Arnold Palmer’s most famous Grand Strand golf course is King’s North at Myrtle Beach National, but his most scenic work in the area is at Rivers Edge Golf Club.
Sure, the drive north to Rivers Edge is a substantial one – it’s 50+ minutes from Myrtle Beach – but if you don’t mind the trip, a course that is in the conversation as the area’s prettiest awaits.
Seven holes at Rivers Edge play along the beautiful Shallotte River, a backdrop few layouts in the Carolinas can equal. Despite much competition, here are the three most Instagram-able holes at this Palmer classic:
● The prettiest hole at Rivers Edge is also one of the Myrtle Beach area’s most controversial, the par 5 ninth (pictured right). The fairway is interrupted by the marshy waters of the Shallotte River, forcing players to decide how much of the water to challenge in search of a short approach (the green is to thin to try and reach in two shots). No matter how aggressive your second shot is, the third requires you to hit a whispy green that’s exposed to water on three sides. The hole is stunning in its beauty and difficult.
● After playing an enjoyable stretch of inland holes, the layout revisits the water on the par 3 15th (top photo). The tee box offers an expansive view of the surrounding marsh and river, and the hole demands a shot that is nearly all carry to reach a green 165 yards (white tees) away. It’s unforgettable.
● The 17th at Rivers Edge offers beauty and quite a few birdies. At just 440 yards (white tees), it’s the course’s shortest par 4 by 50 yards, but the Shallotte River running along the duration of the right side means it’s not without risk. Assuming you don’t push your tee shot and you concentrate on the challenge at hand, as opposed to the beauty, No. 17 (pictured right) offers the day’s best chance at birdie.
If you want to argue for No. 16, No 18 or several other possible entries, I understand, but holes 9, 15 and 17 top my list of Rivers Edge’s prettiest.