The most dramatic Myrtle Beach golf course renovation in recent years is complete, and the community is buzzing about the results at Pawleys Plantation. Golfers are flocking to the reinvigorated Jack Nicklaus design, enjoying new TifEagle greens that have been restored to their original specifications and bunkering that has been completely reimagined.

The beauty of the layout was enhanced by revealing even more of the spectacular marsh views the course is known for, and the greens, while firm, are already outstanding.

As you make plans for your next Myrtle Beach golf trip, here are the three holes at Pawleys Plantation Golf Club that have undergone the most dramatic makeovers.

– The primary goal of the renovation was to enhance the layout’s playability, particularly for mid to high handicappers, and the impact of that work is evident on the first hole. Tree removal has significantly widened the landing area for your tee shot on the par 5 opener; even more significantly, the sprawling, 130-yard bunker that previously ran along the right side of the fairway to the edge of the green has been replaced by lush, green grass. A bunker continues to protect the green’s right flank, but speaking for “average” golfers, the removal of that fairway bunker is a gift from the heavens. The hole still isn’t easy, but your chances of opening with a triple are reduced. (1st hole top photo)

– For my money, the par 4 10th hole underwent the most dramatic change. The large bunker that squeezed the fairway from the right and ran to the edge of the water was replaced by three smaller traps that provide risk but encourage more aggressive play off the tee. In particular, the centerline bunker must be avoided, but if you do so, you can take dead aim at the flag. Speaking of the pin, there are few greens on the course that picked up more square footage than No. 10, so you will need to play to the proper spot if you want to have any chance of making birdie (or potentially par). (10th hole pictured right)

– There were a lot of contenders for the third spot on this list, but No. 12 gets the nod. Previously, the dogleg right had a bunker that meandered for nearly 250 yards, filling the corner of the dogleg and running through the starboard side of the green. In its place are three stair step bunkers that introduce risk for players who attempt to get too aggressive off the tee, allowing the par 4 to maintain its challenge. A greenside bunker remains, adding more than a whiff of danger to the approach. As for the rest of the sand, it was never a threat for low handicappers and it was unnecessarily penal for anyone else who found their way into it. The new hole maintains the appropriate risk while increasing playability, and that was the goal of the project.

This is a completely subjective list and there was an argument to be made for numerous other holes, but the one thing everyone will be able to agree on is the transformative impact of this effort.

Pawleys Plantation is a course you need to play on your next trip.

Photos for this piece captured by Golf Tourism Solutions