Golf course architecture has evolved over time, but well-designed, older courses continue to maintain their considerable charm.

Layouts like Litchfield Country Club, for example. The first course to open in Pawleys Island, Litchfield has never been ranked among America’s top 100 public courses, but it’s one of the Myrtle Beach area’s most charming facilities.

Litchfield is an old-school course in all the best ways. Greens and tees are in close proximity, the staff is all about service, and the challenge is in front of you.

 Here is what you can expect if Litchfield is part of your next Myrtle Beach golf trip itinerary.

1. You are going to have a chance to score. A semi-private facility, Litchfield will challenge you but it wasn’t designed to beat players up.

2. The key to success? Find the short grass off the tee. Golfers playing from the fairway will have every opportunity to post a good number.

3. There isn’t a surplus of water at Litchfield but there is a lot of OB, hence the need to drive the ball straight. Matter of fact, the day’s scariest challenge is the tee shot on the par 4 11th hole, a 90-degree dogleg left. The hole isn’t short at 387 yards from the white tees, but there is the risk of a well-struck drive rolling through the fairway. Play smart on No. 11. (top photo)

4. Litchfield is in outstanding condition. The greens are rolling between 10 and 11 on the stimpmeter and the overseeded fairways are lush.

5. Water is a significant factor on the par 5 13th. Regarded by many as the course’s signature hole, water runs along the left side of the hole and OB is on the right. This is a beautiful but nerve-jangling challenge. (pictured right)

6. Survive 13 and the day’s best birdie chance awaits on the 340-yard (all distances from white tees) 14th. The fairway is sufficiently wide, the green runs from back to front, and the hole is pretty straight. A nice drive will leave a wedge into a receptive green. Take advantage of the opportunity.

7. Enjoy the beautiful oak trees; they are one of the layout’s defining aesthetic qualities.

8. Litchfield’s greens, as a general rule, aren’t elevated and they’re open in front, meaning you can run the ball up. For us mid to high handicappers, that’s a nice feature!

9. Collectively, Litchfield’s par 3s are outstanding. The 185-yard fourth hole features a carry over water, and No. 17, 165 yards, open in front and flanked on both sides by bunkers, is a gorgeous hole. (pictured right)

10. Litchfield Country Club is a great course to start your trip on, especially if you are looking to knock off the winter rust. The layout isn’t a pushover, but it’s not going to overwhelm you with difficulty and everyone enjoys starting a trip with a respectable score.