LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Reader says Caledonia the class of the Grand Strand

(April 17, 2005) - I was recently in Myrtle Beach and was lucky enough to find two absolute gems: firstly, Tidewater Golf Club & Plantation proved to be the toughest test of one's game that I have experienced - a swirling wind came up and we were at the mercy of the elements. As a 10 handicapper and the highest in our group, I was witness to a collection of shots. We were hitting 4 and 5 irons for third shots into the wind on No. 8, and hitting 9 irons on the 180-yard, par 3 ninth. A great day!

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The next day, however, we were absolutely blown away by the sheer beauty of Caledonia Golf and Fish Club , from the drive into the facility you kind of thought you were at "a poor man's Augusta." But when we played the course we realized that this golf course had its own personality. From the hidden green on No. 10, the back nine was just a thrill to play (in fact, we played the back nine twice!): No. 13, with the waste bunkering on both sides of the green and water behind, an entire family of alligators sunning themselves, paying us no mind (err, mind if we play through, mam?), right to No. 18, where, just as your review suggests, one of our group stuck one beside the pin and the "gallery" in the clubhouse roared its approval. It cost me a skin, but the memory was worth it. Overall, with the exception of the totally out-of-place No. 9 hole (we played the pitch and putt Sunday to warm up already), I will never forget to visit Caledonia each time I return to the Grand Strand. By the way, our suggestion to the issue of No. 9 is put an island green in the rice patch. It’s still a short par 3, but at least it will be postage stamp hole for the golf course.

Brian Hawley
Mitchell, Ontario

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.