Quality, Value and Convenience, Arrowhead Country Club Delivers

If there is a significant point of differentiation between the nines it’s the holes along the Intracoastal on the Waterway and Cypress nines. No matter what a player’s course assignment is, they will play along the Intracoastal, and the Lakes, as a whole, is at least the equal of its sister layouts.

The design continuity affords Arrowhead the luxury of three nines with nearly equal amounts of popularity. Players can expect to find ample water, tree-lined fairways, and the need to hit the ball straight off the tee.

“Floyd’s idea was to create a course that was playable for the average golfer,” head pro Eddie Dennis said. “Arrowhead is known for having a lot of water, but it’s more scenery. There aren’t a lot of forced carries where you have to hit it 220 yards on the fly. His philosophy was to keep it playable for the average guy, and from the back tees it’s everything you want to play.”

Even from the tips, overwhelming length isn’t a prerequisite. The three layouts range from 3,295 yards (Waterway) to 3,349 yards (Cypress) but each offers a substantial challenge to low handicappers because of the demand for accuracy.

Floyd’s emphasis on playability reveals itself around Arrowhead’s greens where an assortment of swales and bunkers provide protection and reward creativity. Players typically play everything from a 7-iron to a wedge when recovering from an errant approach, which adds to the fun of the layout.

When the ball arrives on the putting surface, some of the area’s best miniverde bermuda greens await. Arrowhead installed new miniverde on all 27 holes in the summer of 2009 and the results have been outstanding.

Miniverde mimics the best qualities of bentgrass, allowing the greens to be cut tight and eliminating the grainy feel bermuda has been known for. The heat tolerant grass thrives in the Myrtle Beach summers, giving Arrowhead outstanding putting conditions throughout the year.

Arrowhead’s transition to miniverde is evidence of the facility’s commitment to keeping the course in prime condition. Having three nines means one layout can be closed, without interrupting play, for maintenance, and players never have to worry about putting on aerified greens. The nines are aerified individually and closed for three weeks, allowing them to completely heal.

That commitment extends to the course’s appearance as well. Arrowhead keeps the landscaping fresh and doesn’t hesitate to make additions to make the facility more pleasing to the eye (see the 50 palm trees added to the Waterway course a couple years ago).

Arrowhead also enjoys the added benefit of being located less than 10 minutes (4 miles) from Myrtle Beach International Airport, making it a prime choice to play on arrival or departure day.

The Verdict: Arrowhead Country Club is an outstanding experience. Course conditions are consistently among the area’s best, it’s one of just seven Grand Strand courses that plays along the Intracoastal, and it’s a moderately priced round. If your next golf package offers the option of playing Arrowhead, don’t hesitate to book it.