Grande Dunes’ 3 Best Holes

Grande Dunes is ranked among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses by Golf Digest, has five holes that play along the Intracoastal Waterway, and two more that offer memorable views. The course, which opened in 2001, has emerged as one of the best on the Myrtle Beach golf scene for many reasons.

Identifying the three best holes is challenging because of the abundance of choices, but we put Grande Dunes’ senior director, Mike Buccerone, on the spot.
Which three holes are Grande Dunes’ best in Buccerone’s eyes?

Here are his choices:

No. 6, 365-yard, par 4 – If there is a surprise choice on Buccerone’s list, this is it. It’s a short par 4, playing 330 yards from the blue tees and 305 from the whites, but there is a bunker sitting right in the middle of the fairway. The smart play is a four or five iron, leaving a short approach into a green that is 45 yards deep.

According to the scorecard, No. 6 is Grande Dunes’ easiest hole, but as Buccerone can attest, that is often not the case.

“Every time I come  up (to the tee) all I want to do is take the driver and hit it over the bunker,” he said. “Eight out of 10 times I will, and seven out of 10 times I’ll hit it in the bunker … People like to make it difficult, including myself, that’s why I think it’s a fun hole. An easy par 4 can become a six really fast.”

No. 14, 216-yard, par 3 – The 14th is one of the area’s most memorable par 3s. Playing from an elevated tee, players must carry a lake to hit a green that runs at a 45-degree angle towards the water.

“It’s our signature hole,” Buccerone said. “The hole can bite you, especially if you’ve got a back right pin, because suddenly it slopes off and you are in somebody’s boat.”

You won’t forget the 14th hole.

No. 18, 442-yard, par 4 – A dogleg left, the 18th provides a fitting end to the round. The course’s clubhouse, a lake, Grande Dune’s private bridge and a hotel overlooking the Intracoastal come into view. It’s a dramatic last look at everything the course offers.

“I think coming in on No.  18 is a bit of a challenge,” said Barry Carroll, a Dayton, Ohio resident, echoing Buccerone’s sentiments. “(You) come on in with the clubhouse in the background. It’s just a very nice way to finish the day.”

What are your three favorite holes at Grande Dunes?