The Course
Featuring plenty of doglegs, water and well-positioned bunkers, the course provides a challenge, as it should. The toughest hole could be number 9, a par 4 that plays 472 from the tips. The smallish landing area has water to the right and trees to the left. If golfers play it safe and leave it short of this landing area, they are left with a long second shot into the green. The easiest hole is potentially number 12, a par 4 that plays 333 yards from the back tees. Average hitters will have a wedge into the green, while big hitters will certainly go bombs away and try to drive the green. The greens on the par 3s are well-guarded by either water or sand traps, and most require mid-to-long irons for average players because of their length.
For golfers who have played multiple TPC courses, some may seem some resemblance to TPC Sawgrass, especially when it comes to holes 17 and 18. While TPC Myrtle Beach doesn’t offer an island green on 17, its 17th hole may actually be more difficult than 17 Sawgrass. It plays 193 yards, and it’s surrounded by water on three sides. If you survive 17 with a par, you may be able to grab a birdie on the par 5 18th. While Sawgrass offers a long par 4 with water to the left, Myrtle Beach offers a legit par 5 with water on the left. Three solid shots should leave golfers with a birdie opportunity, while the bravest of players may attempt to reach the green in two.
The Experience
TPC Sawgrass has The Player’s Championship. TPC Deere Run has the John Deere Classic. TPC Louisiana has The Zurich Classic. The Old White TPC has The Greenbrier. TPC Myrtle Beach hosted the Senior Tour Championship, but that was in 2000. If discerning golfers are looking for the TPC experience where top-tier pro golfers still play, that is the one thing TPC Myrtle Beach does not offer. Others may complain that 17 and 18 resemble TPC Sawgrass a bit too much.
The Verdict
It’s likely that 99% of golfers are not concerned with the fact that TPC Myrtle Beach isn’t currently a PGA Tour stop. It’s also likely that 17 and 18 will be two of their favorite holes at the course. Bottom line, when you take a golf vacation in Myrtle Beach, TPC Myrtle Beach is the only Tournament Players Club course in the area. All serious golfers should experience as many TPC courses as they can. It’s very likely that they won’t be disappointed in the Myrtle Beach layout and experience.
(posted 8/31/14)