What golfers think of a particular course is usually subjective, but when it comes to Tidewater Golf Club’s par 3s, there’s little debate. The course’s one-shotters are among the best in Myrtle Beach and all of South Carolina.
On a layout renowned for its beauty and challenge, Tidewater’s par 3s help define the experience. All four holes play along either Cherry Grove Inlet or the Intracoastal Waterway, providing more than a hint of danger to test you and your friends.
As you make plans for your next Myrtle Beach golf trip, here is a closer look at Tidewater’s quartet of par-3s.
No. 3 – “Stranded”
Distance: 160 yards (black tees) ● 152 yards (blue tees) ● 146 yards (white tees) ● 128 yards (green tees) ● 114 yards (red tees)
Handicap: 9
The first of Tidewater’s one-shotters is its most dramatic with a two-tiered green fronted by bunkers and buffeted by the waters of Cherry Grove on the left. When the pin is cut on the bottom tier, this tee shot is the day’s most delicate as the green tends to shed balls to the port side, meaning sand or water could await. No. 3 is the Tidewater’s shortest par-3, but it’s certainly not the easiest.
No. 9 – “Swamp Fox”
Distance: 182 yards (black tees) ● 173 yards (blue tees) ● 162 yards (white tees) ● 148 yards (green tees) ● 120 yards (red tees)
Handicap: 5
The marshy waters of the Intracoastal run to the left edge of the green, so you want to play anything but a draw here. The green is plenty wide, but it cants pretty dramatically from right to left – pushing balls toward trouble. The tendency is to miss right, but that leaves a recovery from a bunker or from the side of a mound, staring directly at the marsh. That’s a scary shot. Pro tip: the best miss here is short.
No. 12 – “Wishing Well”
Distance: 189 yards (black tees) ● 179 yards (blue tees) ● 145 yards (white tees) ● 108 yards (green tees) ● 99 yards (red tees)
Handicap: 8
If this is your favorite par-3, I’m not going to argue with you. The view across Cherry Grove is breathtaking, as is the risk. This tee shot is all carry to the front edge of the green. No. 12 is the course’s most photographed hole, and the reasons for it will be obvious from the moment you arrive at the tee. Another pro tip: there is room to miss long, so if you are in doubt, pull the extra club. (top photo)
No. 17 – “Wicked Wind”
Distance: 208 yards (black tees) ● 193 yards (blue tees) ● 177 yards (white tees) ● 150 yards (green tees) ● 142 yards (red tees)
Handicap: 12
Standing on the tee box with the Intracoastal at your back, the biggest danger on Tidewater’s longest par-3 is the marsh that must be carried to reach the green. Fortunately, there is a buffer between the marsh and putting surface, reducing the danger off the tee. This is the course’s longest par-3 and the green is large; pull the right club, make a good swing, and you should be okay.
Tidewater is one of Myrtle Beach’s best courses, and its par-3s are a primary reason why.
