The Hidden Gems of South Carolina - Hole no. 1

It was an honor to be included in last year's "Dream 18 of South Carolina" when hole no. 13 at Arcadian Shores Golf Club was featured. That is certainly the most celebrated hole on the course, but surprisingly, it's not always our guests' favorite. So when we heard there would be a "Hidden Gems of South Carolina" feature, we knew we had the perfect hole for that as well.

Hole no. 2 here at Arcadian Shores is everything a hidden gem should be. It's beautiful, it's challenging, and it's memorable. This picturesque par three has been honored as one of the best holes not only along the Grand Strand and in South Carolina, but also along the entire Southeast coast.

What makes this hole unique is its five different tee boxes. So picking your poison affects not only the length of your tee shot, but also the angle of your approach. Measuring anywhere from 114 yards to 201 yards, and with angles from right of the green, straight on and all the way around to left of the green, hole no. two requires a good bit of thought and proper club selection before placing your tee in the ground.

The deep, narrow green is surrounded by water on three sides and a bunker and mounding on the left. Miss it short, long or right and you'll be pulling another ball out of your bag. Miss it left and you'll face a very tricky sand shot to a green sloping away from you. Many a golf ball has found the water after a less-than-precise shot from that bunker.

As with any risk/reward hole, this hole doles out quite a few big numbers for those who are more brazen than they should be with their tee shot. But it also yields the occasional birdie for smart and skilled golfers (or lucky ones!).

Arcadian Shores is a truly classic Rees Jones layout, and we are proud that all 18 holes make up an outstanding golf experience. However, as many experts have noted before, hole no. 2 is a special experience in itself.

You may experience the whole gamut of emotions, from excitement, anger, frustration or relief when you play this hole. But you will also walk off the green knowing that you have just finished one of the best holes that the Palmetto State has to offer.