Some time ago, you figured out that distance wasn’t your thing.
You discovered that you were consistent off the tee, but no one was going to confuse you for John Daly in his prime or even your local range bomber. Instead, you crafted your game into something else.
Straight drives feeding into precision with your irons to get to the green. As your scores starting looking better and better, you really leaned into the approach.
This post is for you.
Up and down South Carolina’s Grand Strand, certain courses have put a premium on accuracy and away from a bombs away style. And if you even somewhat match the earlier playing description, check out these five tracks known for exactly that.
It’s been years since we first mentioned how some creativity into the green will pay dividends here. It’s also worth repeating.
Litchfield has spent six decades reminding visitors that doing well on its grounds has nothing to do with power. There are doglegs everywhere, and overshooting a bend can be the difference between a birdie and bogey. What’s more, the final three holes on each side give players no choice but to be strong with the irons. (Litchfield Country Club 17th top photo)
The Par-70 layout at Pine Lakes doesn’t require an advanced math degree to figure out how the design was achieved so magnificently. With only two Par 5s, the 18 holes here are a steady diet of mid-range Par 4s meant to reward consistency within the middle of the fairway.
In fact, we’ve seen some monster hitters leave their drivers in the bag as they’ve started to realize it, too. For shorter hitters, Pine Lakes now offers another appealing option with a set of combo tees measuring 5,520 yards, providing a manageable way to enjoy a layout where positioning can matter much more than power.
Take special notice of the M.O. of this story when you reach the final four holes of the front nine and thank us later.
Much like Litchfield, Blackmoor went all in on its dogleg-happy track. And since the average player is teeing it up at less than 6,000 yards (5,945 from the whites; 5,556 from the yellows), there are 80-90 good reasons for folks not to muscle up here.
Those who display patience off the tee and instead rely on their irons are going to succeed more often than not. Sure, you’re going to probably save face on the tricky 8th hole and its chute cheat (you’ll see when you get there), but otherwise the lack of forced carries gives you the advantage.
WILLBROOK PLANTATION GOLF CLUB
Take the necessary poke to score well on the opening hole out of the equation, and Willbrook offers consistent proof that short hitters can do extremely well here. It’s white tees are set at less than 6,300 yards and the golds (5,829 yards) are all about finesse, too.
This is especially true on the back nine, where four of the first five holes are Par 4s that chime in 380 yards or less. Big hitters find their advantage quickly neutralized, if it even took that long. (Pictured right)
FOUNDERS CLUB OF PAWLEYS ISLAND
Founders Club is a bit of a different animal than even the other four tracks listed above. Yes, there are times where having some pop in your bag means negating all of the course’s sand. But there are even more where a well-placed second or third shot will tip the scales into your favor if you’re playing against someone with 275+ in their bag.
The ability to hug some of the fairway edges will improve your sight lines into the greens in a round that features only five holes north of 400 yards from the whites.
Photos for this feature from MyrtleBeachGolfTrips Instagram Account
