Myrtle Beach National’s West Course Enjoys a Dramatic Conclusion

Based on the USGA’s slope and ratings system, the West Course is Myrtle Beach’s easiest from the white tees (69.4/119), but let’s issue the standard disclaimer: there is no such thing as an easy golf course. You must hit the ball well and make putts, among other things, to score well. 

That being said, the Arnold Palmer-designed West Course has generous landing areas and limited trouble, meaning the opportunity for a good round potentially awaits. The 4.5-star layout has long been a favorite of traveling golfers, a tribute to Palmer’s work and the quality of the course’s year-round conditioning. 

When we went looking for our Myrtle Beach Golf Hole of the Week, we turned to the layout’s finishing hole. 

No. 18 – West Course
Par: 3
Yardage: 221 yards (blue tees), 165 yards (white), 140 yards (gold), 144 yards (red)
Handicap: 10

Closing with a par 3 isn’t typical, but it certainly works at the West Course. On a layout that isn’t long – 6,114 yards from the white tees – No. 18 is a brawny test, playing 165 yards from the white tees, making it the longest par 3 of the day. 

Water runs up the left side from tee to green, and while it’s a threat, it takes a significant hook (as opposed to a pull, which will end up in the greenside bunker) to send your ball to a watery death.

A large bunker flanking the right side of the green will be there to collect tee shots that are pushed. The hole is relatively long at 165 yards, but there is room in front of the green to run the ball up, which is in-line with the course’s emphasis on playability. 

The 18th is an enjoyable conclusion to a round of golf that is one of Myrtle Beach’s most popular.