The Player’s Digest: TPC Myrtle Beach

It’s back, and better than ever! David Williams’ “Player’s Digest” tour takes him to his latest stop in Murrells Inlet, to the renowned Tom Fazio/Lanny Wadkins championship test at TPC Myrtle Beach. Join David as he takes you on his exclusive aerial tour of a layout that’s been home to numerous major tournaments, from major professionals to Division I college championships to the world’s top junior players.

 

 

 

 

When I think of a championship test here in Myrtle Beach, my mind is drawn to TPC Myrtle Beach. This Tom Fazio design has been host to some major golf tournaments over the years, including the Senior PGA Championship in 2000, which was won by Tom Watson; the 2019 NCAA Regional tournament: and it plays host to the Dustin Johnson World Junior Golf Championship every year. All of these events have helped bolster the TPC Myrtle Beach name.

The golf course itself is a true test of your game. Large, undulating greens, perfectly placed bunkers, and winding fairways await you. The 1st hole features all of those things. The fairway bunkers on the right and left sides of this fairway make it an interesting first tee shot.

Oh yeah, there are some gators out there, too. Like our friend here on the par-5 2nd. This par 5 is demanding, but it’s scoreable. A drive splitting the middle of the fairway will leave you a chance to get near this green in two. If you are forced to layup, air to the right side to leave yourself the best angle into this green.

TPC Myrtle Beach has four fantastic par 3s, the first of which you run into on the 5th hole. Be careful on your tee shot. It plays more downhill than you think!

The 6th hole is a very scoreable par 5 that gradually wraps around the corner. While it is reachable, you will want to avoid the six bunkers that guard the green. Last time I played here, that pin was on the back left side of the green. Word to the wise: play out to the right.

My favorite hole on the entire golf course? The par-3 7th. The look that you get from the tee with that bunker on the left is something else, though the best part about this hole is the green. A front pin on this hole might lead to an ace. Probably just a kick in birdie.

Strap in for this walk through of the 9th hole, folks. From the blue tees this beast plays 457 yards UPHILL! The middle left side of this fairway is your friend here. Chances are you will have a lengthy second into this green. Luckily, there is not a lot of trouble around this green.

Sneaky: one of the best holes here is the par-4 10th. The approach shot, while it is only a wedge or short iron, is soooo tough.

Another fun hole is the short par-4 12th. Depending on the tees you play, you can knock it on this green in one. I had 20 feet for eagle here last time, but I missed the putt so it doesn’t really matter.

Oh look. Another gator. This guy was hanging out guarding the par-3 13th green!

The 14th is an important par 5 because it’s really one of the last few scoring chances you get before you tighten the belts for the closing stretch. Similar to 6, a good tee shot leaves you an excellent look at this green. The only place you cannot miss here is left. Left is a no go.

No. 15 is demanding in every aspect of the word. Demanding off the tee. Demanding on your second shot. And demanding on the green. Make sure you keep your approach out of the greenside bunkers. I know from experience.

The 17th is probably the most famous hole on the golf course. This downhill par 3 is such a good-looking golf hole. When the pin is in the front, you can use the slope behind this hole to help feed the ball toward the cup. Obviously avoid the water here.

The par-5 18th is a perfect way to end your round at TPC Myrtle Beach. A true risk/reward hole that will show you how well you’re hitting it. If you go for it, keep the second shot short of the bunkers. Chipping from the short grass around this green will leave you the best chance at getting it up and down.

TPC Myrtle Beach is one of my favorite courses in the area. Make sure you tee it up here next time you visit Myrtle Beach!