FEATURE STORY

Myrtle Beach has golf courses women will adore from tee to green

By S. Adam Cardais,
Staff Writer

In parts of the Southeast, young girls still aren't finding their way to golf in the same numbers as young boys, even at a time when women are being described as the sport's fastest growing market.

There are many reason for this, including a shortage of female role models, according to a recent story in the News & Record, a paper in Greensboro, N.C. But there are signs that the rise of young LPGA stars such Michelle Wie will bring more girls to the game.

It's not a huge leap to determine, therefore, that courses will have to make more of an effort to accommodate women. That means paying attention to length, forced carries and service.

Myrtle Beach has more than 100 golf courses, some of which, such as King's North, have earned a reputation as great tracks for women. Here are few others to check out on the Grand Strand.

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King's North at Myrtle Beach National: This track has been recognized as one of the 100 best for women in America by Golf for Women Magazine. At 4,816 yards from the forward tees, it might be a little longer than some ladies prefer but is still manageable.

King's North is also one of the most sought after courses in Myrtle Beach, with the par-three third hole one of the most recognized on the Grand Strand.

Willbrook Plantation: Another at Myrtle Beach National, this course measure 4,963 yards from the forward tees. It has also gotten mention in Golf for Women Magazine.

Willbrook Plantation is one of the most serene, scenic courses in Myrtle Beach.

"It's a beautiful setting, set in the marshy Waccamaw River basin, among giant, spreading oaks, pampass grass and the marsh, with a few weeping willows tossed in," Tim McDonald wrote in a review for MyrtleBeachGolf.com.

Women find the course, designed by Dan Maples, especially fun to play because of the open approaches.

The Palmetto Course at Myrtlewood Golf Club: This course is known for its great service and extreme playability, which makes up for its shortcomings in the aesthetics department. It is light on water, has very little rough and measure 4,906 yards from the forward tees.

This has made it one of the most trafficked courses in Myrtle Beach, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

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"For all the rounds it sees on a regular packed-in basis, Palmetto is in surprisingly good shape," Chris Baldwin wrote in a review for MyrtleBeachGolf.com. "It's not as green as you might like, but it's extremely playable."

Sea Trail Plantation, Byrd course: This is one of three courses at Sea Trail Plantation and also the shortest from the forward tees at 4,717 yards. It has a few short water carries and narrow fairways that leave little room for error, but the Byrd course is considered women friendly.

Water does, however, come in play frequently, which lends the course much of its visual appeal.

"[W]ater gives the course its aesthetics: After you get out of the huge parking lot that fronts the clubhouse serving the Byrd and Jones courses, you'll find a course that at times is downright beautiful," McDonald wrote in a review.

November 3, 2006

Any opinions expressed above are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the management. The information in this story was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the golf course or resort before making reservations and/or travel plans.