The Landscape Artists of the Green: Behind-the-Scenes at Tidewater

Title: The Landscape Artists of the Green: Behind-the-Scenes at Tidewater

Golf courses are not merely large expanses of perfectly groomed green grass bounded by water hazards and sand traps. They are, in actuality, stunning displays of landscape architecture, with elements meticulously planned and coordinated to create an aesthetically pleasing and challenging environment for golfers. Today, we take you behind-the-scenes at one of Myrtle Beach’s premier golf designs, the Tidewater Golf Club – a masterpiece that perfectly represents the convergence of sports and landscape artistry.

Tidewater, nestled precariously on the scenic marinas of the Cherry Grove Inlet and Intracoastal Waterway, has long won accolades for its stunning natural beauty. But, creating such an environment goes beyond the aesthetic pleasure. The landscape architects of Tidewater are real masterminds, shrewdly using elements of the land to add challenges to the sport, thus enriching the golfing experience.

The genius behind Tidewater’s design is Ken Tomlinson, a Myrtle Beach local. Tomlinson spent countless hours on-site, even going so far as to camp on the property to gain a thorough understanding of the land’s natural ebbs and flows. His philosophy was simple: “The good Lord put more into this property than I ever could.” His dedication and deep respect for nature remain evident throughout the course.

Upon arrival at Tidewater, one is instantly struck by the breathtaking scenic ambience. The course is marinated in an undulating topography with native grasses swaying melodically in the sea breeze, and surrounded by century-old hardwood trees providing not just an eye-catching backdrop, but also a strategically challenging part of the game. Each hole offers its own stunning vista, from the blushing sunrise that illuminates the marsh-fed 3rd hole to the eye-catching 12th hole that overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway.

Tomlinson not only preserved the natural fluidity of the landscape but also cleverly incorporated dramatic elevations and varying wind conditions. Take the par-3, 12th hole, for example. It looks deceptively simple when playing a gentle 144 yards from the white tees. But with prevailing winds and a skinny green that slopes towards the water, it quickly becomes evident that Tomlinson had a mischievous twinkle in his eye when he engineered this challenge.

The Tidewater’s maintenance and greenkeeping team deserves a nod. This team of landscape management experts ensures that the beauty of the course is maintained while simultaneously managing the health of the turf. They perform the complicated dance of managing the fertility, irrigation, and pest control elements marginal to the untrained eye but crucial to the course’s health.

Environmental consciousness also plays a vital role in the course’s ongoing management. Tidewater embraces an Integrated Pest Management program, which stresses the reduction of chemical use. It promotes biodiversity, attracting a wide array of wildlife that adds to the overall appeal of the course.

Notably, the iconic beauty of the Tidewater Golf Club landscape has influenced the overall impression made on visitors, established its reputation as a must-play course, and undoubtedly contributed to it being ranked as ‘One of the top golf courses on the East coast’ by Golf Digest.

At the root of Tidewater’s arresting natural splendor and challenging gameplay are artists of a unique kind—the landscape artists. These professionals blend their artistry with their understanding of golf to create a course that has not only been universally applauded but also left an indelible mark on every player lucky enough to experience it.

Conclusion:

Behind the seeming tranquility and spontaneous beauty of Tidewater lies a meticulously planned and painstakingly preserved piece of landscape art. The artistic flair, environmental mindfulness, and expert execution by the Tidewater team are an ode to blending the sport and the environment in a harmonious, yet brilliantly challenging way. The experience at Tidewater goes beyond mere golfing to partaking in the artistry of these landscape artists—a unique blend of green, fairways, foliage, and fauna that is unmatched in our beautiful Myrtle Beach golf landscape.