GOLF COURSE REVIEW

Heather Glen Golf Links: Johnston's First Project an Affordable Grand Strand Alternative

By Shane Sharp,
Contributing Writer

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Johnston had assisted Byrd on a variety of different projects in a number of different locations, having joined the firm in 1976 after getting a degree in landscape architecture from North Carolina State University. So when a call came in from Myrtle Beach area developers and marketing moguls Paul and Jack Himmelsbach to design a golf course "inspired by the great layouts of Scotland," Byrd took the job and handed it off to Johnston.

"They struck a deal with Mr. Byrd for $30,000 that he would do routing, land plan, and green designs, but no site visits because they couldn't afford the full architectural fee" Johnston says. "So, Mr. Byrd told me to work on the project, but under no circumstances was I to drive up to Myrtle Beach."

Johnston was actually housed in Byrd's satellite office in Hilton Head, S.C. So, he did what any other ambitious, restless, rebellious student would have done - he drove to the job site in Little River almost every week.

"This was my first solo project, so I wanted to make sure I got it right," J ohnston says, laughing, as he waxes nostalgic. "I had made up my mind a long time ago that I was going to be a hands-on designer. Finally one day, I am standing out on the 16th green with Jack and Paul and everyone else who was important and involved in the project, and here's comes Mr. Byrd driving up (to the course) in that little old car of his. He gave me a good earful and I thought he would fire me right there on the spot."

But Byrd didn't fire Johnston. Instead he acquiesced and actually let his protégée complete the design work for Heather Glen, allowing Johnston
however many site visits it took to finish the job. Two years later, the course's original 18 holes opened to rave reviews from local and national golfing publications, and Johnston was on his way to a successful, solo design career. In 1989, the Himmelsbachs tapped Johnston to design an additional nine holes and a long-term relationship was born.

"It was really my first project where I did everything from start to finish," Johnston says. "It is a good golf course and people seem to love it. It has a lot of variety in the way the holes play, and it's a neat setting back there with all those trees and elevation changes. We eventually rebuilt all the greens to USGA specifications when we got the money. When Mr. Byrd and I first started (designing) that course, it was a low, low budget project."

The course is divvied up into the Red, White and Blue Nines, the later being the newest and designed in its entirety by Johnston. All 27 holes have an unmistakable links flavor, replete with Zoysia-faced pot bunkers, grass bunkers, and fairway mounding. The Red and White Nines are similar in feel, having been shaped and turfed by the same contractor. But Johnston says the Blue Nine is a shade different since it was designed and built two years later on more undulating terrain.

"We had different contractors, so no matter what, its going to be a bit different," he says. "Heck, I have used the same contractors at the same site, just a year later and it's been different, so you always have to account for some variation over time."
 
If you are looking for memorable holes from each layout, they're not too hard to spot. The par-5 6th hole on the Red Nine is one of the best three-shotters at Heather Glen, framed by mounding on the right and highlighted by a giant oak tree surrounded by a massive waste bunker. The hole plays to 484 yards from the blue tees, 461 yards from the whites and 413 yards from the forward tees, making it reachable in two if you keep your tee shot to the left.

The par-5 "Home Hole" on the White Nine is Heather Glen's attempt at a signature hole, and the approach shot over the watery "Firth of Clyde" adds a nice risk/reward element to the hole. Although, the par-3 eighth hole on the Red Nine could make a good case for the honor, with its tranquil, picturesque pond, authentic granite wall bulkhead and closely guarded green.

One theme does run constant between the nines at Heather Glen, despite their subtle differences - playability. Unlike its sister course Glen Dornoch, also designed by Johnston, Heather Glen is quite forgiving off the tee. Head professional Ryan McCarty says that legions of traveling golfers have taken notice.

"Most of our business here is repeat play," McCarty says. "They (golfers) know that we are always in good condition and that they won't get beat up."

Indeed, the highest slope rating at the course is 130, produced via a combination of the Red and White or White and Blue Nines. Golfers don't get beat up on price, either, a fiscal fact that probably keeps them coming back as much as the low scores. Rates for greens fee and cart for September are $73 in the morning and $53 in the afternoon. That increases to $80 and $60, respectively, in October and peaks during the spring season at $100.

Where to Eat

Turn east on Minneola and head towards the historic waterfront at Little River. You'll find a smattering of local joints serving up the region's specialties, blue crab and Grouper. The River Side Tavern is set in an old house and is easily one of the best "locals" joints in the North Strand. Chances are, the guy that caught your Grouper dinner is sitting right next to you. Crab Catchers serves up excellent (you guessed it) crab dishes, but the restaurant's double-decker hamburger is the stuff of legend. Back out on the Highway, Italian eateries and sports bars dominate the landscape. The Varsity Club was voted "Best Bar" by Myrtle Beach Golf Magazine, and is a local favorite with its 75-cent Natural Light drafts and 37 televisions.

Where to Stay

The Hampton Inn North Myrtle Beach-Harbourgate is a sand wedge away from Tidewater, Glen Dornoch, Heather Glen and just a 15-minute drive from the legion of courses in Brunswick County, across the Stateline. The Hampton features recently refurbished suites, complete with refrigerator, coffee maker, behemoth TV, love seat and data ports. An indoor pool, fitness center, and lounging area with TV are located just off the main lobby, and boat slips are available across the street. Continental breakfast is provided every morning, as are fresh copies of USA Today. The hotel does not have a full service restaurant on site, but the Marker 350 across the street serves up excellent seafood and steaks. Rates for the fall golf season are as low as $55 per night, and golf packages are available upon request. For more information, or to make reservations, call 1-866-409-2177.