Guests at the Paradise Resort in Myrtle Beach looking for their own slice of paradise on the golf course have plenty of options that are within a short distance of the property.
Whispering Pines Golf Club, Myrtle Beach's only municipal golf course, is located just across Kings Highway from Paradise Resort, and the Midway Par-3, which also features a driving range and a practice putting green, is just a few blocks away down Ocean Boulevard.
But if you're looking to get away for a day of challenging, championship-caliber golf in a beautiful setting, Prestwick Country Club is a great place to put your game to the test while enjoying the scenic environment. Patrons receive the royal treatment from a friendly and attentive staff, which also scores high marks for maintaining the layout.
Renowned architects Pete and P.B. Dye moved more than 1 million cubic yards of earth in the construction of Prestwick, creating a course that is visually appealing but has a high degree of difficulty. The Dyes designed the course to conform to the natural contours of the property, yielding a unique golf experience for those who can get a tee time. Prestwick is a semi-private club, setting aside a limited number of rounds for public play.
Prestwick measures a monstrous 7,100 yards from the championship tees to the greens that requires finesse as well as force. Prestwick offers five different sets of tees to accommodate shorter hitters. The fairways are open, but the temptation to grip it and rip it is tempered by small fingerlakes that serve as natural water hazards and the liberal use of mounding and staggered bunkers.
Prestwick received 4 1/2 of 5 stars from Golf Digest's “Places To Play” list and also made its “Top 5 Best-Kept Secrets” in Myrtle Beach lineup for its affordability and playability, but the secret is out. Dense pine and hardwood forests, untouched wetland and sandy waste areas are potential obstacles in reaching the bulkhead greens unscathed. Prestwick presents golfers of all skill levels with one test after another, forcing players to use every club in their bag to manage their way to a solid round and seize risk-reward opportunities when they arise.
Prestwick wastes little time putting golfers to the test, with the first five holes ranking among the toughest stretch. The course gives players the chance to make up some strokes through the middle holes, but then stiffens again as you hit the home stretch. The par-5 17th ranks as the hardest hole, although it also presents your last best birdie chance. The par-4 finishing hole leads to the palatial clubhouse, with a 19th hole overlooking the finishing holes and the adjoining lake. It’s a great place to end your day and relive your round with your foursome over a couple of cocktails – like a real-life golfers’ paradise.
Guests at Paradise Resort can let the courteous and knowledgeable staff book your tee times at Prestwick, which is located on Highway 544 between Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach. Special golf packages are available for discounted room rates and greens fees.
(posted 8/18/14)
(Photo courtesy: Worldgolf.com)
