Legend's Parkland Course Brings Augusta Experience to the Table

By Shane Sharp,
Contributing Writer

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - The Scottish Links experience provided by the Heathland and Moreland Courses is nothing short of - well - Scotland itself. But if you find yourself craving something more modern, something more Scottish-American, then the Legends still has an offering at the alter.

The Parkland Course, which opened in 1992, is modeled after the course designs of Alister MacKenzie (Augusta National) and George Thomas (Riviera Country Club). 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.

But despite its differences from its links style brethren, the Parkland can pit players against some of the traditional foes of the courses across the pond.

• Legends Course Overview • No. 8 on Heathland Course has Distinct Scottish Flavor • Legends' Parkland Course Brings Augusta to the Table

Not unlike the Heathland Course, the signature hole at Parkland is a par-3 that will test your ability to make solid contact and savvy club selection. The par-3, 13th Hole will provide you with one of the best tests of golf on the Parkland Course. And with holes like this, it is no wonder that the Parkland Course is the favorite among the Legends staff.

Let's go inside:

The Hole: The 13th Hole at the Parkland Course, a par-3 that measures 205 yards from the tips, 175 yards from the blues, 160 yards from the middle tees, and 150 from the forward tees.

Architect: The Legends Group

The Layout: As brought to you by Bemis: "The green is a little bit elevated. You have to carry it right up to the green and be accurate, as the hole has seven bunkers surrounding it."

The Strategy: For the low handicapper is to get on and get down with par. To do so, hole placement and club selection become the primary concerns. Bemis cautions that taking an extra club (in light of the slightly elevated green), or stepping on the normal club you'd use at this distance would be advisable.

The Average Golfer: Can afford to be short on this par-3, but not left or right. In keeping with the tradition of its more links-style partners, the 13th offers a veritable runway up to he green, also known as a false front.

Don't Play: A toped shot off the tee, which will end up in the Parkland muck about 80 yards out, or a high weak fade that will find its way into the four greenside bunkers to the right front of the green.

Play the Hole: With one of the guys or gals from the pro shop - they all seem to love the Parkland Course and must have some magical insight into its play-ability.

Inside the numbers: The 13th Hole is the No. 7 handicap on the course for the men and the ladies.

Wanna Play?:
CLASSIFICATION: Public
GUEST POLICY: Open
DRESS CODE: Collared shirt, no other requirements.
SEASON: Open all year
TEE TIMES: Accepted 365 days in advance.
EARLIEST TIME TO CALL: 6:30 a.m.
PRO SHOP PHONE: (843) 236-9318
PRO SHOP OPENS: 6:30 a.m.