Hole Profile: The 18th At the Palmetto Course at Myrtlewood is One of the Great Finishing Holes

By Shane Sharp,
Contributing Writer

June 14, 1999

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - Because it predates the golf craze that has swept through Myrtle Beach like the San Antonio Spurs through the NBA playoffs, Myrtlewood enjoys a cozy location next to the Intracoastal Waterway. It is this aquatic proximity that lends itself to one of the most scenic finishing holes around - the 18th Hole on the Palmetto Course.

A sign posted along side the Intracoastal let's golfers pinpoint and ponder their place in the universe as they march up the 18th fairway.

"There is a sign that let's you know that you are midway between New York City and Miami," says Director of Golf Operations, Rick Schultz.

But if you are not careful with your tee shot this reminder of your whereabouts will hold no semblance of comfort.

The Hole:The 18th Hole at the Palmetto Course at Myrtlewood Golf Club. A challenging par-4 that plays 468 yards from the tips and 387 yards from the middle tees. The green sports a nice shag of bentgrass.

Architect: Edmund B. Ault

The Layout:The 18th is more than a healthy par-4 if played from the racks. Looking out from the tee box, the first thing you'll notice is the Intracoastal Waterway to the left. While not in play for most average players (who normally slice the ball), a strong duck hook could lead to a splash down in the waterway otherwise known as midway between New York City and Miami. The well-apportioned green is guarded by three bunkers that penalize the slightest miss hit.

The Strategy:Is to grip it and rip it, for the low handicap golfer, as even a strong tee shot may require a fairway wood or long iron into the green. "The fairway is wide open," Schultz reminds us, "and the bailout area is to the right." We don't need to tell you to stay away from the Intracoastal, so just go about your business and never mind the prevailing wind, which is usually right up in your grill on this hole.

The Average Golfer: "The fairway is wide open from the middle tees as well," says Schultz. "There are bunkers on three sides of the green on the approach." But fortunately for the average duffer, one of these sides does not happen to be the front. In other words, a bump and run shot can still make its way up on to the green if you can't get there in two.

Don't Play: A bad hook, or the last glimpse of you tee shot will be your new Titleist rolling over the seawall and plunging into the drink. "The hole is nothing to be intimidated about," consoles Schultz.

Play the Hole: Play to its true aesthetic value "all day long" says Schultz. But the 18th does provide quite a righteous setting in the evening with the glow of the late afternoon sun on the water.

Inside the numbers: No. 12 handicap hole

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