3 Best Holes: Tradition Club

Tradition Club is a Myrtle Beach golf “sleeper.” Located on the South Strand, the layout doesn’t enjoy the high profile of some of its neighbors, but Tradition is an outstanding course, carved through the area’s native pine trees

One of Tradition’s greatest strengths is the variety of holes it offers.  With that in mind, we asked Clay DuBose, Tradition’s general manager, to tell us the course’s three best holes, and he obliged.

No. 7, 393-yard, par 4 – Most men play from the white tees, meaning the seventh plays 377 yards, and it features an island green. If you are a long hitter, leave the driver in the bag, because the water is 286 yards from the white tee.

“(No. 7) has a large fairway so drive ball up the right side with a little drawl and you will leave yourself with the best angle into the green,” DuBose said.

The green is 35 yards deep and surrounded by bulkhead. If you manage your nerves, there is plenty of room to keep the ball dry. It’s a fun hole.

No. 8, 430-yard, par 4 – In addition to being one of the best, No. 8 is also Tradition’s hardest hole. Your drive needs to find the right side of the fairway because a couple of large oak trees on the left can block your view of the green.

There is trouble on the left (sand) and right (trees) on the approach, though the green provides an ample target.

The eighth is challenging but fair.

No. 14, 500-yard, par 5 – If the eighth is the course’s hardest hole, No. 14 offers the chance to get a stroke back. The hole is reachable in two for most players (it plays 450 yards from the white tees) but a pond that fronts the green raises the stakes.

“If I drive the ball up the right side it will catch some hard ground and get a lot of roll,” DuBose said. “With a well placed drive, you have a really good chance to get on the green in two.”

Be wary, shots that come up short  will funnel back into the water, so take one club more than you think you need. If your drive is errant, you still have plenty of opportunity to layup on the second shot and put yourself in position for a birdie with a good approach shot.

What are your favorite holes at Tradition?

Golf Holiday is the ultimate source for information on Myrtle Beach golf.