Hole Profile:
The 17th at the Wizard

By Shane Sharp,
Contributing Writer

The par-3, 17th hole is home to an island green that can play like hitting a postage stamp in a hurricane if the wind conditions are right (or wrong we should say.)

• Course Review: The Wizard is Magical

Let's go inside the 17th.

The Hole: The 17th hole at the Wizard, a par-3 that plays 180 yards from the tips.

Architect: Dan Maples

The Layout: From the tee box, the hole sets up straight away, with a carry entirely over water. Bail out area is provided to right of the hole with one green-side bunker coming into play in the front right. The green slopes towards the water on all sides.

The Strategy: According to O'Quinn, is to just get on the dance floor without a meltdown. "Just try to get to the putting surface," adds O'Quinn. "The pin can be tough, depending on where it is placed. There is some bailout room to the right, but just try to get to the center of the green, no matter where the pin is."

The Average Golfer: Needs to be very aware of the pin, and the wind, and take more than enough club to get to the green. According to O'Quinn, the hole can play from a 7-iron to a 3-iron from the middle tees, depending on the wind.

Don't Play: A high, weak fade that could find the cart path to the right, and kick into the water.

Play the Hole: Early in the morning, if you want to avoid the Scottish style wind conditions that can creep up in the middle of the day.

Wanna Play?: The Wizard Golf - 4601 Leeshire Blvd., Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29579. Phone: 843-236-9393 - Fax: 843-236-1923