3 Favorite Holes – Avocet Course at Wild Wing

The Avocet Course at Wild Wing, a Larry Nelson/Jeff Brauer design, has been a Myrtle Beach golf favorite since its opening in 1993. Avocet is a fun layout due in no small part to the diversity of challenges it offers.

With that in mind, we asked Wild Wing’s head pro, Dave Harbaugh, to tell us his three favorite holes. Without further ado, here are Harbaugh’s choices:

No. 6, 462-yard, par 4: The hardest hole on the course is No. 6. A long par 4 featuring a double green, the sixth will test every golfer. The green has three tiers and is protected by a large trap on the right and huge swales on the left. Given the length of the hole and the narrow green, it’s difficult to get on in regulation and the penalty for missing can be harsh.

“I like it because once I pass, I know I’m pretty safe for the round if I have anything going,” Harbaugh said. “That green has three tiers, and some real unique swales. You are often left with a utility shot or lob shot to recover from whatever you’ve done wrong hitting into that green.”

No. 10, 433-yard, par 4: Some holes just fit a player’s eye and for Harbaugh, it’s No. 10. The 433-yard par 4 is a slight dogleg right when playing from the back tees. A pair of large bunkers will collect tee shots that stray right and the green is flanked by several large swales and a bunker. Despite the trouble, the 10th is certainly manageable.

“It’s just a unique look to me,” Harbaugh said. “I’ve always liked it. It’s a good scoring hole, and I really enjoy that.”

No. 14, 308-yard, par 4: The opposite of the brutish sixth is the 14th – which plays just 308 yards from the tips. Most people play from the white tees, which measure just 265 yards to the pin, but the hole presents risk-reward challenges. Six bunkers loom for players attempting to drive the green, and a three tiered green flanked by swales and additional traps ensure that the hole isn’t a pushover.

“Having a short par 4 teases the average golfer,” Harbaugh said. “You don’t have to be Tiger Woods to come out here and have a chance at not necessarily hitting the green but getting closer than you normally do … There are some neat swales, some neat plays with the eye that seem to capture everyone’s attention.

Those are Harbaugh’s favorites, what holes standout to you at Wild Wing?