Beachwood Golf Club: Fun, Affordable, Convenient

While Beachwood is among the area’s most playable layouts, it’s not a pushover. At 6,347 yards, the white tees are relatively long and players still have to deliver shots to score.

The 14th hole, a double dogleg par 5 is the course’s sternest test. At 581 yards from the tips and 560 from the white tees, it’s a true three-shot hole. There will be no cutting of corners or eagle putts on the 14th. Three good shots will result in a birdie putt, anything less could lead to trouble.

Conversely players will have a chance to score on the par 4 seventh and 12th holes, both short, relatively straight holes that leave the vast majority of players with a wedge into the green.

Beachwood only requires one carry across water – on the par 3, fourth hole – but water is visible on 11 holes.

The course enjoys the benefit of having the Grand Strand’s longest tenured superintendent, H.L. “Hubby” Bellamy, who uses 43 years of experience to keep the course and its greens in outstanding condition.

“We heard all spring that our greens were the best golfers played,” director of golf Kevin Lawson said.

Beachwood’s greens don’t have the proverbial elephants buried in them, making speed the most important component of a good putting round. With the latitude players have off the tee, the putter is the most important club in the bag.

One of Beachwood’s under-the-radar strengths is course drainage. The layout drains as well as any course on the beach and, as a result, carts are almost always allowed on the fairway.

The Verdict: Beachwood features good conditions, outstanding value and friendly customer service. Mix in the fact that there are no houses or condos, and Beachwood delivers a round of golf that folks are happy to see on their itinerary. A good layout and the opportunity to score well is a tough combination to pass up.