South Carolina’s Hidden Gems – Hole No. 5: The 14th hole at Grande Dunes

by Bob Swezey, PGA
Executive Vice President of Championship Golf

It's a great honor for Grande Dunes to be included in this year's "Dream 18 of South Carolina: Hidden Gems" though our contribution to the list isn't as "hidden" as it is a gem.

Our 14th hole is a par three that offers a great test of skill, an elevation change that's rare on coastal courses in this part of the country and a view of the Intercoastal Waterway that you'll remember a long time after your round of golf is complete.

First of all, navigating this hole is going to take a skillful tee shot. The green is long and narrow and gently fades away from the tee box. Depending on the pin location, you could have a three club difference just from yardage alone. Add to that, there's almost always a breeze to contend with. It might be gentle, it might be strong. But it's going to make a difference in the club you choose. And then we can add the 25 to 30 foot drop from the tee box to the green. Even the best players that come through have a challenge in picking the right club. From the back tees, I've seen 9-iron hit. I've also seen 3-woods and hybrids. Feeling confident in that club yet?

And I've often heard people say that golf is a game of misses. Our 14th hole doesn't really offer you too much of that luxury. If you miss slightly right, you're in a bunker. Miss any more than that to the right, you're going back into your pocket for another ball. And missing left may offer a bailout, but makes par a tough bar to reach. And with the length of the green, even finding the putting surface means you might have a lengthy challenge ahead.

But don't let me paint a grim picture. Because it's exactly the opposite. You'll enjoy the hole because it's a great challenge. You'll love this hole because it's beautiful and memorable. The abundant wildlife, greenery and boats that always serve as a gallery to your game also provide the perfect backdrop for the kind of scene you want in every golf picture/memory you take. We here at Grand Dunes always encourage our guests to be respectful and keep up a healthy pace of play, but when we come out to the 14th hole and see groups posing for a picture or two on the tee box - well, we understand.

We invite all golfers to come visit our highly-lauded and multiple awards-winning resort here at Grand Dunes. Myrtle Beach is often referred to as "The Golf Capital of the World." We proudly note that our course stands out among a host of great courses for its layout, views, conditions and service. We are confident you'll agree. We believe we have 18 spectacular holes for you to enjoy as part of our Resort course here at Grand Dunes. But you'll certainly take a special feeling, and hopefully a good score, away from the 14th.