SouthCreek is Myrtle Beach National’s Silent Star

Myrtle Beach National – home to three Arnold Palmer designed courses – has long been one of the area’s most popular facilities. King’s North, which has been ranked among America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses, attracts most of the attention, but don’t sleep on SouthCreek.

All three layouts at MBN offer a distinct experience, and SouthCreek, a 4.5-star design, according to Golf Digest’s Best Places to Play guide, has earned its reputation as a favorite of group leaders.

What makes the course so appealing?

— The layout places a premium on playability. We all like to score well and while SouthCreek is far from a pushover, forced carries, water and foreboding sand traps are at a minimum. Good shots are rewarded and players enjoy some margin for error on wayward swings.

— What do you need to do to score well? Hit the fairway. The layout isn’t long and there are three sets of tees between 5,710 and 6,416 (tips) yards, so there is no excuse for you to play from a distance that is “too long.” If you find the short grass, a receptive green will await. Pull the club you are most likely to hit straight on the tee and you will have every opportunity to score.

— Speaking of greens, the MiniVerde putting surfaces are outstanding. SouthCreek’s greens are reliably quick and smooth, a win for golfers every time.

— The back nine at SouthCreek is the layout’s strength. Holes 14 through 18 is the course’s best stretch, and No. 10, a dogleg right par 5 that plays around a lake, is the most memorable challenge. SouthCreek gives players a chance to score, but regardless of what the scorecard says, this is a quality layout.

— How to play SouthCreek? It’s a deal we refer to a lot, but the Prime Times Rewards package offered by numerous providers, including The Breakers Resort,  is the way to go. You can play SouthCreek and choose from 21 other Founders Group International courses, including Long Bay, Willbrook, Litchfield, Grande Dunes and many others. By the time you thrownin the $100 gift card for every person in your group, the Rewards package is difficult to beat.

Seeing SouthCreek on a Myrtle Beach golf trip itinerary is reason to smile.