South Carolina Golf: Hidden Gems - Hole 2

Man O' War Golf Course is a special place, and I'm not saying that as the Director of Golf, I'm saying that as someone who loves golf.  Our layout, conditioning, level of service and aesthetic views make this as fine a golf destination as you will find in all of South Carolina.  And don't just take my word for it, ask any of the hundreds of golfers that visit us on a given week. 

I often go out and talk to golfers as they return after their rounds to verify we met their lofty expectations. Almost always, they will talk about holes no. 14 and no. 15 - back to back island greens (on a par four than a par three) and the scenery and challenge they provide. Many people remember this stretch first. But when you ask a little more, you see them really light up when talking about hole no. 9.  It's my favorite hole on the course and it's definitely our "Hidden Gem."

Our ninth hole is a fantastic par four that has both an island fairway and an island green. It is a beauty and it is a beast.  Measuring 433 yards from the tips, with a prevailing wind almost always in your face (we're about eight miles from the coast), it is one of the defining holes in all of Myrtle Beach.

When you tee off, the left side of the fairway seems most appealing, it will shorten the hole for you.  But you'll also notice two deep fairway bunkers protecting that left side. I can tell you now, if you find either bunker, finding the green in regulation will be nearly impossible. Once you find the short grass, you still have a tough shot to find the putting surface, often a long iron or fairway wood and there's a bunker to avoid on your approach as well. And even though the green is huge (46 yards from front to back!), the strong undulations and perfectly conditioned greens mean that finding the wrong area of the green could mean a tough time even two or three-putting.

To be fair, there is plenty of room on all of your shots. The water can come into play on any shot, but the hole actually offers a generous amount of land for your tee shot, around the green and as mentioned, on the green itself. It is more visually intimidating than anything else. Bogeys are easy, pars are great and yes, I've seen a few "others" carded here too.

But even more than the stern test that the hole offers, this is probably our most popular hole for photos. If there is a better-looking hole in The Palmetto State, well, I haven't seen it. I'm looking forward to the unveiling of all 18 "Hidden Gems" of South Carolina. We're honored to be on the list. Come visit us here at Man O'War Golf Club and let us know if you agree.