Glen Dornoch is one of Myrtle Beach’s most memorable layouts – five holes that play along the Intracoastal Waterway will do that for a course – but the Clyde Johnston design offers much more than beauty.
Glen Dornoch provides a significant test with a course rating of 70.2 and slope of 130 from the white tees, which play “just” 5,983 yards. Step back to the 6,408-yard blue tees and those numbers rise to 71.6/143.
We won’t even talk about the tips, but I’m sure you get the point. Glen Dornoch isn’t just another pretty course; it tests your game.
On a layout full of challenges, here are the three round-wrecking holes you must survive to post a number you will be proud of at Glen Dornoch:
No. 5, 532 yards (all distances from white tees), par 5: The day’s longest par 5 is also its most daunting. A dogleg left, the fifth fairway is bisected by wetlands
260 yards from the tee. Approximately 200 yards from the wetlands, a small stream crosses the fairway and the two hazards almost ensure this is a three-shot hole. The reward for going for the green in two doesn’t exceed the considerable risk. For shorter hitters, clearing the wetlands, which are 66 yards across, can be a challenge. Par 5s typically provide a chance to score, but bogey here isn’t all bad. (pictured right)
No. 9, 406 yards, par 4: This hole is equal parts beauty and beast playing along the Intracoastal, which runs the length of the ninth from tee to green. The fairway is narrow and anything that goes right is wet on Glen Dornoch’s longest two-shooter. There is bailout room left, but it’s impossible not to see that water. Did we mention the ninth hole shares a double green with No. 18 that is approximately 120 yards long? The ninth is unforgettable for a lot of reasons. (Top photo)
No 16, 371 yards, par 4: Despite the fact it’s 35 yards shorter than the 9th hole, No. 16 is Glen Dornoch’s toughest par 4. The tumbling fairway drops dramatically
210 yards from the tee, leaving players a choice: hit the tee ball 200 yards and face a 170-yard approach or attempt to airmail the trouble. It’s 270 yards to carry all the junk and the fairway is 30 yards wide. Good luck. The 99 percent of golfers who layup are left with a long, downhill approach to a green surrounded by sand and the marshy waters of the Intracoastal. It’s one of the most difficult approaches along the Grand Strand. Make par here and you can walk to the clubhouse with your head held a little higher. (pictured right)
