Myrtle Beach Golf Hole of the Week: No. 4 on Thistle’s Stewart Nine

July 2, 2017

The fourth hole on the Stewart Course is one of the area's best

The public’s perception of Thistle has started to catch up with that of Myrtle Beach insiders, a fact highlighted by readers of GolfAdvisor.com, Golf Channel’s travel portal, ranking the course the 14th best in America in 2016

Thistle, which has centuries-old memorabilia from its namesake club in Leith, Scotland on display in the clubhouse, showcases a links-style design. The wide fairways, mounding and large greens are just a few of the nods Cate made to the game’s birthplace. 

But, given its coastal location, Thistle challenges golfers with water at various points during every round, never more so than on our Myrtle Beach Golf Hole of the Week.

 

No. 4 Stewart Nine
Par:
5
Yardage: 543 yards (Thistle tees), 515 yards (blue), 475 yards (white), 459 yards (gold)
Handicap: 5

This nearly 90-degree dogleg right plays around Thistle’s largest lake and is one of the course’s most substantial challenges. 

Most players play from the blue tees at Thistle, so long-hitters that successfully challenge the water and the dogleg may have a chance to get home in two, but you will need a 250-yard drive to clear the elbow and be in prime position. 

If that type of drive isn’t a reasonable expectation, plan on this being a three-shot hole and play if accordingly. The fairway is plenty wide, so the smart play is to take the water – and a potential big number – out of play.

The green isn’t exceptionally large, so if you take the conservative approach, the goal should be to make sure you have the club you are most comfortable with in your hands for the approach. 

Do that and par, or possibly better, will await.

 

Agree? Disagree? 

If you'e played Thistle Golf Club, share your own experience in the comments below!