Golf writer Chris King takes an inside look at Myrtle Beach’s five longest par threes. You’ll discover why making par on these holes can be declared a small victory.

Hi. I’m Chris King, and welcome back to the Myrtle Beach Golf Insider. Today, I’m going to bring you to Myrtle Beach’s longest par threes, otherwise known as the holes where your dreams of making a hole in one are at their slimmest. Keep in mind, all yardages are from the white or most commonly played tees, because I can’t imagine challenging these monsters from the tips.

 At the top, the 220 yards par three seventh hole at Moorland. Golf Digest once ranked Moorland among America’s 50 toughest courses. Some locals will dispute that contention, but they won’t cite this hole as a reason why. This is by far the area’s longest one-shotter, and there’s water that runs from tee to green along the left side of this hole. Good luck.

 Another monster awaits on the 12th tee at Burning Ridge Golf Club. This 200 yard challenge requires a carry over water, and by the time you throw in a couple of bunkers to guard the green, you have one of Myrtle Beach’s toughest test.

Next up, the 16th hole on the Otter at River Oaks Golf Club, where all the trouble is in front of the green, coming in the form of a sand bunker on the left and a grass bunker on the right where it’s difficult to get up and down for par. So if you’ve got enough club in the bag, make sure you hit this green on the fly.

Legendary architect, Tom Doak, challenges players early in the round with a 195 yard third hole in the Heathland course at Legends Resort, but there are factors working in your favor. With the exception of a bunker flanking the left side of the green, the path to the large putting surface is open, allowing golfers to run the ball up on their first or second shots.

Tied for fifth are the eighth hole with Prestwick and the third hole on the Bay nine at Sandpiper Bay, both of which play 193 yards. Neither hole permits many birdies, but their players enjoy the challenge.

There you have it; Myrtle Beach’s five longest par threes. Let us know if you’ve birdied any of these beasts, and I look forward to seeing you on the first tee.