Golf Course Review: Parkland at Legends Resort Pleases With Classic Design

The biggest test at Parkland is driving the ball straight. This central Myrtle Beach golf course’s fairways are sufficiently generous but many feature out-of-bounds on both sides, which means stray drives can lead to penalty strokes.

Just as importantly, Parkland features more than 100 bunkers, including many of the cavernous variety, so a well positioned drive helps avoid the traps, particularly those around the greens.

Speaking of the greens, Parkland’s are large and feature substantial undulation. Despite the presence of the sand, the greens aren’t exceedingly difficult to hit because of their size.

Hitting them in the proper spot is another story. Due to the size and undulation of the greens, the opportunities to bait players into challenging difficult pins are numerous. When hitting an approach shot at Parkland, don’t come up short and don’t miss to the short side of the green.

“The center of the green is your friend,” Matt Biddington, the head pro at Legends, said.

While Parkland is a stiff test, the course offers opportunities to score. The eighth and ninth holes are vulnerable, giving players the chance to close the front nine with a flourish.

The eighth, a par 5, is Parkland’s easiest hole, according to the scorecard. A creek that dissects the fairway makes it difficult for all but the longest of players to reach the green in two, but three solid shots can lead to a par or better.

The ninth is the shortest par 4, a dogleg right that plays 340 yards from the tips and dares players to try and drive the green, which brings trouble on both sides into the equation. Playing it safe off the tee should lead to a relatively easy hole, assuming you avoid the bunker in front of the green.

Parkland is arguably the most difficult course at Legends, but it’s tough in a good way. The course isn’t tricked up, it’s fun to play, and the challenges are manageable for players playing at the proper distance.

The layout also offers the benefit of the Legends Resort experience. The facility was a springboard for the entire Myrtle Beach area when it opened in 1990, and it’s Scottish themed clubhouse remains one of the area’s most recognizable.

The Verdict: Parkland is the longest of the three complete golf courses at Legends and it equals the experience offered by its sister layouts. Parkland has thrived for nearly 20 years on a good layout, good conditions and great value. It’s a recipe for success for traveling golfers and one that won’t be changing. If you'd like a stiff challenge on your next Myrtle Beach golf vacation, give the Parkland golf course a go!

Have you played it? Share YOUR review on the Legends – Parkland page!