With nearly 90 golf courses and more than 1,500 golf holes on the Grand Strand, there are more Par 5s than you can shake a Big Bertha driver at. But you will have a good time trying to tackle these monsters of the Myrtle Beach golf area. Eat your Wheaties; you are going need all your strength to post a bag a birdie or an eagle on these 10 beasts (P.S. – The top 10 are listed in alphabetical order to open debate on the order):
Barefoot Resort, Dye Course, No. 8: This four-course complex features some excellent par 5s, but none tougher to solve than the 543-yard eighth. With a little luck and a whole lot of power, it’s possible to put yourself in position for a birdie. But a series of strategically placed bunkers and water hazards, as architect Pete Dye is known for, set up a tough challenge to make par.
Caledonia Golf & Fish Club, No. 8: This 528-yarder might seem like a good chance to drop a stroke … until you step up to the tee. Mike Stranz knew what he was doing by placing the split-level green just on the other side of a tidal creek. A well-placed tee shot makes it possible to go for the green, but there's still no guarantee of a sub-par score.
The Dunes Golf & Beach Club, No. 13: Renowned golf writer Dan Jenkins once called this Robert Trent Jones construction one of the top 18 golf holes in America, and Dunes Club members agree. Nicknamed “Waterloo” for its wrap-around design of Lake Singleton, the 590-yard inverted dogleg forces golfers to cross over the water at some point while dodging the three gaping bunkers (and even more alligators) that guard the green.
Farmstead Golf Club, No. 18: Technically, this 767-yard monster shouldn't be on the list, but there aren't any other par 6s on the Strand. This unique finishing hole sees golfers tee off in South Carolina and putt out in North Carolina. Good thing it's the 18th because this beast will take everything you have left in the tank.
Legends Resort, Heathland Course, No. 7: Don't let the yardage foot you; you will need a lot of finesse to go low on this 479-yarder. If you have ever seen St. Andrews' famed Road Hole, this one will look familiar to you. An embankment on the left serves as the road at the Old Course, and a deep pot bunker guards the green for those trying to reach in two.
Myrtle Beach National, King’s North Course, No. 6: They don't call it “The Gambler” for nothing. This 568-yarder doglegs left around a lake … unless you opt to go for a shortcut fairway over the lake that can make or break your round. Taking the safer route also has its hazards, including three frontside bunkers that guard the green.
Pearl West, No. 14: If you think you can grip it and rip it on this 614-yard tract, do so at your own peril. Designer Dan Maples put a damper on the strategy by placing a big tree in the middle of the fairway's midpoint, and a waste bunker and large pond stand between you and the green.
TPC Myrtle Beach, No. 18: This Tom Fazio design also doubles as one of the best finishing holes on the Strand. Measuring 538 yards from the back tees, the fairway features a tidal creek crossing that can gobble up poorly placed tee shots. The green is protected by a pond on the left and greenside bunkers to the right, so at least you get to pick your poison.
True Blue, No. 1: This former rice plantation in Pawleys Island wastes little time in getting your attention. This 624-yarder requires a lot of power and features a sharp dogleg to a green guarded by waste areas and water. Be sure to warm up because the first test can make or break your day.
Wicked Stick, No. 11: Long-driver John Daly designed this 614-yarder that allows heavy hitters to rip it and grip it. The links-style layout is relatively hazard-free so you can show off your long ball and go for the green. Celebrate an eagle in true Daly fashion at Long John’s Pub after tour round.