This Wizard Casts an Inviting Spell

A somewhat foreboding feel initiated by the impressive stone castle-replica clubhouse is fully realized with a windy, watery finish back in the shadows of the clubhouse.

Built around a sprawling lake it shares with its sister course, Man O’ War, The Wizard owns a unique style (the course website describes it as “Sandhills Links”).

The undulating terrain, imposing vegetation and the clubhouse on the lake remind me of the setting of the castle in “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” But don’t worry – cows won’t be catapulted at you.

Considering the peril (you won’t want to be saved from it) of the final three holes, a surprising end to your quest at The Wizard is also very possible. We’ll get back to that.

Though most of the fairways are generous and trees rarely come into play, a combination of water, mounded berms, love grass, sand, and more than 800 species of plants, flowers and ornamental grasses must be navigated among the more than 1.5 million cubic yards of earth moved during construction.

Then there’s heavy breezes off the lake to contend with, especially on the course’s final trio of holes, which form one of the most difficult and awe-inspiring trio of holes on the Grand Strand.

But the course’s intimidating looks can be deceptive. While wayward shots can disappear into water, long hillside grass and heavy vegetation, prudent shotmaking can help you avoid the harsher elements of the course.

Many players – myself included – often shoot better-than-normal scores on the layout. Open landing areas provide a sense of comfort when swinging off the tees.

The Wizard’s opening hole, a long par-5, which doglegs right along the big lake, is a fitting introduction and an excellent warmup if you can avoid the water off the tee.

Though the course measures 6,721 yards (6,138 from the whites) from the tips, two of its par-5s (Nos. 1 and 7) measure almost 570 yards. The other two, Nos. 11 and 14, measure 510 and 518, respectively.

And the collection of par-5s, each one of which requires a carry over a creek, might be the highlight of a round at The Wizard if not for the finishing holes on – and within – the lake.

Then final challenge begins at 16, a 424-yard par-4 that requires a short carry over the lake then bends right along the shoreline. Wind off the lake becomes an increasing factor from the tee box just a few paces off the lake.

No. 17 features an island green complex. But what sets it apart from other island green par-3s are the elevated tee box and the length of the approach (180 yards from the tips). Most island greens are shorter targets.

No. 18 is essentially an island par-4. From the tee on a tiny island adjacent (further out in the lake) to the 17th green, players cross a narrow strait to another island that contains the remainder of the hole. With the wind whipping and water on both sides, the 421-yard hole is one of the toughest in the area.

After a strong finish, you may want to click your heels. But you won’t want to go home.

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