The Player’s Digest: Tidewater Golf Club

The Player’s Digest takes a trip north to the famous Tidewater Golf Club. Nicknamed “The Pebble Beach of the East,” this Ken Tomlinson design is a popular choice of legions of visiting golfers. Enjoy as PlayGolfMyrtleBeach.com’s David Williams take you on a one-of-a-kind tour of a fabulous course and setting!

 

 

By David Williams

As the sun rises, it reveals one of the most spectacular pieces of properties along the Grand Strand. Welcome to Tidewater Golf Club!

Located in North Myrtle Beach, this Ken Tomlinson masterpiece is the perfect blend of land and water. With the views of the marsh and the Intracoastal Waterway, it’s easy to get distracted here. The par-72 layout is set to challenge every skill level in its own, unique way.

One of my favorite parts of Tidewater is each hole has its own name. Such as the first hole, nicknamed “The Big Easy.” This par 5 is a decent scoring opportunity right out of the gate.

Here is your first look at the marsh. The short par-3 3rd may not look like much, but let me tell you, it’s tough! Called “Stranded,” if you end up in one of these bunkers with that front left pin, you’ll be lucky to walk away with par.

The 4th hole here at Tidewater is a beast of a golf hole! This long par 4 wraps around the to the left. Stay to the right of this tree in order to leave yourself a clear shot into the green. You always want to avoid bunkers, but the left greenside bunker will require a great shot up hill.

“Never Ending” is the name of the 5th hole. Just be happy with making a par here on this long par 4.

You can play with fire on the par-5 8th. The 8th is a picturesque hole with marsh down the entire left side. Hence the name “Harbor Watch.” There is a bunker and trees up the right side. Hitting your tee shot down the left side will leave you the best angle into this green. Chances are you will have a shot at this green in two. Your miss here is short. Avoid the seven (yes, seven) greenside bunkers.

Called the “General’s Store,” the 11th hole ranks as the second hardest hole on the entire golf course. Thread the needle off the tee and hope you get a nice bounce off the tee. This hole is a beast!

Another beautiful hole is the “Wishing Well.” The 12th is as beautiful as beautiful gets when talking golf holes. While it is an intimidating shot, it’s a huge green that gives you a good chance at finding the surface.

My favorite hole on the course is the par-5 13th hole. With marsh down the right, steer that tee shot up the left side. Like most greens here, it’s well protected by some bunkers. Once you find the surface, take a look to your left and enjoy the view of the Atlantic Ocean.

I love the downhill approach shot into the 16th hole. I’m a big boat guy, so I’m always on the lookout for a good boat.

The dogleg left 18th hole is one heck of a finishing hole. I usually play a cut off the tee, so this doesn’t set up well for me. Hug the left side of the fairway as much as you can in order to avoid the marsh on the right side. Not to worry, there is a spot to bail left of this green.

Tidewater Golf Club remains at the top of so many lists, and it’s easy to see why. Make sure you tee it up here on your next Myrtle Beach golf trip!