MYRTLE BEACH GOLF GETAWAYS

Known as the "Golf Capitol" of the world, few would argue that the Myrtle Beach area has earned that unofficial title. The Grand Strand area now has over 100 golf courses to offer to golfers of all levels. 

Probably the biggest obstacle confronting the visiting golfer is deciding where to play. The choices are many and quite varied and most courses offer enough variety to satisfy and challenge the novice to scratch golfer. We checked out several of the better courses in the area and found two gems that Golfer's Dream Magazine feels will appeal to all golfers. Access, conditioning and rates were our prime factors. Include these two courses in your next trip and you can't go wrong.

Highway 17, North Myrtle Beach, SC  29582, P.O. Box 746, (843) 249-1449 / (800) 543-3113,  E-mail: eaglenestgolf@worldnet.att.net , Web Site at http://www.golf-eagle.com/ 

This is one of the most popular courses in Myrtle Beach. And it quickly becomes apparent why. Carved around sparkling lakes and Carolina pines it offers a great golfing experience that one would expect from a quality resort course. The appeal of the course increases from the dramatic views of Cypress trees that grow in the ponds and the Willow trees that line the banks. Architect Gene Hamm did a great job designing this layout.

The course begins easy with holes 1-4. Not overly challenging but interesting, they allow you to get warmed up without destroying your score. As the holes become more difficult they also seem to become more attractive. This is a course you will remember for a long time and one that you will want to visit again and again!

A few of the more spectacular holes are the 16th and 18th. The 16th is the number one handicap hole. A 416 yard par four that gives you an option. You can either hit your second shot into the water that cuts into the fairway from the left or you can avoid the pond and fly it out-of-bounds on the right. Or you can thread the needle to the well-guarded, undulating green. The photo above is the aerial and approach views of the 16th hole.

The 18th is only 164 yards but don't let the short distance fool you. From tee to green it is all water and it is well guarded by four large traps that surround the green. The photo to the left is an aerial view of the 18th hole. 

Eagle Nest Score Card 

Front Nine

Back Nine

Eagle Nest Rates

• Riding Carts $20.00 (Walking available in the afternoon)

Highway 17 Bypass at 48th Avenue North / Myrtle Beach, South Carolina / P.O. Box 2095, 29578-2095. (Voice) 843-449-5134 (FAX) 843-449-0213 / Tee Times: 1-800-283-3633   E-mail: keith.stanzel@burroughs-chapin.com , Web Site at http://www.myrtlewoodgolf.com/  

The Palmetto Course has been a Myrtle Beach favorite for over 20 years. Dramatic views on a challenging layout, it skirts the scenic Intracoastal Waterway, leaving the golfer with a memorable experience.

In 1997 the Palmetto Course was chosen by Links Magazine as one of the Top 30 courses on the Grand Strand. It is also included among South Carolina's Top 40 courses. 

Golfer's Dream Magazine could not dispute the ratings. This was one of the nicest courses we played in 1999. From the 1st tee to the 18th hole we found the course to be challenging and beautiful. The conditions of the fairways and greens were better-than-average for this area. You won't go wrong including the Palmetto Course on your itinerary and you will not soon forget the experience. You may also want to play the PineHills Course (sister course to Palmetto). It was recently ranked in the Top Ten in the Grand Strand area by Golf Digest.

The 17th hole at Palmetto pictured above is a spectacular par-3 which includes the Intracoastal Waterway as a backdrop. It plays 179 yards from the Blue tees and is guarded by water in front and two large bunkers. Walk away with a par and you've done a good job.

The 18th hole is a spectacular finishing hole. It is a long par-4 that plays to 468 yards from the Blue Tees and is the number 4 rated hole on the course. From tee to green you'll find water to your left and you are left with a long second shot to a well-guarded green. This monster is one of the prettiest and challenging holes you will find in the Myrtle Beach area.

Palmetto Course Score Card 

Front Nine

Back Nine