In 1944, Harold Samuel, founder of Land Securities, one of the UK’s largest property companies, was credited with coining the phrase “location, location, location.”
While Myrtle Beach bears little resemblance to London in the 1940s, Samuel’s sentiment remains as true today as it was 80 years ago. If you need evidence of the value location provides, look no further than Myrtlewood Golf Club, home of the PineHills and Palmetto courses.
Myrtlewood is located in the heart of Myrtle Beach – millions of cars annually drive past the property – and both courses are among the area’s most popular. The Edmund Alt designed Palmetto Course celebrated its 50th birthday in 2023 and while location is vital, it takes much more to thrive for five decades.
Getting Better With Age
The 2019 renovation project that included the restoration of the course’s greens and the overhaul of every bunker on the course is in full flight. The footprint of the bunkers was actually reduced during the renovation but they are much more visible along the fairways, challenging players who take aggressive lines. There is a consistency to the bunkers, from a playability standpoint, that all golfers appreciate.
Fast Greens Means You Better Have a Confident Stroke
Palmetto’s greens are fast, smooth and … more undulating than you may expect. The course isn’t on any list of the area’s most challenging greens but if the flatstick is off, you could be in for a long day. In particular, beware of the 14th green, which is course’s most undulating, running hard from back to front. Try to stay below the hole, lest a lot of nervy putts await.
Pay Attention to the Scorecard
Most of us default to playing the white tees but take a close look at the scorecard before making your decision at Palmetto. The white tees play 6,516 yards while the
yellows are 6,009 yards. Players that mindlessly walk to the white tees may find themselves facing a more daunting task than expected.
You Better Have a Finishing Kick
The 14th and 15th holes, one a short par 4 (No. 14), the other a long two-shotter, are separated by a lake and kick off a memorable finish. The dicey par 3 17th offers a view of the Intracoastal Waterway and plays to a shallow green that demands a delicate tee shot; No. 18, the first Myrtle Beach golf hole built along the waterway, provides a stunning finish. Do not let the attention paid to Myrtlewood’s location obscure the quality of Palmetto’s layout.
No Need to Hurry
After finishing along the Intracoastal, don’t scurry back to the car. If you are feeling ambitious, there is the possibility of another nine or even 18 on the PineHills course. If you are done, grab a drink and settle up your bets on the back patio while soaking in the waterway view. The opportunity to hang out with buddies while enjoying that view is part of what makes a round at Palmetto special.
