Burning Ridge Thriving As Locals’ Go-To Club

Burning Ridge Golf Club grabs our attention.

There’s the location in eastern Conway, a short distance from some of the ultra-busy touristy tracks of the area. So even during the busy season, its layout is highlighted by grass that shows little wear and even better lies. But for all the segments that could be pin-pointed by the ebbs and flows of traffic that don’t quite mimic its U.S. 501 pipeline into Myrtle Beach proper, Burning Ridge quietly brings a nifty feature to the table.

Beginning and ending with a Par 5s, the amended 18-hole Gene Hamm design sandwiches 16 others between its two longest of the day. (par five 1st hole pictured above, par five 18th pictured right)

“No. 1 gives the player an opportunity to ease into the round without those first hole jitters by hitting two straight forward shots with minimal danger,” head golf professional Zack Atkinson said. “I feel that opening on a Par 5 is memorable because it’s not normal. Having more opportunities to start with a birdie or eagle is always a positive. Ending on a par five is something that provides a memorable experience. A well-designed closing Par 5 can be the focal point of the course. It gives you one last chance to be the hero and score well on the hole.”
Hamm’s original design was cropped some in 2005, when the old Burning Ridge West Course was re-developed for housing. It cost the property 18 holes, but it also brought the old East Course – what we see today – to the forefront.

At 6,216 yards from the white tees, this Par-72 track has attracted locals galore who don’t want to cross the Intracoastal Waterway for a quality round. Playing groups have made it a go-to spot, dipping and diving around those occasional high-traffic days with leisurely rounds where conversations dictate the feel, not a rush to get out of the way.

Thanks to the 16 holes between the starter and finisher, and certainly aided by all that well-maintained turf, consistency reigns.

Those who want to pump up and try for the short iron into the green can. Those who prefer caution can do that, too.

“This design allows for a risk-reward style of play,” Atkinson said. “Long hitters can be aggressive to cut distance while others can take a more passive shot-shaping approach. The ability to tackle the course in so many ways is something that has always stood out to me.”

PGA-LEVEL PAR 3 WHERE NO ONE EXPECTS ITBurning Ridge 12th Hole
The No. 12 hole (pictured right) at Burning Ridge is among the longer Par 3s along the Grand Strand. It measures a cool 200 yards from the whites (247 from the tips, 164 from the seniors) and has a semi-carry over water for everyone but the women’s tees.

It’s no slouch.

“The tee shot looks over water that runs along the entire right side and back of the green. This provides you with an opportunity to be aggressive and target the pin or bail out to the left to guarantee your ball stays dry,” Atkinson said. “The player’s first shot is just the beginning of this hole as the green slopes back to front making some pin placements tricky depending on position.”

Some aggressive players will find help in the form of a bailout bunker between the pin and the water. But like Atkinson said, aiming left here is safe and typically utilized.

For good reason.

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Burning Ridge Golf Club

4.2/5
(275 reviews)
$72 early am
$72   am
  pm
$45 late pm
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