Golf in the Carolina Lowcountry embodied in just one hole
Jack Nicklaus flexes his incredible imagination for golf course design at Pawleys Plantation, a visually stunning Lowcountry gem clothed in oak canopies and picturesque marsh views. Even more, Pawleys Plantation takes these marvelous views and lets you experience them up close and personal – just like on No. 16, an iconic hole you won’t soon forget after visiting Myrtle Beach this spring with MBGolf.com.
No. 16 is a par 4 measuring 444 yards from the back tees. The tee shot plays around a long dogleg to the left, forcing players to hit it a good way or else be blocked out from reaching the green with their second shot by dense forestry. Once successfully out and around the bend, players will be faced with a mid- to long-iron into a green that is large enough to receive shots from a distance.
Doesn’t sound all that challenging, right? Well, here comes the fun part.
Natural marshland runs down the right side of the hole from about 120 yards in around to the back of the green, meaning you can’t miss right or long without being in serious danger. In addition, an exceptionally large sand bunker (a key trait of Nicklaus-designed courses) runs parallel to the marsh, separating it from the putting surface (more danger). There also are bunkers protecting the green to the left (so much danger!).
Add this all up and what do you get? One of the more daunting approach shots you will face anywhere on the Grand Strand, with nowhere to bail out and only one option: to face the marsh and hit a great shot to the center of the green. Once there, a difficult, undulating putt awaits.
On No. 16 at Pawleys Plantation, Nicklaus begs golfers of all skill levels to rise up and play their best, so you will need to bring your A game if you are to conquer this hole: a beautiful, challenging, perfect encapsulation of what defines golf on the Carolina coast.
