Experience Heathland: Golfing in Scenic Splendor
One of the crown jewels of the Myrtle Beach golfing scene is the breathtaking Heathland golf course. Designed by renowned golf architect Tom Doak, known for his minimalist style, the Heathland course pays homage to the classic British Isles links. Doak’s penchant for ‘lay of the land’ design is evident within every fairway, bunker and green. The course is a part of the esteemed Legends Golf Resort network, which offers five premier golf courses in the Myrtle Beach area.
The Course Layout: Celebrating the Spirit of Old Links
Spread out over rolling hills, the layout pays tribute to some of the notable courses in the United Kingdom such as St. Andrews, and Lahinch. Though it mirrors the look and feel of a traditional Scottish links course, Heathland stands out on its own merit, offering challenging and stimulating rounds of golf for players of all skill levels. Unlike typical American golf courses, there are almost no trees to block the view or the path of your shot.
The course measures from 4,654 to 6,800 yards, providing a moderate length for a par 71. It features open, sweeping fairways, deep-faced pot bunkers, and large, undulating greens that are typically fast and firm. The first tee shot is a slight dogleg right with a bunker on the right side of the fairway to guard against an aggressive drive. Heathland’s iconic par 3, 175-yard 17th hole, demands a precise shot to a narrow, two-tiered green surrounded by deep bunkers.
Signature Elements: The Heathland’s Challenge and Beauty
At Heathland, the ever-present winds off the Atlantic add an additional layer of challenge to the game. It stirs the long fescue grasses in the rough, heightens the drama, and increases the difficulty, especially for those long par five holes.
The 6th hole, a par five bending right, and the 16th hole, a long par four, are frequently cited by players as two of the course’s toughest holes. Both require precise long shots and careful strategy.
What adds to the Heathland experience is that every hole poses a new challenge, calling upon your full arsenal of shots. Holes often also present various routes to the green, allowing golfer to devise their own strategic approach.
Embracing the Natural
Heathland artfully weaves the inherent beauty of the Myrtle Beach landscape into its design. Golfers are treated to the grandeur of the natural wetlands, indigenous wildlife, and vibrant native vegetation. The course is nestled in the heart of Myrtle Beach, but once you’re on the course, you’ll feel a world away from the bustle—it’s a real oasis of tranquility.
Renowned Golf Conditioning and Service
Heathland’s esteemed reputation not only lies in its challenging layout and beautiful backdrop. Equal praise is deserved for the course’s stellar conditioning and exceptional customer service. Greens are consistently well-maintained, fairways are in fantastic shape, and each round is enhanced by a professional and friendly staff.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a fan of traditional British course designs or just a devotee of great golf, Heathland is an unforgettable experience. Rolling fairways, pot bunkers, large undulating greens and expanses of native grassland combine to create a stunning visual effect.
In channelling the classic feel of a Scottish links course, with the trademark breezy conditions and strategic bunkering, Heathland presents an engaging blend of the old world and the new. Its beautifully maintained condition, combined with its challenging but fair design, makes this course a must-play for every Myrtle Beach visitor.
As a golf course, Heathland asserts its unique personality —one crafted not only by its designer but also shaped by the elements, beckoning golfers to a challenge cast by nature and time. The course’s embodiment of the spirit of the game is palpable, making each round not just a game, but a journey through golfing history and tradition.
So, tee it up at Heathland and enjoy what many golfers, Myrtle Beach native or visitor, argue to be one of the best courses on the Grand Strand. With the salt air in your lungs and the whisper of the ocean breeze in your ears, you are sure to fall in love with this golfing masterpiece.