Thrills, Lore, and Pure Golf Magic
Myrtle Beach is more than a golfer’s paradise
It’s a rite of passage. With over 80 courses sprawling across the Grand Strand, it’s the kind of place where you come for the sunshine and leave with tales of glory (or a brutal bunker meltdown). But some holes stand out from the crowd—holes that are less “let’s grab a beer at the turn” and more “this one’s going to haunt my dreams.”
These aren’t just golf holes; they’re legends. They have names. They have stories. They’ve turned golfers into heroes and reduced many to shaking their fists at the sky. From an island fairway that dares you to “bet it all” to a par-5 that curves around a lake like it’s auditioning for a golf horror movie, Myrtle Beach has no shortage of drama.
Whether you’re the kind of golfer who plays it safe or you’re swinging for the fences every time, these iconic holes will challenge your strategy, test your nerves, and leave you with a story to tell back at the 19th hole. Ready to dive in? Let’s tee it up and explore the golf holes that make Myrtle Beach the stuff of legend.
The gambler
Hole #6 at King’s North
This hole isn’t just famous—it’s iconic. Designed by Arnold Palmer, The Gambler is a par-5 that dares you to choose: play it safe and take the long way around or bet the house and hit a tiny island fairway for a shot at the green in two. Spoiler alert: the safe route doesn’t come with bragging rights.
Why It’s Legendary:
Kenny Rogers himself came to the hole’s dedication in 1996. Yep, the actual Gambler gave his blessing to this high-stakes challenge.
Pro Tip: If you’re going to gamble, commit. The island isn’t big, and half-measures will put you in the drink faster than you can say, “Fold ‘em.”
hell’s half acre
Hole #16 at Legends Moorland
The name says it all. Hell’s Half Acre is a par-4 nightmare featuring a waste bunker so massive it feels like someone forgot where the fairway ends. This isn’t just golf—it’s a mental game. Stay focused, or this hole will eat your lunch (and your golf ball).
Why It’s Legendary:
It’s not just a hole; it’s a rite of passage. Anyone can hit a green, but surviving Hell’s Half Acre earns you bragging rights for life.
Pro Tip: Don’t let the bunker psych you out. Think small, precise, and controlled. Swing for placement, not glory, and you might just live to tell the tale.
waterloo
Hole #13 at The Dunes Golf & Beach Club
Meet the par-5 that’s crushed more dreams than bad putters: Waterloo. It’s a sweeping dogleg right around Lake Singleton, and the lake isn’t just for decoration—it’s a ball magnet. Precision is everything here, and one bad shot can turn your round into a survival story.
Why It’s Legendary:
In one legendary tournament, a golfer scored 27 on this hole (yes, you read that right) without losing a single ball. That’s how unforgiving Waterloo can be.
Pro Tip: For your second shot, put down the driver. Grab a long iron, aim for the safest landing spot, and set up for a solid approach.
arnie’s revenge
Hole #9 at Rivers Edge Golf Club
If Arnold Palmer had a vendetta, this hole might explain it. Arnie’s Revenge is a par-5 featuring two water carries and a peninsula green surrounded by marsh. It’s the kind of hole that makes you wonder, “Did Arnie actually want me to cry?”
Why It’s Legendary:
This is Palmer’s design at its best: risky, rewarding, and absolutely terrifying. Get it right, and you’ll feel like a hero. Get it wrong, and, well…there’s always the clubhouse.
Pro Tip: Don’t second-guess the approach shot. Commit fully or prepare to meet the marsh.
The gauntlet
Holes #16, #17, and #18 at Glen Dornoch Waterway Golf Links
You survived the first 15 holes, and now you’re thinking it’s smooth sailing. Nope. The Gauntlet is here to ruin your plans. These three finishing holes run along the Intracoastal Waterway, with hazards lurking everywhere. It’s a gorgeous, nerve-wracking end to your round.
Why It’s Legendary:
This isn’t just a stretch of holes; it’s a test of every skill in your bag. Misplace a drive? You’re sunk. Leave a putt short? You’re toast. Only the strongest golfers survive The Gauntlet.
Pro Tip: On 16, accuracy is king. Hit fairways, stay calm, and remember: this is where rounds are made—or broken.
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Ready to Take the Challenge?
These aren’t just golf holes—they’re battlegrounds for stories you’ll tell for years. Whether you conquer The Gambler or survive The Gauntlet, one thing’s for sure: Myrtle Beach will leave its mark on your game (and maybe your scorecard). Pack your clubs, bring your A-game, and prepare to make some memories.
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