FEATURE STORY

Some like it swampy:
Myrtle Beach's
best marsh courses

By Shane Sharp,
Contributing Writer

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (Feb. 19, 2004) - A "derivative golf destination" is how one big time glossy golf magazine recently described Myrtle Beach. Nothing original or unique in this region when it comes to golf, right? As the Barenaked Ladies once crooned, "It's all been done before."

Um, not so fast.

Yes, Myrtle Beach has its fair share of knock-offs. Legends Resort is faux Scotland, bagpipe players and all. World Tour Golf Links is one of those trendy replica renditions of the world's greatest golf holes. But dig a little deeper and an indigenous make of course is unearthed: the "marsh" course.

No, the Grand Strand didn't invent the marsh course. But it just may have perfected it. Of the 110-plus courses along this 60-mile swath of golf heaven, at least a dozen stake some claim to being marsh courses. All this begs the obvious question: what exactly is a marsh course?

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While the definition is a bit loose (hey, this is a swamp we're talking about), a true marsh course must possess a few key ingredients. First, it must be in proximity to a naturally occurring body of water. In this case, the Intracoastal Waterway, Waccamaw River, or any offshoot of the Atlantic Ocean. Second, said body of water must make its way into or prominently border the layout.

With the definition settled, here's one publication's top 10 marsh courses of Myrtle Beach.

10. Pearl East -- The Pearl complex (East and West courses) was plunked down in a 900-acre marsh - definition met, thank you. Of the two 18-hole layouts, the East Course has chosen to embrace its "bogish" setting. The course's finishing stretch along the Calabash River is the main marsh attraction of this Dan Maples design. But plenty of the interior holes feature reed-choked water hazards and other constant reminders of the nearby Intracoastal Waterway.

9. Willbrook Plantation -- This Maples designed course in the South Strand is home to one of the beach's true marsh meccas - holes five-seven. Willbrook is a water-soaked playground situated in the Waccamaw River basin, with only three holes clinging to dry land.

8. Oyster Bay Golf Links -- Oyster Bay is the granddaddy of marsh courses, designed by (you guessed it) Maples back in 1983. The swampy circuit on the Intracoastal Waterway in Sunset Beach houses one of the Strand's most photo-friendly marsh holes, the par-4 13th. The green on the par-3 17th, with its oyster shell border, is the course's namesake.

7. Caledonia Golf and Fish Club -- Caledonia not number one? The humanity! There's little argument that this Mike Strantz designed track, draped over the former rice and indigo fields of True Blue plantation, is top three in the Strand. But when it comes to a true quagmire experience, Caledonia relies almost exclusively on the par-4 18th.

6. Heritage Club -- A venerable South Strand staple that's often overshadowed by Caledonia and True Blue. Heritage was laid out in the early '80s on the True Blue and Midway plantations. The 600-acre property is speckled with marshes and natural wetlands. Holes 12-14 and the locally famous par-5 18th flaunt the most water.

5. Pawleys Plantation -- The aquatic experience doesn't begin until the par-4 12th hole at this Jack Nicklaus designed course on Pawleys Island, but man - what an experience. The 13th and 17th, both one shotters, are all marsh with a spot of grass mixed in for good measure. Sixteen features a stunning, tidewater backdrop and marsh is in play the entire length of the brutish, 443-yard par-4 18th.

4. Tidewater Golf Club -- Similar to Pawleys Plantation, Tidewater has a cadre of holes that define its lofty marsh course status. The par-3 third and 12th holes, and the par-4 fourth are separated from the tidal marshes of Cherry Grove Beach by nothing more than wooden bulkheading.

3. Glen Dornoch -- This 6,890-yard, Donald Ross-inspired course has a setting rivaled by only a handful of courses along the Grand Strand. The eighth, ninth, and 16th-18th holes all play towards or along the Intracoastal Waterway, providing a backdrop chock-full of yachts and sailboats. The inland holes are lined with sleepy live oaks, pine trees and magnolias, and are peppered with pot bunkers, love grass and wetlands.

2. Rivers Edge -- Rivers Edge is the marsh course newby of the group. This Arnold Palmer design opened in 1999 and has developed a strong following over the past four years. Eleven holes play along the Shallotte River, including one of the most controversial marsh holes in the Grand Strand, the par-5 ninth.

1. Carolina National -- A Gene Bates/Fred Couples design perched on the banks of the Lockwood Folly River in the northern reaches of the North Strand. Twelve of Carolina National's 27 holes play along the rambling river banks, including the course's signature hole, the par-3 fifth on the Heron nine.

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.