Myrtlewood Golf Club’s PineHills Course, one of Myrtle Beach’s most popular layouts, has completed a comprehensive bunker renovation project. Architect Dan Schlegel oversaw the effort, which included the reshaping of bunkers and installation of new drainage and Capillary Concrete Bunker Liners.
The project, which began in February and didn’t require the closure of the Arthur Hills design, modernized the bunkers, ensuring the course will continue to deliver the type of experience golfers have come to enjoy.
In addition to overhauling the infrastructure of every bunker, Schlegel and his team also raised the profile of the traps, improving the layout’s visual appeal. Previously, many bunkers had a low profile, making them difficult to see from the tee, a problem that has been rectified.
“We were able to deepen the bunkers a little and raise the backsides so when golfers are on the tee or hitting into the green, they will be looking right into them,” Schlegel said. “If you look at the golf course from an aerial photograph, there is not a lot that’s going to change strategically. If you are looking at it from ground level as you play the course, visually it’s going to be so much more stimulating and exciting.”
While the crux of the project focused on bunker reconstruction, Schlegel also made architectural tweaks to a handful of holes, most notably the par-4 16th (pictured right). Schlegel removed three large pine trees to the right of a pair of bunkers, creating a smaller, second fairway that provides an advantageous approach to the green, but the shot is all carry over water.
He also added a small pot bunker on the left side of the primary fairway, helping frame the hole while presenting a hazard to be avoided by long hitters.
On the first and second holes, both par 4s, Schlegel pushed fairway bunkers away from the tee, providing breathing room for shorter hitters without impacting the challenge for stronger players.
Two bunkers in the elbow of the dogleg right first hole were combined, moving the sand 15 yards away from the tee and extending the hazard an additional 17 yards toward the green.
On No. 2 (pictured right), a large bunker on the left side of the fairway that was barely visible from the tee was turned into two traps, creating an additional 10 yards of room in front of the sand.
“This is the next step forward for Myrtlewood’s PineHills Course, which is better than it has ever been,” said Steve Mays, president of Founders Group International, Myrtlewood’s parent company. “Dan Schlegel and his team did an outstanding job with the new bunkers, and the tweaks to the layout, while small, will absolutely improve the experience for golfers. We look forward to welcoming players from across the country to PineHills this fall.”
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