Litchfield Country Club: A Throwback Classic on the Southern Strand

Because of the depth of the field of golf courses in the area, some courses get overlooked. Particularly among less-experienced Myrtle Beach golf travelers, Litchfield Country Club is one of them. Here’s why you should put it on your next southern Grand Strand golf itinerary:

History
Opened in 1966 and designed by Willard Byrd, Litchfield Country Club is one of the Grand Strand’s venerable places for a round of golf. Set amid pine forests only a couple miles from the ocean in Litchfield Beach, South Carolina, it sports a classic look while benefiting from modern technology, making it one of the best-conditioned courses in the area.

Challenge and Charm
It does not play very long — only 6,692 yards from the back blue tees, par 72 — but with its tree-lined fairways and smallish, sloping greens, Litchfield offers up an engaging challenge for all levels of golfers without being overly punishing. When choosing which set of tees to play, look at the lengths of the par 3s, as they give the course a lot of its potential bite.

One stretch of holes that epitomizes the character of Litchfield Country Club is the excellent one-two punch of the 12th and 13th holes. The former is a bruiser of a par 3 that, at 219 yards from the tips, requires a long iron, hybrid or fairway wood from most players. A bunker guards most of the front of the green, demanding an aerial approach. Two more bunkers on the left side of the green will further complicate attempts to sneak the ball onto the green or bail out. Oh, and the green is tricky to read.

Whatever pain the 12th extracts, the 13th can potentially give back to players who execute good shots. A 520-yard par 5, it usually plays downwind, bringing the green into reach in two blows from many golfers. That green is open in front, allowing for run-up shots that may yield an eagle opportunity. Complicating matters, though, is a water hazard that runs up the entire left side of the hole. It is an excellent example of risk-reward golf course design.

With its classic Southern charm, Litchfield Country Club’s clubhouse is a wonderful place to relax before or after one’s round. The intimate, well-stocked pro shop contains all one needs to stock up for a round, and the practice facility — including a grass driving range, putting green and chipping green — is ideal for preparing for your round or working on your game afterward.

Best of all, Litchfield Country Club is one of dozens of Myrtle Beach area golf courses you can access through MyrtleBeachGolf.com. Once you’ve visited, you’ll likely be planning your return.

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