Under The Microscope: What To Expect At Myrtlewood’s PineHills Course in 2025

Myrtle Beach’s most high-profile 2024 renovation project was the overhaul of the front nine of King’s North at Myrtle Beach National, but golfers shouldn’t overlook the bunker renovation on Myrtlewood’s PineHills Course.

Nearly six months after the completion of the Dan Schlegel-led project, we returned to PineHills to get a sense for the direction the layout is heading as we look forward to the spring of 2025, and here is what we found.

– Generally speaking, Schlegel didn’t make big architectural changes to the Arthur Hills design, but he did reconfigure numerous bunkers with an emphasis on increasing their visibility. It doesn’t take long to get a taste of the new bunkers as the traps on the first two holes are much easier to see off the tee, adding to the fun of your first two tee shots. The alterations are subtle but enjoyable.

– When a golf course undertakes the expense of installing Capillary Concrete bunker liners, a porous base that dramatically improves drainage, it’s not an upgrade players can see (aside from the new sand, which pops to the eye), but you instinctively know it. The bunkers at PineHills, which needed to be replaced, are now outstanding. Nobody wants to be in the sand, but if you are, a more than fair chance awaits to escape, even following rain.

– The one hole where Schlegel made substantive changes was the par 4 16th, and it’s awesome. Schlegel removed trees that were to the right of a long bunker, creating a second fairway. The hole plays shorter from the new fairway, but the approach is almost entirely over water, creating a memorable risk-reward decision. In addition to the new strategic component, No. 16 is much more visually appealing.

– PineHills is overseeding wall-to-wall, meaning you will enjoy a lush, green course next winter and spring. The overseed is already growing in nicely, highlighting the layout’s appeal. PineHills is in great shape and only getting better with 2025 spring golf season on the horizon.

– This is the type of course that makes Myrtle Beach golf’s most popular destination. PineHills offers a strong layout, a great location, and a commitment from ownership to ensure the best experience possible for traveling golfers. Adding PineHills to your next trip will be a winner.