Myrtlewood Golf Club was the first, and continues to be only, multi-course facility in Myrtle Beach proper. With an idyllic location – just off a 48th Ave. – and a pair of player-friendly layouts, Myrtlewood is one of the area’s most popular properties for a multitude of reasons.
If you only have time to play one round, what’s it going to be? PineHills or Palmetto? This is a flip of the coin decision, and I’m going to let my second favorite bald golfer weigh in first. What says you, Ian?
Ian Guerin: If I have to pick one of the two – and this isn’t easy given how both are now sporting brand new greens – it’s going to be Palmetto. Not only is there some nostalgia attached (it was the first Myrtle Beach course I ever played), it has the tipping point of No. 18. That beauty plays parallel to the Intracoastal Waterway and leads you right on up to the clubhouse. There just aren’t many finishers I like more than that one.
Chris King: I just played Palmetto for the first time since the Dan Schlegel-led renovation, and I must say, the results are impressive. But if you are going to get all emotional on me and begin reminiscing about your early days in the market, I will, too. PineHills (pictured above) may not have been the first Myrtle Beach golf course I played, but it was among my earliest forays. We used to play nine holes every Wednesday after work in the summer. I fell in love with the course. It’s exceedingly playable and enjoyed renovation of its own in 2018, so it’s in stellar condition.
IG: I think your last statement is what makes both properties so viable all these years after they first opened. The continued maintenance and commitment to the greens, drainage and playability earns Myrtlewood some heavy respect in my book. But when it comes to PineHills, I’m always curious what others believe it’s M.O. to be. What stands out to you about this track?
CK: What makes PineHills so enjoyable for me is that the layout has a little bit of everything – scenic holes, memorable challenges, great conditions – and the whole always seems to exceed the sum of its parts. It’s not going to beat you up to badly and it’s a fun course to play – that’s a combination golf could use more of. If someone calls and says, “We are playing PineHills tomorrow morning. You want to go?” My response is always, “What time do we tee off?”
IG: That’s always the word that comes to my mind when talking about either Myrtlewood course: Fun. Take Palmetto, (pictured right) for instance. You have big and forgiving fairways (save for No. 8), a few really nifty doglegs (Nos. 2 and 5), tons of water that is mostly a visual complement and not really in play and now those beautiful Sunday Bermudagrass greens that have been reshaped to be even more welcoming for the approaches. Even from the tips, no one is gonna leave this course and think it ate his or her lunch.
CK: Bingo. Generally speaking, how you play often impacts what you think of a course and that’s a win for both Myrtlewood layouts. I ultimately sided with PineHills in this debate because I’ve scored well there. Myrtlewood enjoys the benefit of a pair of playable layouts, good conditions and the perfect location.
