Staff Picks: Our 5 Favorite Holes in Myrtle Beach Golf
We like ‘em all, of course. But whether it’s the scenery, the challenge or unrivaled uniqueness with any one of them, these five holes along the Grand Strand golf scene stand out to us in particular.
Did our choices make your list?
David Williams: Prestwick Country Club #9 (Par 5, 537 yards)
“Any golf course designed by Pete and P.B. Dye is going to have some holes that just make you smile. The 9th hole at Prestwick Country Club is one of those golf holes.
“A par 5 that gives players a chance for birdie should not be taken lightly. Number 9 has water left and classic Dye mounding on the right that frames the entire fairway. The mounding and water run all the way up to the green. The mounding runs out when it hits the deep greenside bunkers.
“If you make birdie, make sure you stop in the snack shop and buy everyone a beer.”
Jim Maggio: Grande Dunes Resort Course #14 (Par 3, 244 yards)
“Only the pros play this par 3 from that distance, and this hole can be attacked from a variety of angles that can vary as much as 45 degrees, depending on the set of tees you’re playing. From the back tees you’ve got nothing but Intracoastal Waterway to your right, while the middle to forward tees (158 down to 122 yards) still bring a large lake in play from in front of the green. Either way, elevated tees offer some of the more spectacular vistas in Myrtle Beach golf.
“At a course that recently hosted the PGA Professional National Championship, No. 14 is both beauty and beast – and the one hole at Grande Dunes you’ll remember most.”
Kyle Oland: Caledonia #18 (Par 4, 383 yards)
“There might not be a better finishing or more picturesque hole in the Myrtle Beach area, and for those reasons alone this hole makes my list. A par 4 that plays up to 383 yards, this hole requires a well-placed tee shot, followed by a second shot that you’ll have to carry over water. Hit both shots clean and you have a shot at par to end your round. What makes this hole truly unique is the clubhouse that sits behind the green, where you often find golfers sitting on back porch rocking chairs, enjoying a cold post-round beverage while cheering on fellow players as they hit their approach shots.
“Don’t take my word for it, though. To truly understand the beauty of this hole, you need to see if for yourself.”
David Williams: Pawleys Plantation No. 13 (Par 3, 150 yards)
“One of the more scenic holes along the Grand Strand, the short, par-3 13th at Pawleys Plantation ranks at the top of my list. With the marsh and beach houses behind the green, the views can be quite distracting. From the tee your landing area looks extremely small, but players will only be hitting a short iron or a wedge (115 yards from the middle tees, and shorter distances from there). If the pin sits on the front section of the green you can use the backstop to bring it back toward the hole.
“When you step on the tee, don’t get distracted by the views and just focus on hitting a good shot.”
Jim Maggio: Farmstead Golf Links #18 (Par 6, 767 yards)
“You read that right: a par 6 – the only hole of its kind along the Grand Strand. From the middle tees it’s still an imposing 679 yards, and from all sets of tees the hole is so big one state alone can’t contain it. This mammoth finishing hole starts in South Carolina, then crosses the state line into North Carolina as you navigate a dogleg left design.
“Reach this green in three, and you’re putting for eagle. It’s this kind of adventure that Golf Digest envisioned when it included this hole among its ‘Most Fun Golf Holes in America.’ Even if you three-putt, you’ll have a story to share with your grandkids.”
