Location alone is enough to make the Palmetto and PineHills courses at Myrtlewood appealing, but both offer much more than convenience.
The PineHills Course recently completed a bunker renovation project, and here is a six-pack of observations after a round on the new-look layout.
1. The bunker project was a home run. I played less than 36 hours after a torrential downpour, and you would’ve never known we got nearly two inches of rain. The Capillary Concrete Bunker Liners, which dramatically improve drainage and conditions, were a great investment.
2. While the bunker renovation attracted all the attention, architect Dan Schlegel also made small architectural tweaks that should prove popular. On No. 7, a short par 4, Schlegel removed a towering pine tree, opening the door for an aggressive play up the right side. Trees remain for balls that are pushed and there is always the danger of yanking the ball into the water on the left, but the new look encourages you to be aggressive.
3. Take advantage of No. 7 because the eighth hole is a doozy. The 90-degree dogleg right plays 394 yards from the white tees, and it seems longer. According to the USGA, it’s only the second toughest hole on the front nine, trailing the par 5 No. 3, but that’s bunk. This is one hole that doesn’t get easier with experience, because it demands power and precision every time. There are no “secrets” to playing this hole; you just must hit two outstanding shots.
4. Fescue isn’t often associated with Myrtle Beach golf courses, but there is plenty of it at PineHills, especially on the back nine, and it absolutely enhances the layout’s visual appeal. Just don’t spray the ball into the wispy grass!
5. Another hole that received a noticeable facelift was the par 4 16th. The removal of a couple pine trees to the right of the fairway bunker has opened the door for a smaller, alternate fairway. The additional room improves playability, but this is a hole best played conventionally, because if you are playing from the “new” fairway, your approach is almost entirely over water.
6. The Arthur Hills design’s mix of doglegs doesn’t necessarily reward one particular ball flight, so you’d better have control of the driver if you want to score. Find the right spot in the short grass and the greens are accessible.
PineHills may not be ranked among America’s top 100 public courses, but it’s fun to play, a fact more than reinforced by my recent round.
(Photos for this feature from our Instagram account @MyrtleBeachGolfTrips. Top photo 2nd hole, pictured right 9th & 16th holes)