As Wild Wing Golf Club continues its ambitious restoration of the Avocet Course, one of the most intriguing transformations can be found on the par-4 ninth hole, appropriately known as the “Valley of Sin.”

Standing beside the green during a recent visit, PGA Director of Operations Matt Daly pointed to an area that, until recently, was rough. When the course reopens, however, that same section will once again be putting surface, restoring a key design element that had gradually disappeared over time.

“The biggest thing golfers are going to notice is the expansion of this green back to its original size,” Daly said. “We’re bringing back the true Valley of Sin, and I think that’s going to be an exciting feature for all of our golfers.”

The restoration reflects a challenge faced by many golf courses as they age. Over time, greens naturally shrink while bunkers often expand, subtly changing the way holes play. On Avocet’s ninth, years of turf loss had significantly reduced the green’s footprint, diminishing one of the hole’s most distinctive features.

“Greens are going to shrink over time, bunkers are going to grow over time,” Daly explained. “We actually eliminated a portion of this green through the years that made it even smaller, and we’re restoring that now to its original size.”

The result will be a hole that more closely reflects the original vision of architects Jeff Brauer and Larry Nelson while creating additional strategic options for golfers.

A Classic Risk-Reward Challenge

Known as a short par 4, the Valley of Sin has always offered multiple ways to attack the hole, and that won’t change with the renovation.

From the tee, players can choose to lay up short of the bunkers, challenge the hazards directly, or favor the opposite side of the fairway in search of a different angle into the green.

Daly has a preferred route.

“I’ll always play out to the right because I think it gives you the best angle to the green,” he said. “You can lay up short of the bunkers and give yourself a clean approach shot.”

That strategy comes with a tradeoff. Golfers playing safely down the right side won’t have a direct view of the putting surface. Those who choose a more aggressive line over or around the bunkers gain a better look at the green but bring significantly more risk into play.

“Going over the bunkers or staying left of the bunkers is a much harder tee shot that can bring in more danger,” Daly said. “But you will be able to see the green.”

Long hitters may even attempt to carry the bunkers entirely, leaving only a short wedge or pitch into the green. The decision ultimately depends on a player’s confidence, skill level and appetite for risk.

The Return of the Valley

While the expanded green is a major part of the renovation, the restored contours behind the putting surface may prove even more memorable.

The Valley of Sin creates a dramatic collection area that can turn an otherwise simple approach into a difficult recovery.

“It’s very much like what you see at St. Andrews with their Valley of Sin,” Daly said. “You get your ball down here, you’re going to be in a lot of trouble.”

The restoration not only enhances the hole’s visual appeal but also creates more variety in pin placements. With additional putting surface available, golfers will need to pay close attention to hole locations when planning their approach shots.

“Understanding where the hole is when you’re hitting your second shot is going to be very important,” Daly said.

Looking Ahead

Two new bunkers being added on the right side of the hole, the restored green complex will help reintroduce the strategic options that originally made the ninth hole one of Avocet’s most memorable tests.

For golfers returning to Wild Wing after the renovation, the Valley of Sin will look familiar in spirit but offer a fresh challenge in execution. The choices from the tee remain the same: play it safe, take on the bunkers, or try to gain an advantage with an aggressive line.

The difference is that the hole will once again reward thoughtful strategy while fully showcasing the design features that gave it its name.

And if your ball finds the Valley of Sin, you’ll quickly discover why the feature is making its long-awaited return.

Photos for this feature from MyrtleBeachGolfTrips Instagram Account Captured on 6/10/26