Title: The PineHills Course at Myrtlewood: A Modern Twist on a Classic Design
Nestled in the heart of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, graces the PineHills Course at Myrtlewood – a modern gem encrusted in the traditional brilliance of the classic designs. This legendary course, originally known as The Pines, was remodeled by Arthur Hills, one of the most revered and accomplished course architects, to bring to life what we now proudly herald as ‘The PineHills Course.’
The reinvented PineHills Course is a scenic marvel spanning 6,640 yards across a beautifully manicured verdant landscape punctuated by looming towering pines, magnolias, mimosas, and Carolina Pines. The course is a par-72 plan with an impressive rating of 72.7 and a slope rating of 128 on Bermuda grass, establishing it as a unique destination for experienced golfers and novices alike.
It wasn’t always this modern playground though. In the 1960s, The Pines was an acclaimed 18-hole championship course featuring lengthy tree-lined fairways. As golf evolved, the necessity to update the course became evident. That’s when Hills, known as the ‘minimalist’ in golf architecture, came to honor the course’s rich heritage by revamping it into the PineHills Course in the mid-1990s.
Hills’ signature design tact is visible throughout the course: he skillfully integrated the classic elements with modern precisions, thereby enriching the old forestry layout with sleek, strategically placed water hazards and bunkers. The course’s shot values were also notably enhanced while the fairways were streamlined for increased accessibility and challenge.
PineHills Course’s standout feature is perhaps the unmatched diversity each of its eighteen holes offers. No two holes are similar, ensuring the golfer’s expertise is properly challenged and their game is continuously interesting. The holes range from short par-threes to long par-fives, each uniquely contoured and ranging in complexity to ensure a varied play.
The elegant 10th hole, a long par-five with a dogleg layout to the right, is frequently cited as a pivotal moment in the game. Offering a tough challenge for even professional golfers with a long-iron or fairway-wood approach to a well-bunkered green, it demands a calculated approach and accurate execution.
Moreover, the meticulously maintained greens at PineHills Course, reputed as some of the best along the Grand Strand, boast of a consistently smooth, fast-paced roll. Unpredictable moisture levels, a result of the Myrtle Beach region’s fluctuating humidity, add an additional layer of complexity to the golfing experience.
The craftsmanship goes beyond the course and extends to the overall experience. PineHills Course provides a fully-equipped pro shop stocked with premium golf gear and apparel for players’ convenience. A top-tier practice area, inclusive of a stunning driving range, putting greens, and chipping zones, is also available for sharpening your skills before the game.
To fuel your day, the lavish clubhouse also houses a delightful diner offering a variety of delectable locally inspired meals and refreshing beverages. Post a vibrant game, golfers often unwind overlooking the picturesque course while enjoying their favorite drinks.
Long hailed as the friendliest course in Myrtle Beach, PineHills goes a step further. The warm, professional staff ensures every golfer’s experience is pleasant and memorable, maintaining the highest standards of hospitality.
In conclusion, the PineHills Course at Myrtlewood is where the traditional and contemporary converge in a striking symphony, making it a dream landscape for golf lovers. From its rich history to its innovative design, this meticulously crafted course embodies Arthur Hill’s ethos: “We want to make the game enjoyable, so we try to keep our courses playable and fun.”
PineHills resonates with golfers who value a refreshing modernity rooted in a nostalgic classic charm. The course’s transformation beautifully illustrates how, with a creative vision, a classic design morphs into a modern masterpiece – thereby creating a dynamic golfing experience in the heart of Myrtle Beach.