Beachwood Golf Club – 3 Best Holes

Beachwood Golf Club is one of the Grand Strand’s Golden Oldies. The Gene Hamm design opened its fairways in 1968 and helped pave the way for golf on the North Strand.

The original design has stood the test time, pleasing golfers and playing as Hamm intended. The layout has maintained its architectural integrity, and we asked director of golf Kevin Lawson to tell us the venerable facility’s three best holes.

The gregarious Lawson agreed, so here are Beachwood’s three best holes, according to the man who oversees its operation:

No. 14, 581-yard, par 5 – Beachwood’s longest and most challenging hole, No. 14 is a double dogleg that tests players from tee to green. On a layout that mostly allows players to swing away, No. 14 requires accuracy on a hole that doglegs to the left twice.

“You really have to favor the right side of the fairway on the layup shot to get back into the green on the third shot,” Lawson said. “You are always playing into the wind in the summer. It’s a great golf hole.”

The 14th is a true three-shot hole. Par is a good score.

No. 17, 512-yard, par 5 – A dogleg left, Beachwood’s penultimate hole is one of its most enjoyable. The fairway is open off the tee so feel free to swing away. The corner of the dogleg is available to be cut, opening the possibility of going for the green in two.

There is water on the right side of the hole, beginning 200 yards from the green. Avoid the water and a good score potentially awaits.

No. 18, 239-yard, par 3 – Beachwood’s signature hole, No. 18 is a demanding test whose greatest challenge is in its length and the out of bounds area on the left. Even from the white tees, it plays a meaty 199 yards and the prevailing wind is in your face.

 “A lot of people play it like a par 4 because it’s always into the wind,” Lawson said. “Be patient and try to get it up and down if you can’t get it there.”

What is your favorite hole at Beachwood?