Beautiful Pawleys Plantation Guaranteed
to Drive Hacks Crazy

By Robert Lewis, The Myrtle Beach Hack

GEORGETOWN, S.C. - Many readers of MyrtleBeachGolf.com warned me about playing Pawleys Plantation at Pawleys Island, S.C.

They had all sorts of things to say, and "pristine, beautiful, tree-line fairways on a lush plantation style course" were just some of their thoughts.

"Pawleys gives me the feeling of fine southern golf far enough away from the hustle and bustle of crowded Myrtle Beach," said Roy Walker of Albany, N.Y.

Okay. So I was feeling pretty good, looking forward to playing this course for my first time.

And then, some words that just make me cringe: "Nicklaus designed, precision golf course...rewards the player who can draw the ball on command and use strategic course management."

My heart dropped. The sound of that foul language always irritates me.

As the "Hack" of Myrtle Beach, there's nothing that can force me to consume adult beverages more than asking me to grab a funny looking stick with iron at the end and having to hit a small piece of white chalk with more dimples than his first date's rosy cheeks. Course management? Sure. Stay away from alligators.

Despite the Nicklaus scare, Pawleys Plantation proved to be a memorable Myrtle Beach golf experience.

After teeing off on the first hole, I had the kind of lie that dreams are made of: a strategic slice 70 yards right, straight into the Ritson/Sole Golf School's driving range. I pull up the cart and there are hundreds of balls to choose from. Knowing the adventure I would have in front of me, I bagged a few.

These are the kinds of things that you don't learn in golf school.

Pawleys challenges you on just about every hole. There are many holes where if you don't grab par, you're looking at double bogey. Every hole is decision time. Take a break from thinking and you will add strokes to your score all day. The greens are well-bunkered (if not garishly) and protected by water. They're everywhere and if you get greedy, there are few courses in the Grand Strand that will punish you more.

If you suck, you better grab some lessons at Ritson/Sole Golf School down the street or find one of the hokey miniature golf courses that carrode the Myrtle Beach landscape. Nicklaus designed this course to challenge you mentally more than physically.

Or, as my friends would say at Course Management School would say, "Use lots of layup shots."

Having played both Tidewater and Pawleys on consecutive days, I left with admiration for the great playing condition that this fine Plantation course was in. Here it was in the middle of June after months of heavy play and the greens were true and the fairways had only moderate wear and tear. On playing conditions alone, Pawleys was a few strokes ahead of the better known Tidewater. The Pawleys' greenskeepers do a fabulous job.

Some of my favorite holes are:

No. 3: A Texas-sized bunker from tee to green, this is a par 3 where you had better drop it on the green or else.

Two of Pawleys holes offer a design you have to admire. Holes 9 and 14 place a tree directly in the middle of the fairways. Heavy hitters can go for broke and hit over or place the shot off to the sides. (I chose to bank it off the thick trunk on No. 7.)

What Were They Thinking?

No. 13 has to make you conclude that the designers got themselves in a spatial jam and were forced to come up with a wild hole. Just 115 yards from the blue tees, you have to drop this shot on a postage-stamped size green or take a drop. Even a nice shot will roll into the marsh. Normally Pawleys kills you with lakes and bunkers; this time it's the marsh.

Scenic Beauty

Gently undulating fairways are set amidst centuries-old live oaks, while picturesque marshlands and freshwater lakes set the tone for a day you will never forget. Yes, the golf is challenging and often heartbreaking, but sheer beauty and layout make Pawleys a worthwhile experience.

Players who lack shot-making skills will become stockholders in Maxfli and wind up spending more time in the bunker and hanging out with the beer cart girls. It's wonderful to see a course that is willing to buck the typical generic designed layout and force you to come to play. Arrive rested and ready to play your "A" game, because Pawleys is one of the least forgiving Myrtle Beach courses.

Reforming "The Hack"

Pawleys is blessed to have a Golf Magazine's Top 25 golf instruction academy (Ritson/Sole Golf School) just a quarter-mile down the street. Ritson/Sole is the only top-25 instruction school in Myrtle Beach. They also have locations in several locations throughout the country. Not only did they get this rating based on the quality instructors on their staff, but their teaching methods also give the novice player a real boost because they stress the mental side of golf with shot making.

Mel Sole, who personally gave me two hours of his time, is a real professional who has developed numerous players into solid golfers. If I follow what he says and put the time into playing while avoiding the 19th hole, I might not be "The Hack" anymore. Since my lesson with Sole, I've only decked one house, which is a great improvement for someone like me. Whether you're interested in just a few hour "tune-ups" or a five-day golf school, Ritson/Sole has a first-class facility.

A First-Class Golf Experience

Impressive in every aspect, Pawleys Plantation is worth every penny. From a stylish, traditional clubhouse to well-kept greens and fairways, you'll walk away challenged and left in awe of its natural surroundings. You could play this course 100 times and never hit the same shot twice. And if you played Pawleys 100 times, it would show that you must be a quality player with deep pockets - and a golfer of great taste. Myrtle Beach is indeed the "Golf Capitol of the World," and the starting point of great golf begins at Pawley's Island.

Chip Shots:

GENERAL RATES: $111 for 18 holes during peak season
RANKING:
No. 14 by Golf Digest: America's Top State Golf Courses, 1997-98
No. 18 by Golf Digest: America's Top State Golf Courses, 1995-96
CLASSIFICATION: Semi-Private
GUEST POLICY: Reciprocal
DRESS CODE: No denim, collared shirt and bermuda shorts required.
SEASON: Open all year
TEE TIMES: Accepted 365 days in advance.
EARLIEST TIME TO CALL: 6:30 a.m. PRO SHOP PHONE: (843) 237-6200
PRO SHOP OPENS: 6:30 a.m.