FEATURE STORY

Legends Resort gives Myrtle Beach golfers a trio of interesting, entertaining golf courses

By William K. Wolfrum,
Staff Writer

Legends Resort in Myrtle Beach features three golf courses: the Heathland, Parkland and Moorland, plus partnerships with 10 other Myrtle Beach golf courses including Barefoot Resort & Golf.

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In Myrtle Beach, with seemingly limitless options for a traveler on a Myrtle Beach golf package, many make their decisions of where to play based on convenience. Which is why multi-course resorts thrive in this golf mecca. Destinations like Barefoot Resort and Sea Trail Plantation draw an endless wave of visitors, looking to get in the most golf they can on their Myrtle Beach vacation.

For golfers looking to truly maximize their stay, check out Legends Resort. Not only does Legends offer its own three courses - the Heathland, Moorland and Parkland - but it also has affiliations with 10 other courses, including TPC Myrtle Beach. Also, Legends is a co-owner of the famed Barefoot Resort, as well, making those remarkable courses available to those that stay at Legends.

Throw in the fact that Legends has some of the best practice facilities on the Grand Strand, superb conditioning on its courses and top-notch service, and you'll see why so many make Legends their home base for a Myrtle Beach golf vacation. Here's a look at the courses at Legends.

Heathland

Talk about starting out with a bang: The Heathland course was named one of the "Top 10 New Resort Courses in the World" by Golf Digest in 1990. Designed by Tom Doak, this links-style golf course has holes that will have golfers feeling as though they've traveled abroad, with many giving a strong feel of such legendary links runs as St. Andrews, Lahinch and Cruden Bay.

Strategically placed and occasionally deep bunkers are a players biggest worry at Heathland, where several diverse tee placements make it a unique challenge for all levels of player. Huge green complexes, a consistent ocean breeze, and deep rough will also keep players on their toes at this stylish run.

A favorite of golf analysts as well as players, MyrtleBeachGolf.com reader Jim Bertyon, named Heathland in his Top-10 of all Myrtle Beach golf courses.

Moorland

When Myrtle Beach golfers really want to try their hand at a links course, they tee it up at the Moorland course. It's a course that will not only challenge golfers, but in the spirit of links play, will require a touch of luck, as well, in a true target golf scene.

"The Moorland Golf Course at Legends Resort is as mystifying a links style course as you'll find in the southeastern U.S.," wrote Shane Sharp for MyrtleBeachGolf.com. "P.B. Dye designed the course, and some might say he did so while under the influence of a good spot of Scotch Whiskey."

Named one of the "Top 5 New Public Courses in America" by Golf Digest in 1991, Moorland show's off Dye's love affair with deep bunkers, multi-level fairways and greens, as well as the signature bulkheads that have made Moorland a Myrtle Beach must play for so many years.

Parkland

While the Moorland and Heathland courses will have you playing old-school links golf, the Parkland course at Legends Resort will have you feeling as though you've traveled south to one of America's premiere golf courses: Augusta National.

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"The Parkland course, which opened in 1992, is modeled after the course designs of Alister MacKenzie (Augusta National) and George Thomas (Riviera Country Club)," wrote Sharp. "In a more traditional southern fashion, the fairways of Parkland are tree-lined, bunkers are deep faced but manageable and the greens are massive and multi-tiered."

Doak's design takes advantage of the wondrous landscape of the area, creating hazards not just from the trees and natural vegetation, but also the weather itself, as high winds can often become something players need to factor into their play at this ruggedly handsome run.

The longest course at Legends at 7,170 yards from the tips with a 131 slope-rating, Parkland is the perfect complement to the triumvirate of courses Legends has to offer.

December 14, 2007

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.