Whispering Pines is Waiting to be Discovered

Nestled between Myrtle Beach International Airport and King’s Highway, Whispering Pines Golf Course has been hiding in plain sight. Thanks to new road construction and renovation work, Whispering Pines is ready to emerge from the shadows.

The Myrtle Beach area’s fourth oldest golf course, practically everyone who has been to the area has driven past Whispering Pines, too often without notice. But Harrelson Boulevard, part of Myrtle Beach’s continuing infrastructure improvements, is connecting 17 Bypass with King’s Highway and bringing players right past Whispering Pines.

The course is, literally, a sand wedge from the airport and Harrelson Boulevard has opened up the view of the scenic par 3, 17th hole. The drive time from the airport to the clubhouse will be less than three minutes, part of a combination of factors that are shining a new light on Whispering Pines.

The course, a municipally owned facility, is ready for the increased exposure. Long time head pro Alan Chasteen and superintendent Bob Warner have overseen a major renovation project that has Whispering Pines in prime condition.

Four holes – numbers 1, 3, 5 and 17 – were redone as part of the refurbishment and several others underwent cosmetic changes. Much of the work involved elevating tee boxes, removing some of the abundant pine trees, and softening the course in places.

The results have been very well received because the tree removal has opened the course up, making it more playable and improving conditions. The increased space means more room for sunlight and air to circulate, which helps keep the layout in good shape and creates more panoramic views for golfers.

The most substantial change is a large lake that is being added that will run from the 17th green to the 18th green, creating a stunning visual to finish a round.

While the changes have provided a roomier feel and an updated the layout, Whispering Pines remains a tight golf course that rewards precision much more than power. The layout plays 6,731 yards from the back tees and 6,245 yards from the white tees, more than enough length for 99 percent of the golf public, but not exceedingly long.

“It’s a placement golf course,” Chasteen said. “There will be a few holes where you can air it out, but it’s tight (generally speaking).”

With that in mind, consider using a 3-wood off the tee. Playing from the white tees, there isn’t a par 4 that measures over 400 yards and only one exceeds 390. Three of the four par 5s play less than 500 yards from the tips so overwhelming length isn’t a prerequisite.

In standing with its roots as a traditionally designed course – Whispering Pines opened in 1962 – the greens are small by modern standards.

“I tell everybody, play for the middle of the green,” Chasteen said. “If you go for the middle of the green, you will be within 10 or 15 feet of the hole.”

Whispering Pines’ greens offer subtle undulation, as opposed to multi-tiered complexes more characteristic of newer courses.

Speaking of the greens, the Whispering Pines layout is classic but management’s approach to maintenance is decidedly new school. Whispering Pines doesn’t overseed its Champion bermuda grass greens, meaning they come back faster in the spring and summer and provide a faster, truer roll.

The practice of not overseeding and painting greens in the dormant winter months (dormant grass doesn’t negatively impact putts) is increasingly common throughout the country, and Whispering Pines has helped take the lead along the Grand Strand.

The Verdict: Closing in on its 50th birthday, Whispering Pines is as good as it has ever been. The refurbishment has accomplished its goal of enhancing playability with the added bonus of making the course more visually striking. Featuring a strong layout, Whispering Pines isn’t a typical municipal course but the one “muni” quality it does possess is value.