River Hills Golf Club is best known for delivering an exacting test on a good Tom Jackson-designed golf course, and that reputation was only enhanced by a renovation project that installed new greens and bunkers on the Little River layout.
Defined by relatively narrow corridors and moderately sized greens, River Hills is a ball-striker’s course, prioritizing accuracy off the tee. Since opening in 1988, the course has attracted players from across the country, and while its overall consistency is often the headline, several holes linger in your memory long after the round ends.
Here’s a closer look at three you won’t soon forget.
No. 4
Par: 4
401 yards (teal tees), 385 yards (garnet), 346 yards (orange), 311 yards (Carolina blue), 270 yards (purple)
Handicap: 10
This straightaway par 4 is home to the course’s most knee-knocking approach. Water interrupts the fairway short of the green, and everyone must carry it. The fairway offers ample width, but if you find the trees, you will be laying up. There is some bailout room left, but when the pin is set middle right, the collar on your shirt will tighten.
No. 7
Par: 5
527 yards (teal tees), 485 yards (garnet), 464 yards (orange), 417 yards (Carolina blue), 387 yards (purple)
Handicap: 2
Visible from the road as you drive onto the property, this risk-reward par 5 is a standout for everyone. The first thing you have to do is avoid the two fairway bunkers defending the right side of the fairway, setting up a decision on how you want to attack a green that is reachable in two for longer hitters.
For those laying up – which will be most players – the real question becomes how much of the water you are willing to challenge to leave a shorter third shot. It’s a decision every player must confront on a hole that is gettable. (Top photo)
No. 17
Par: 5
526 yards (teal), 491 yards (garnet), 454 yards (orange), 397 yards (Carolina blue), 340 yards (purple)
Handicap: 1
This dogleg left is as perilous as it is memorable. With water running up the left and a tree line on the right, the tee shot is the day’s most daunting, and then you will be forced to carry water on the second shot.
A small percentage of players might be able to get home in two, but unlike the more inviting seventh hole, the conservative play is the smart one here. Find the fairway off the tee and then play to a number you are comfortable with on the approach. Par is a good score on the penultimate hole at River Hills.
Photos for this feature from MyrtleBeachGolfTrips Instagram Account
