Eagle Nest Golf Club
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Reviewed: 12/27/2009
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (December 27, 2009) The billboard states, 3 Toughest Finishing Holes on the Strand. In 1971 that was true. After 38 years that's probably still quite true, but Eagle Nest Golf Club is so much more. From start to finish this course is a Myrtle Beach classic and a favorite of all golfers that experience its natural charm.
When PGA Professional Kent Chismar was asked to tell a little about his course, he immediately referred to the renovations that took place two years ago. We added the MiniVerde Bermudagrass greens and are really pleased with them. Even on a cool wet December afternoon, these greens with even a slight over seeding looked and putted true.
Both Chismar and outside operations manager, Darby Decker, are quick to point out that Eagle Nest Golf Club is a good old style golf course. The course has tree lined, but wide fairways, Decker stated. The course is suitable for a full mix of players. The men�s tees are challenging, seniors like the layout, women like no distant carries over water and we're proud to host the North Myrtle Beach High School women's golf team, added Chismar.
A modest clubhouse offers signature apparel and last minute playing needs, while the snack bar provides what's necessary to fill your hunger needs. Take advantage of the driving range to get into your swing rhythm and allow some time on the putting green to get the feel of the MiniVerde Bermudagrass.
The holes are fair and take advantage of the natural beauty of the area, while the subtle doglegs add character to the Gene Hamm designed layout. This scenic venue plays 6901 yards from the Blue Tees, 6417 from the White Tees, 5594 from the Gold Tees and 5105 from the Red Tees.
The Par 3s are manageable with only signature hole Number 18 requiring a carry over water. The Par 4s provide an interesting mix of length and shot making. Four of the seven Par 4s that exceed 380 yards from the blue tees are on the back nine. Ironically, that trend reverses from the white tees with the Par 4s having more length on the front nine. Even the low handicappers going from the tips will find the Par 5s challenging and usually three shot holes.
One of the Par 5s, Number 5, presents just such a challenge. A well-placed drive into a dogleg right is critical to success. Your second shot needs to find a narrowing landing area of 100-130 yards short of the green to avoid water that crosses the fairway and protects the green. Although three sand bunkers surround the green, go for the pin since the green slopes slightly towards you.
The 2-handicap Par 4 Number 8 is a great golf hole. A dogleg left with water on the left challenges the golfer to take as much of the turn as they dare. This is a classic risk/reward hole with a bold, well placed drive significantly lowering the distance. The second shot requires placement to a raised green with water on the right and a sand bunker protecting the front right of the green. Par is a great score on this hole and a bogey is very acceptable for the average golfer.
After a rather straightforward first few holes, the back nine is slightly more challenging. While, the finishing three holes do live up to their claim as the �3 toughest finishing holes on the Strand.�
The number 1 handicap, Par 4 Number 16 is one of the best holes you�ll ever play. It�s long at 449 yards from the Blue Tees and for the everyday golfer will probably be a three shot hole from the White Tees. A drive in the fairway is necessary, but it's a pretty wide fairway so go ahead and rip one. Now, most will face a decision to blast another one over water through a narrow opening, or lay-up and take a short iron into the green.
The Par 5 Number 17 has everything � plenty of length and plenty of hazards. A long tee ball will find you somewhere around 200-yards to a water hazard that crosses the fairway. You've hit two solid shots and still have 150-160 yards over that water down to a green that�s protected by sand bunkers.
The signature hole at Eagle Nest Golf Club is the Par 3 finishing hole. You'll carry a water hazard into a green that�s well protected both front, back and sides by sand bunkers. Take some time and make sure of your club selection.
Eagle Nest Golf Club is a fair course with some fun challenges, but also provides an excellent example of the natural scenic beauty that is the South Carolina coastal area. This is a great venue to begin your golf trip, or to just grab a round on your family summer vacation. Either way you come to play, take time to enjoy this Myrtle Beach classic.
