There is an adage that beauty can be found off the beaten path, and nowhere is this more applicable than the world of golf. Nestled within the sandy shores of the Coastal Carolinas is Myrtle Beach, a bustling town synonymous with some of the country’s most prestigious golf courses. High up the list resides Tidewater Golf Club, famed for its mesmerizing sights and testing facilities. However, tucked away amid this plethora of golfing riches are lesser-known golfing treasures waiting to be discovered. This article will take an insightful journey through the hidden fairways near Tidewater, illuminating the underappreciated gems in this golfing paradise.
First off, let’s begin our journey at Possum Trot Golf Course, located less than a half-hour drive down the Highway 17 from Tidewater. Known as “The Friendliest Course on the Beach,” Possum Trot has a Southern-style design that brings both charm and challenge. The course offers wide fairways and large greens, making it hospitable for golfers of all proficiency. Moreover, Possum Trot prides itself on its excellent golf learning center, catering to those looking to polish their golf skills.
An equally noteworthy stop on our tour is Eagle Nest Golf Club, situated in suburban North Myrtle Beach. This Gary Player designed course uncovers a variety of challenging obstacles amid beautiful woodland and natural wetland settings. With its unique three-hole finish – dubbed “The Toughest Three on the Grand Strand” – Eagle Nest promises an exhilarating climax to each round. Besides, the club can boast of newly renovated greens and tees to offer the best playing surface in the area.
Further enhancing the diverse nature of golf in the region is Heather Glen, billed as the “Pioneer of The Three Nine-Hole Courses.” This Clyde Johnston crafted masterpiece takes its inspiration from courses as far afield as the Scottish links. Spread across 400 acres of pines, oaks, and sandy pits, Heather Glen underlines the importance of precision over power.
Moving across the Intracoastal Waterway, River Oaks Golf Plantation provides a tranquil setting imbued with Southern charm. The facility packs a punch with three nine-hole courses named Bear, Fox, and Otter. These golf courses feature winding fairways bordered by natural flora and fauna, providing a serene golfing experience.
Perhaps the most quizzical of our hidden treasures is the Wizard Golf Course, a mere stone’s throw away from Tidewater. This unique Dan Maples design is built in the spirit of classic Scottish golf courses. Despite being relatively open, the heavily mounded fairways, combined with water hazards on virtually every hole, give it a demanding yet fun character. Interestingly, the stone clubhouse resembling a Scottish castle sets an ambiance befitting the course’s design.
Venturing farther inland, another worthy entity beckons: Shaftesbury Glen Golf & Fish Club. The tract, inspired by traditional English and Scottish courses, flaunts an open design with wide fairways and large, fast greens defended by deep, flashed-faced bunkers filled with crisp, white sand. This club showcases a different style of golf, emphasizing strategy and shot-making prowess.
Conclusively, just as jewels are scattered amidst sands, these lesser-known golf courses present a rich tapestry of intricacies, challenges, and variety near Tidewater Golf Club. These hidden fairways reveal a departure from the traditional hustle, ushering golfers into a scenic retreat, communing with nature, and indulging in immeasurable golf experiences. Next time, when the famed courses like Tidewater are thronged with players, consider exploring the roads less traveled. You might unearth a diamond within these hidden fairways.