The Player’s Digest: Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club

Familiarity breeds fondness, and for all the times PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com’s David Williams has played Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club he has developed a special place in his heart for one of South Carolina’s most unique and challenging tracks. Join David as he takes you on his guided aerial tour of this timeless Jack Nicklaus classic.

The Lowcountry of South Carolina is something to marvel at. And there is not a golf course that displays it better than Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club.

Opened in 1988, this Jack Nicklaus design really captures everything you could want in a golf course: the marsh views, the beautifully framed bunkers, and gorgeous clubhouse sitting behind the 18th green.

Out of all the golf courses in the Myrtle Beach area, this is the one I have played the most. In my opinion, it is one of the toughest golf courses not only at the beach, but in the state.

The two nines are completely different. The front nine is cut through the trees while winding through the neighborhood, while most of the back nine sits along the marshland.

One of the toughest holes on the course meets you very early in your round. The 2nd hole is a long, narrow par four with out of bounds right and left. Chances are you will have a mid to long iron into this small green.

The key to the 4th hole at Pawleys Plantation is avoiding the bunkers. You’ll want to avoid the two bunkers in the middle of the fairway off the tee. Your second and third shots will want to avoid what I think is the biggest bunker I’ve ever seen.

My favorite green on the golf course is the 7th. If you miss left, you will have to hit a spinner off some of the tightest grass on the golf course.

Probably the most controversial tree in Myrtle Beach sits in the middle of the 9th fairway. I feel better knowing I’m not the only one to have hit it right in the middle of this tree off the tee!

You make the turn to the 10th hole where you find the narrowest green on the course. Your second shot is forced to carry the water while avoiding the two bunkers around the green.

Walking off the 12th green you are introduced to your next task: the island green 13th. There is a reason this hole is called the “shortest par 5 in the world”. The surrounds on this green are incredible. The toughest pin location on this hole is on the back side of this green.

Your second shot on the par-5 14th needs to favor the left side. A shot up the right side will block your view of this tiny green.

You work your way back to the marsh on the 16th. This dogleg left par four presents a challenge for every player. If the wind is off the marsh, your second shot will play 15 to 20 yards longer.

Longer and just as tough as 13, the 17th hole is a par three with nothing but a forced carry over the marsh.

Your approach into the 18th green must be on target. Missing anywhere around this green will leave you with a tough up and down.

Pawleys Plantation will always hold a special place in my heart. Make sure you take on this challenging course on your next Myrtle Beach golf trip!