Every golf course likes to conclude with a heroic 18th hole and send players home on a high note. Myrtle Beach has more than its share of unforgettable final holes and determining the best is always a subjective experience, but we are here to try.
Here is one local’s look at his five favorite 18th holes:
— The 18th at Caledonia (pictured right) is one of the most famed finishing holes in all of South Carolina. From the moment you approach the tee with the course’s iconic clubhouse looming in the distance, it’s hard not to enjoy the challenge. The approach to the green with people watching on the clubhouse deck is the most anticipated along the Myrtle Beach golf scene and it’s a great end to the day.
— More than 40 bunkers loom on the 18th hole at King’s North at Myrtle Beach National. (top photo) Truth is, it’s not that hard to avoid the sand as much of it is well off the perimeter of the fairway, but it creates an unforgettable visual to closeout your round at one of Myrtle Beach’s most popular courses.
— How could you forget a par 6? You can’t, and that’s why the finisher at Farmstead makes my list. The 18th, which plays a mammoth 679 yards from the white tees, is so much golf hole one state can’t contain it. The 18th hole tees off in South Carolina and the green is just across the state line in North Carolina. No matter your score, you will tell your buddies back home about the hole.
— Located in the heart of Myrtle Beach, the Palmetto Course at Myrtlewood is a player-friendly track from beginning to end, highlighted by an 18th hole that plays along the Intracoastal Waterway. The straight-away par 4 (pictured right) was enhanced by Dan Schlegel’s recent renovation project and the opportunity to make birdie in a beautiful setting is enough to make it one of my favorite 18th holes.
— River Club concludes with a watery par 5 that presents risk-reward decisions players relish. The green is reachable in two for long hitters that want to shave the dogleg left but it requires a carry over water the entire way. Even played as a conventional three-shot par 5, players that go pin-hunting do so with the understanding that coming up short will mean a ball in the drink. It’s a memorable finish at one of the area’s most underrated courses.