The Player’s Digest: Pine Lakes Country Club

In this edition of “The Player’s Digest,” we’re going old-school – and taking you on a guided journey of Myrtle Beach’s first-ever golf course at Pine Lakes Country Club. PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com’s David Williams offers his insight on how to play several holes of this timeless classic.

History, character and timeless design … These are all things that await you at Pine Lakes Country Club. Known as “The Granddaddy,” Pine Lakes is the very first golf course built in Myrtle Beach opening in 1927.

It’s not just the golf at Pine Lakes, it’s the history. Inside the famous clubhouse in 1954, Henry Luce (and his Time Inc. colleagues) came up with the concept that ultimately became Sports Illustrated.

Pine Lakes is also home to the Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame. Located in the Hall of Fame Gardens, it’s where golfers can visit the tribute to those who have helped grow Myrtle Beach into a golf destination.

Even though the course plays just under 6,700 yards, it is not a push over. The par-four 3rd hole ranks as the toughest hole on the golf course. This long par four requires you to hit two phenomenal golf shots. In order to make par, you have to avoid the pond that guards the right side of the green.

Running along the side of third is the par-four 6th hole. This is a fun par four where if your tee shot finds the speed slot, you will have short iron. But be careful on the second shot: missing this green could be detrimental.

You turn back to the clubhouse on the 9th hole. This par four is guarded by water and trees on both sides of the fairway. Not playing long, a good tee shot will open up this green for you. Steer clear of the greenside bunkers here.

On the back nine sits a great three-hole stretch with holes 12, 13, and 14. Your best birdie chance is on the par-four 12th. Hitting this fairway is key! The 13th hole is a dogleg right par four with the clubhouse framing the green. The bunker short right of this green is an automatic bogey.

The signature hole is the 14th hole. The downhill tee shot needs to carry about 270 yards. Stay out of the trees on the right if you want to clear the pond on your second shot. The elevated approach shot makes it tough to hold this green.

The finisher at Pine Lakes is the perfect end to this tough par-70 layout. Playing 450 yards from the tips, a longer tee shot is needed here on the 18th hole. This is one of the smallest greens on the golf courses, so do not miss it!

Pine Lakes Country Club is something you have to experience for yourself. Tee it up here on your next Myrtle Beach golf trip!