive, you can hit into a narrow landing area
approximately 160 yards from the pin. Shots too far right will land in the
woods. The green is guarded by a trap on the left that should not come
into play, but the green undulates, and pin placement is crucial to making
par or birdie here. The 16th tee and fairway flank S.C. 9 in front of the
towering golf ball. A birdie is a real possibility here if you carry the
water and cut the dogleg. Several fairway bunkers might come into play
with errant tee shots. If you do score birdie here, you won't have long to
enjoy it; No. 17, a 189-yard par 3, plays longer than it looks. The green
is encircled by water and bunkers.
The LPGA championship played on this course in 1977 was the first
nationally televised tournament from the Grand Strand. This course was
named to Golf for Women magazine's Top Fairways list of the
country's 100 most female-friendly golf courses. Green Course The Green Course has benefited from a recent
facelift, with some greens and tees being moved and bunkers being moved or
added. It features narrow fairways. You're immediately initiated to the
course's muscularity on No. 1, a 563-yard par 5 where you must traverse
water to reach a narrow green. Water comes into play on many holes,
including the par 4 11th, where a hazard intersects the fairway. Your tee
shot must lay up short of the water. The green is guarded by bunkers in
front and back. Silver Course Bay Tree rebuilt and reshaped its Silver Course and
reopened it in the fall of 1995. Tees and traps were restructured and
senior tees added. The fine George Fazio design and undulations didn't
change. The greens were made much larger, and some trees were removed.
Target mounds behind some of the greens are helpful for approach shots.
Many believe it to be the locals' favorite, and it's often preferred by
women.
The Silver course starts with a difficult 388-yard par 4. It's a slight
dogleg right on a narrow fairway with woods on both sides. The lone
fairway bunker shouldn't pose a problem for long hitters. You should
constantly stay right on this hole and have a good approach to the large
undulating green.
The back nine includes the tough par 5 12th--518 yards. In order to
have a good approach, drives and second shots must be from the center of
the fairway left, but beware of a small pond. Reach here safely and you'll
have a nice short iron shot to a triangular green that is well guarded by
three sand traps. Beachwood Golf Club The 18-hole course, set between the Intracoastal
Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean--as are many Grand Strand courses--was
designed by Gene Hamm and built in 1968. Its lush fairways and
bermudagrass greens meander through tall pines and lakes and host abundant
native wildlife. The signature finishing hole, a par 3, is a healthy 239
yards and calls for a long, accurate shot to reach a green protected by
three bunkers.
The multifaceted practice facility offers two large greens, a driving
range with multiple target areas, a chipping green and practice bunker.
Approximate fees, including cart rental, range upward from $24. Walking
is not allowed. Belle Terre Championship Course Skins Course There are two 18-hole courses here at Belle Terre,
both designed by Rees Jones and opened in 1995. One is the championship
course and the other is called the Skins Course and is an executive course
with par 4s and par 3s to a par of 58. An interesting feature is the fleet
of motorized pull carts for golfers who want to walk.
The name Belle Terre (beautiful earth) came from Jones' description of
the property. The Championship Course, with tifdwarf bermudagrass,
measures more than 7000 yards. The front nine has water and sand on six
holes. The back nine has sand and protected wetlands. The combination of
water, sand and wetlands makes this a tight course where course
management, club selection and ball placement are paramount. A good short
game is another advantage here because most of the greens are well
bunkered.
"The soil and natural shape of the land allow for subtle elements
of an old-style, classic design, giving the holes clear definition so that
a player can stand on the tee and have a clear perspective without using
gimmicks. The subtleties make the course different every time you play
it," Jones said.
The driving range is lighted and features rolling terrain and tees on
each end. The pro shop is fully stocked, and the clubhouse has a nice bar
and restaurant with a gourmet chef offering outstanding specialties daily
as well as a collection of Jimmy D'Angelo's memorabilia. (D'Angelo is one
of the consultants for the course and is well known as the first pro in
Myrtle Beach.) Walking is not allowed on the Championship Course.
Approximate fees, with cart, are $60 to $75. The staff is extremely
friendly here. At the end of your round you are asked to complete a
questionnaire--for which you earn a beer. Blackmoor This 18-hole course was built in 1990 and was the
first in the Myrtle Beach area designed by 1965 U.S. Open champ Gary
Player. Bermudagrass greens and fairways are always perfectly maintained.
Several blind shots to the green complexes will remind you to study the
course layout. Several interesting holes include No. 3, which is a long
par 5 with a narrow fairway; the par 4 No. 8, which features two routes to
the green determined by the degree of risk you want to take; and the par 4
14th, a sharp dogleg to an undulating green guarded by a lake. As with
several courses on the southern end of the Grand Strand, Blackmoor was
built on the site of a rice plantation along the Waccamaw River. The
natural lakes, cypress trees and moss-draped oaks lend tranquility to the
course. From the back veranda of the clubhouse, you can oversee the
finishing hole, listen to the birds and commune with nature.
The course includes a bar, snack bar, beverage cart, pro shop and
rental clubs. Blackmoor offers a practice green and a chipping area as
well as a driving range. Approximate fees range from $35 in the summer to
$85, including cart, during prime spring and fall golfing seasons. Walking
is not allowed, which is odd because Gary Player claims to be such a
fitness freak. You'd think that a Gary Player course would allow walking
at any time. Brick Landing Plantation This 18-hole course, designed by H.M. Brazeal along
the Altantic Intracoastal Waterway, features ocean views. Hardwood forests
and saltwater marshes also characterize this South Brunswick Island
layout, easy to reach from either Myrtle Beach or Wilmington.
The first two holes and the last two play along the waterway looking to
the Atlantic Ocean. Four holes on the back nine are adjacent to Sauce Pan
Creek, which is a saltwater marsh filled with wildlife. The easiest and
the shortest hole is No. 2, a par 3 of just 96 yards. This is the first
hole you can birdie and the only hole on the course without water. Six
bunkers surround the green, and you can forget about the birdie if you
land in one of these.
No. 7 is a par 5 of 579 yards, the longest par 5 on the course. Not
only is it the longest, but it's also the narrowest. Playing through the
pines, you must place your drive in the left center of the fairway to
leave the correct angle for your second and third shots. The green slopes
left to right with a deep bunker on the right and water on the left. This
is a good hole to birdie, but also a hole that can result in a big number.
Accuracy is at a premium here. Villas along the fairways and homes along
the water or among the hardwoods present no problem to the golfer.
Complete practice facilities include putting greens, practice bunkers,
a wide driving range with target greens and instructors. Rental clubs are
available. Approximate greens fees including cart range from $40 to $70. Brunswick Plantation & Golf
Links Willard Byrd designed this course in 1992. Fairways
are bermudagrass, and greens are bentgrass. The greens are undulating and
fast, so you may need one club less than usual. Unless your shots are high
and come down soft, you will need to lay up and roll on to the green.
The signature hole is the 15th, a par 3 surrounded by oyster shells and
water. It's a carry of 197 yards off the back tees over water. Hello! No.
4 is a long dogleg right, with water on one side and sand on the other.
Amenities include practice greens, driving range, pro shop, bar and
snack bar, beverage cart and rental clubs. The new clubhouse is upscale,
and the restaurant is a spectacular choice for fine dining, including the
wine list and daily chef's seafood or other special appetizers, entr้es
and desserts. You may dine dressed casually straight off the golf course,
or you may wish to grab a companion and return later for a leisurely
candlelight evening.
Approximate greens fees range from $35 to $60. Walking is not allowed. Buck Creek Golf Plantation Cypress/Tupelo Course Meadow/Cypress Course Tupelo/Meadow Course This club's three nine-hole courses are played as
three 18-hole pairs. All are naturally beautiful and are kept in top
condition. A recent ownership change brought improvements to the already
popular complex. A hand-held digital caddy is available for measuring to
the cup within a yard's accuracy. It's expected to speed play as well as
increase shot accuracy. This 137-acre natural wetland sanctuary is home to
many varieties of wildlife. All three courses were designed by Tom
Jackson, built by John McWhite and opened in 1990. All have bermudagrass
greens and plentiful water hazards. The complex was designed to
accommodate all levels of play and is exceptionally challenging for the
low handicapper. Accuracy and shot placement are imperative.
No. 9 at Tupelo and No. 2 at Cypress are tough holes. The 9th at Tupelo
is a big dogleg left, and you easily can miss the green into traps or
wetlands. The Cypress' No. 2 is a par 5 where long hitters off the tee
must be aware of the water on the right. The second shot is crucial
because it must carry water. Aim for the right side of the green; if you
shoot left, you might be in another water hazard. If you get to the front
of the green without getting wet, you will be in position for a pitch to
the green.
A putting green, driving range, pro shop, rental clubs, a snack bar and
bar are offered. Improvements to the clubhouse were completed in 1997.
Walking is not allowed. Greens fees range from $30 to $70, including
cart. Burning Ridge Both the East and West courses of Burning Ridge are
18 holes. These adjacent courses were built in 1980 and 1987,
respectively; Gene Hamm designed both. They incorporate numerous lakes and
huge bunkers, and both feature bermudagrass fairways and greens.
The complex has a practice green, a practice sand trap, driving range,
pro shop, bar and restaurant, beverage cart and rental clubs. Walking is
not allowed.
Approximate fees range from $30 to $60, including cart. East Course The par 3 No. 12 measures 210 yards over water from
the men's tees. You must choose the correct club, and you must be long and
left because your tee shot has to carry over water in front and on the
right. West Course No. 14, a 577-yard par 5, is a slight dogleg left
that usually plays into the wind. If you want to play 36 holes in one day,
this is an ideal place to be; as the saying at Burning Ridge goes: The
first 18 was so good, we decided to stay. Any hooks or slices will
definitely find water--it's in view on every hole on this course. Caledonia Golf & Fish Club Caledonia opened in early 1994 and continually
draws rave reviews from some of the country's most discriminating golfers.
Mike Strantz built this 18-hole on the site of a historic colonial rice
plantation along the Waccamaw River. The centuries-old live oaks will
capture your attention; you'll think you're driving onto a movie set.
After your round, the rocking chairs beckon from the back porch of the
antebellum-style clubhouse overlooking the 18th green. A precise tee shot
is needed for your finish, as the second shot is difficult and the carry
on to the green is forced.
Strantz, a former assistant to Tom Fazio, was the architect who made a
splash with Caledonia, his first course. Caledonia complements the
surrounding natural landscape. Greens are tifdwarf; fairways are 419
bermudagrass. Tees are marked with replicas of the native waterfowl that
inhabit the plantation's rice fields: wood duck, mallard, redhead and
pintail. Gently sloping fairways with unique landing areas, vast waste
bunkers and tough approach shots offer extreme challenges. The hunting and
fishing retreat that predates the golf course maintains its old shed where
Thursday night socializing remains a time-honored tradition.
A lot of golfers will tell you that Caledonia is their favorite course
at The Beach.
The course offers a putting green, a driving net (in lieu of a range),
a nice pro shop, a three-hole par 3 course, men's and women's dressing
rooms and a comfortable bar and restaurant with good food.
Summer greens fees, including cart, are $55; spring fees are $100.
Walking is restricted. Carolina National Golf Club The Carolina National Golf Club, situated in
rolling hills and marshland about a half-hour north of Myrtle Beach, marks
the first Carolina design effort of Fred Couples and Gene Bates. The Heron
and Egret nines were here first, while the Ibis nine opened in early 2000.
The course's live oaks, pines and dogwoods combine with the lakes and
wetlands for a certified Audubon wildlife sanctuary, lending credence to
the aviary names of the various nines. The fairways are bermudagrass,
while the greens are seeded with L-93/Crenshaw bentgrass.
The three nine-hole courses offer five sets of tees, so golfers of all
abilities will find a challenge here. The signature hole, the 5th on the
Heron Nine, overlooks the scenic Lockwood Folly River. At 203 yards from
the tips, the hole will challenge the biggest of hitters to be accurate.
Amenities include a clubhouse and restaurant, large practice chipping
and putting green, and a 360-yard driving range. Approximate greens fees
range from $43 to $80, cart included. Walking is not allowed at Carolina
National. Carolina Shores Golf &Country
Club This 18-hole course opened in 1974. Tom Jackson
designed the course with bermudagrass fairways and tifdwarf greens.
The toughest hole is the 1st--a long par 5 with a lot of sand protected
by water in front. Another challenge is No. 11, a sharp dogleg right at
356 yards. If you want to risk the shortcut, you may, but if you miss you
will be in the woods and will surely score a high number. If you don't
take that risk, you must deal with a fairway bunker. The course is known
for its challenge: Note the 96 sand bunkers and 10 lakes. The layout of
the front nine definitely brings water into play; sand is more prevalent
on the back nine.
Practice greens, a driving range, pro shop, locker room, bar, snack
bar, beverage cart and rental clubs are offered.
Approximate greens fees range from $30 to $60, including cart. Walking
is not allowed. Colonial Charters Golf&
Country Club This course's most difficult hole is the 18th. It's
been called many names, including one of the 10 toughest "Hell
Holes" and the No. 1 hole in Myrtle Beach's "Dream 18." Go
ahead and play it and tell us what you think. It always generates
comments.
John Simpson designed Colonial Charters in 1988. Swing analysis,
lessons, club fitting and club repair are available here. Colonial
Charters also has rental clubs, a practice green, driving range, bar,
restaurant and locker room, and ladies' play is unrestricted. A special
program encourages juniors to play free during the summer.
Approximate fees are seasonal and range from $27 to $55. Walking is not
allowed. Crow Creek Crow Creek, which opened in spring 2000, is Rick
Robbins' first effort at The Beach. Robbins is a well-known Carolinas
architect who worked with Jack Nicklaus before going out on his own. Much
of the course brings the Waccamaw River into play.
Crow Creek is one of the more attractive courses at The Beach--Robbins
didn't have to move too much dirt to create the course. The 7th, at 573
yards, should prove to be a difficult hole. Crow Creek should have little
problem attracting golfers at The Beach.
Swing analysis, lessons, club fitting and club repair are available
here. Colonial Charters also has rental clubs, a practice green, driving
range, bar, restaurant and locker room. A special program encourages
juniors to play free during the summer.
Approximate fees are seasonal and range from $27 to $55. Walking is not
allowed. Cypress Bay Golf Club This Russell Breeden-designed course opened in
1972. Locals like it a lot for its ample supply of water and sand. The
picturesque 8th hole challenges you with 180 yards over water.
No driving range is provided, but Cypress Bay does have putting and
chipping greens and practice bunkers as well as rental clubs. After your
round, unwind at the friendly bar and restaurant.
Approximate fees range from $30 to $62, including cart. Walking is
allowed after 3 PM. Deer Track Golf Resort Both the Toski Links and the South courses (18
holes each) were designed by Bob Toski and Porter Gibson and built in
1974. Owner-operator Gary Schaal is past president of PGA of America.
The complex offers practice greens, rental clubs, a driving range, pro
shop, bar, restaurant and beverage cart. Locker rooms are available for
members only.
Approximate fees range from $35 to $65, including cart. Walking is
allowed after 1 PM. Toski Links Bermudagrass fairways and elevated tifdwarf bermuda
greens are featured here. No. 8 is a long and narrow hole that plays 458
yards from the back tees--beware of this one! The signature hole on this
course is the 17th, a par 3 that requires a tee shot to a green guarded by
water and bunkers on three sides. A million-dollar upgrade in 1996
returned the previously named North, now the Toski Links, to its original
outstanding design. South Course The South Course has bermudagrass greens, more
water hazards and more narrow fairways than the Toski Links. It underwent
design changes with rebuilt greens in 1994. The signature hole is No. 4, a
204-yard par 3 that requires a tee shot to a peninsula green. The Dunes Golf and Beach Club Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed this 18-hole course
in 1948. It's technically the only private course in Myrtle Beach you can
play--if you stay with a member accommodation. Several major hotels
maintain memberships with this premier course. When you book your golf
vacation, check with hotel golf directors to locate a member property if
you want to get on The Dunes, or call the course for a list of
"Member" hotels. Also, reciprocal agreements allow members from
certain other clubs to play here.
The PGA Seniors used to end their season here, and the Golf Writers
Association of America has played its annual championship at the Dunes for
close to 50 years. Everyone wants to play this course and with good
reason. It's actually one of the few tracks at The Beach that's genuinely
close to the beach, with a few holes right up against the sea.
The Dunes features bentgrass greens and many water hazards. Several
holes overlook the Atlantic Ocean. The signature hole is the 13th, a par 5
that plays alongside a large lake. Sports Illustrated named it one
of the best 18 holes in America; it has won numerous other awards as well.
In 1995, the championship tee on No. 18 was enlarged and realigned toward
the drive-landing area, and another men's tee was added to change the
angle of play and stretch the hole to 405 yards.
The clubhouse includes a bar, grill room and dining room, and the pro
shop expanded in 1995. The food is always good, especially the pastry
chef's creations.
Members enjoy a pool, tennis courts, memberships for juniors, weekly
bridge and frequent dances. Locker rooms are spacious. Driving range and
practice green are provided as well as rental clubs.
Approximate greens fees are upwards of $100, including cart. Walking is
resticted--a pity. Eagle Nest Golf Club According to legend, it's actually an osprey nest
tucked high in the tree on the way to the 8th hole. Don't worry about it
too much; you'll keep busy enough looking for your ball. The course
provides a wonderful guide to its birds--a great touch for the
ornithologically inclined.
This 18-hole course, designed by Gene Hamm and built in 1972, is laid
out among woods, water and marsh grass. It boasts three tough finishing
holes. The 16th is a 416-yard par 4 with a pond cutting into the fairway
from the left. The green is well guarded and undulating. The 17th is a
gentle double dogleg of 576 yards. You'll need to lay up short of the pond
and pitch to an elevated green, avoiding a trap if you're too short or
trees if you're too long. The 18th is the signature hole, a par 3 carrying
164 yards over water to a small elevated green guarded by four traps.
Bermudagrass greens are perfectly kept and are a pleasure to play.
Rental clubs, a driving range and a restaurant are available.
Approximate fees range from $30 to $45 with cart an additional $17. The
course allows walking at certain times. Eastport Club Architect Dennis Griffiths designed this track as a
finesse course. He did not produce the typical beach layout when he
crafted this 18-hole design, built in 1988. It has narrow bermudagrass
fairways and large bentgrass greens and is bordered to the east by the
Intracoastal Waterway.
Holes 1 through 15 are short, and the course lulls you up to this
point. Then, the last three holes are much more difficult. The course is
mostly flat, like 95 percent of holes at The Beach. Some tree-lined
fairways dogleg. On the 3rd hole, your second shot will vary depending on
the placement of your tee shot over the lake.
Rental clubs are available; there's a bar and a restaurant. The new
clubhouse is a great addition. Luxury homes are being built along the
waterway behind the clubhouse. Eastport has no driving range, but it does
have a practice green.
Approximate fees average $30, including cart. Walking is not allowed. Glen Dornoch Waterway Golf Links A tribute to Dornoch, Scotland, where Donald Ross
was born, this 260-acre site along the Intracoastal Waterway offers
magnolias, pines, oaks, lakes, river, marsh and waterway views among a
planned self-contained resort to include a hotel, condominiums and related
facilities. The course opened in September 1996. Greens are tifdwarf;
fairways are bermudagrass.
At least four holes border the waterway, and dramatic elevation changes
(for The Beach), dropping some 35 feet to the waterway, are spectacular.
The course has no wide-open fairways. The par 5 5th hole is a mere 590
yards from the tips. You must keep your drive down the left side of the
fairway, which is bisected by wetlands that you must carry on your second
shot. The second shot should also be on the left side of the fairway in
order to give you a good angle as you approach the green, which is guarded
by a creek and two bunkers in front. The green is deep, and you must
doublecheck your yardage.
Glen Dornoch was created by the owners of Heather Glen and designed by
Clyde Johnston. The complex features a driving range, putting green and
nice clubhouse. Approximate fees including cart range from $45 to $110.
Walking is not allowed, which is a bit of a joke--you'd think that a
course that's supposedly a tribute to Donald Ross and Royal Dornoch might
pay tribute to one of the key traditions of the game. Heather Glen Golf Links Inspired by Gleneagles and St. Andrews, the
Scottish tradition is unmistakable at this 200-acre historic site. Three
nine-hole courses with bermudagrass greens are a collective masterpiece
designed by Willard Byrd and Clyde Johnston, built in 1987 and named
America's top new course of that year by Golf Digest. The 50-foot
elevation changes, gigantic 100-year-old pine trees, pot bunkers and waste
areas are supposed to transport you from South Carolina to Scotland for a
few hours. The scrub growth and wooden steps out of the bunkers are
designed to be just like courses in Scotland. The mock 18th-century
clubhouse, ersatz Scottish pub and pro shop add to your day's pleasure
here.
Rental clubs, a driving range, putting area, locker room and beverage
cart are available. Approximate fees range from $40 to $100, including
cart. Walking is not allowed, which almost completely destroys this
facility's attempt to be just like Scotland. (Note to developers who want
a "Scottish" golf course: everyone walks in Scotland--whatever
the weather.) 1 Red/2 White Course 2 White/3 Blue Course 3 Blue/1 Red Course The Red Course's par 5 No. 3 has a large fairway
bunker on the right. The sloping green also has three smaller pot bunkers
behind and left of the green.
No. 8 on the White Course is a beautiful hole. You have a choice of
playing it safe or going over the water. The right side of the fairway
threatens with mounds and bunkers, and the green has bunkers to the left
and around the back.
No. 1 on the Blue Course is a par 4, with a beautiful view of the hole
from an elevated tee. The fairway tilts from left to right, and the drive
must be slightly left of center. What makes this hole especially tough is
a large but hidden green. No. 5 is a short par 3 with huge mounds on the
right and pot bunkers placed in the mounds at right, behind and guarding
the left side of the green. |
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Continue to the Heritage Club |
