3 Favorite Holes: The Witch

The Witch golf course’s layout is as distinctive as its name and far prettier than the moniker might suggest. With the front nine playing through the Waccamaw Swamp and the back nine set amidst sand dune formations that give it unusual (natural) elevation, the golf course has many memorable holes.

We consulted with head pro Graham Williams for his three favorite holes at the 4.5-star course, and he gladly obliged.

No. 4, 386-yard, par 4 – With water down the left side and a pair of bunkers on the right, the fourth offers great scenery, especially as the afternoon sun sets. The water on the left creeps in front of the green approximately 100 yards from the hole, bringing it into play off the tee, especially if there is a tailwind.  The green is fairly large so players that find the fairway, will give themselves a chance.

“It’s an underrated hole, one of my favorites,” Graham said. “It’s a beautiful and takes a little strategy.”

No. 9, 373-yard, par 4 – Graham’s favorite golf hole, the ninth provides a close-up of the Waccamaw Swamp. Players are required to clear wetlands off the tee and on their approach. It’s not a long hole, but it’s a slight dogleg left that challenges players to find the right side of the fairway. Drives that are to far left can have their path to the green impeded by the cypress swamps.

A well-placed drive leaves approximately 135 yards to the middle of a green that isn’t very big. Getting within that distance is vital because you need a high iron in your hands to help hold a green that is protected by two bunkers.

The ninth hole is The Witch in a nutshell: beautiful, not particularly long but very challenging.

No. 13, 520-yard, par 5: A straightaway par 5, the 13th (478 from the whites), is reachable in two for long hitters but danger lurks. The Witch’s trademark wetlands are a factor throughout, and a pair of bunkers on the right can collect shots that fall short. Most daunting, the green runs down towards the wetlands, making it difficult to hold from long distance.
“Even hitting a wedge in there you have to be careful,” Graham cautioned.
There were a number of holes that could’ve made the list. What are your three favorite holes at The Witch golf course and how do they differ from Graham’s?