FEATURE STORY

Myrtle Beach National: An Arnold Palmer multi-golf-course sensation

In Myrtle Beach, multiple-course facilities offer duffers a chance to play great, diverse golf courses, all based out of one central area. Without a doubt, multi-course facilities are a golf-packagers dream, and that's doubly the case in Myrtle Beach. Because while the courses are normally diverse and would easily stand up on their own against the Grand Strand's 100 or so other layouts, there tends to be a general theme loosely linking them all together.

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At Myrtle Beach National, that theme isn't all that loose, however, and that's perfectly fine with golfers.

What ties it all together at Myrtle Beach National is one of the greatest names in golf history: Arnold Palmer.

Palmer's influence is all over Myrtle Beach National, which is home to three golf courses: King's North, South Creek and the West Course. All have made their mark on the abundant Grand Strand golf scene, creating a brilliant triumvirate at Myrtle Beach National. Here's a look at what this stellar multi-course facility has to offer.

South Creek

For many, South Creek is the perfect course to start on at Myrtle Beach National. At 6,416 yards from the back tees, it's relatively short compared to many of the hyper-huge modern courses being designed today. But South Creek was built in 1975 and retains some of the classic feel that Palmer's team originally instilled in it.

A favorite of high handicappers, women and seniors, South Creek does have its dangers. Water is a constant companion to golfers on the course, though often it's in play just enough to get in a golfer's head rather than as a possible hazard. In 2004 South Creek was voted among the "Top 100 in America" by Golf for Women.

"South Creek isn't going to beat you up," wrote Brandon Tucker for WorldGolf.com. "There's a good deal of water and sand, but it can be avoided with a little savvy. Many hazards lie far off the fairway, just in front of the tee box or in places it really takes a bad shot to find."

King's North

While all three of the golf courses at Myrtle Beach National have throngs of faithful golfers flocking to them, make no mistake - King's North is the jewel of this multi-course facility. In 2005 Golf Digest listed it No. 20 among Myrtle Beach courses, no small feat in the golf-abundant Grand Strand.

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King's North is a scenic shot-maker's paradise, offering interesting lines and challenging approach shots. No where does it all come together better than on the famed No. 6 hole, a 568-yard par 5 that will take you around a lake to the left, leading to an island fairway straight ahead. It's an intimidating, but thrilling hole, to say the least, and truly captures the essence of the entire facility, if not the Grand Strand golf scene. There's much more to King's North, however.

"No. 6 has a tendency to overwhelm the rest of the course, but there are still some excellent holes," wrote Tucker. "In fact, local newspaper Sun News named Nos. 6, 14, 16 and 18 among its '100 greatest holes along the Grand Strand.'"

West Course

While South Creek is popular for higher handicap golfers and King's North is considered the crown jewel, it's the West Course that gets golfers looking to challenge themselves.

An array of bunkers and natural hazards, along with doglegs and blind approach shots, will have even scratch golfers battling to score, though well-placed, multiple tee settings give golfers of all levels a chance to try their hand at this Palmer-inspired run.

Given 4.5 stars in 2006 by Golf Digest's "Places to Play," the West Course offers golfers a true test, as well as a delightful trek through the natural landscape of the region, as pine trees are always nearby, both for strategic, and scenic value. Opened in 1973, this Palmer and Frank Duane design gives players a country club feel, as it takes resort golf up a notch.

September 26, 2007