MYRTLE BEACH FEATURES

Divine secrets of the Myrtle Beach golf scene

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (Feb. 1, 2003) - There are 122 of them at last count, so naturally there are a few Grand Strand golf courses that exist outside of the boundaries of common knowledge. Some are simply under marketed and under appreciated. Others opt for a low profile existence, buoyed by a steady client base and a customer service philosophy that doesn't include eight-minute tee times and chronically bitter rangers.

Whatever the source of the anonymity, exposing the best-kept secrets of the Grand Strand golf scene is a paradoxical task. That which is exposed is no longer a secret. But as Samuel Johnson once said, "To keep your secret is wisdom; but to expect others to keep it is folly". And speaking of folly ... our list of the best courses in Myrtle Beach you've never heard of.

North Strand

Lockwood Folly Country Club: This Willard Byrd designed course is situated at the confluence of the Lockwood Folly River and the Intracoastal Waterway, providing for a small handful of postcard ready holes. Conditioning is always sublime and the service is a seamless mixture of Southern hospitality meets Mid-Atlantic charm. The 18th hole - a 453-yard par 5 that plays right up to the Intracoastal Waterway - is one of the sneaky best holes on the North Strand.

Brunswick Plantation: One of the first multi-course facilities in the North Strand and still one of the most underrated in Myrtle Beach. The older Magnolia Nine has a wee bit of Scottish flair to it, while the Azalea and Dogwood Nines sport a traditional, tree-lined Carolina feel. The Dogwood Nine is the newest of the three and is popular with locals who prefer its scenic setting along the Caw Caw Run. All three nines are typically in fine shape and the Plantation House is one of the area's best clubhouses.

Carolina National: How this 27-hole Gene Bates/Fred Couples designed golf track in Boliva, N.C. remains a non-surcharge course is one of the beach's great mysterious. Perhaps in Bolivia is the operative phrase. Carolina National is close to, well, nothing really, but therein lies the beauty. Carolina National has holes along the Lockwood Folly River. It has holes tucked into secluded enclaves. It has white fluffy bunkers, well thought out holes and last but not least - a loyal following among savvy traveling golfers. The Heron Nine is considered the signature track, but you can't go wrong with the newer Ibis Nine and original Egret Nine.

South Strand

Tradition Club: If this Ron Garl designed track in Pawleys Island had not been named South Carolina Golf Course of the Year by the Golf Course Owners Association in 2000, it might have remained cloaked in anonymity. The cat may be out of the bag to an extent, but the Tradition Club is still overshadowed by big-time South Strand facilities like True Blue, Caledonia, Pawleys Plantation and the TPC of Myrtle Beach. The layout is strictly inland, but a smattering of ponds keeps water in play on a number of holes, including the island green of the par-4 7th hole.

The International Club: The I-Club was once the crown jewel of the defunct Links Group's low end lineup, but don't hold that against it. This Willard Byrd designed course in Murrells Inlet is now under the steady management hand of the Classics Group and is one of the better courses around for under $50. As you might expect, you won't get a lot of frills for that rate. But the holes offer enough variety and at 6,767 yards from the tips, the International Club is no pushover.

The River Club: Many local head professionals consider the River Club to be one of the most challenging courses in Myrtle Beach. Tom Jackson designed the course, which is unapologetically long and tight. The greens were outfit with A-1 bentgrass about two years ago and are widely considered some of the best putting surfaces in the South Strand. The par-5 18th hole, with its double carries over water, is perennially ranked as one of the beach's best three-shotters.

Central and West Strand

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The Witch: This Dan Maples designed course in East Conway is one of the true unsung heroes of the Grand Strand. The par-71 layout is one of the most unique in the state, highlighted by 4,000 feet of bridges crisscrossing over hundreds of acres of natural wetlands. The Witch is typically hit with the proverbial "shotmakers course" label because of its narrow landing areas a tricky approach shots. But most golfers will tell you it is player friendly enough if you pick the right set of tees. The Witch is not near the beach, other golf courses, or any restaurants of repute, and therefore will probably remain one of the Strand's best kept secrets.

South Creek at Myrtle Beach National: A cadre of traveling golfers have known for years that South Creek is an excellent warm-up course. It's short, forgiving layout gives golfers a chance to work out the kinks before taking on the Strand's newer, longer courses. South Creek slopes to just 123 from the back tees, but there are a few meaty holes to sink your teeth into, a la the 535-yard par-5 10th. The design credit goes to Arnold Palmer's crew and Francis Duane.

Pine Lakes International: Yes, the Granddaddy lives. The oldest course in Myrtle Beach is alive and kicking courtesy of local land barons Burroughs and Chapin. Pine Lakes International doesn't dazzle you with expensive water features, white washed concrete cart paths, and Southern Living style landscaping, but the venerable facility does make every effort to kill you with kindness. The service is legendary, from the kilt-clad caddiemasters to Perry "The Big Dog" Bellamy, who serves up Mimosas and clam chowder behind the No. 3 tee box.