Glen Dornoch Golf Links February 2016 Update
Ben Acre, Head Golf Professional, gives the Glen Dornoch Golf Links February 2016 Update. Host of Tee It UP Grand Strand, Shan Coughlin, joins him on the course for some great views and a bit of reminiscing as this was the first course Shan worked at in the Myrtle Beach area and where she met her husband.
Glen Dornoch Golf Links is located in Little River South Carolina, just north or Myrtle Beach proper and the last quaint fishing town before the North Carolina state line. This course is part of the Glens Golf Group which includes Heather Glen, located just across the street, Possum Trot just 5 miles south on Highway 17 in North Myrtle Beach, and Shaftesbury Glen in Conway SC, just 20 minutes inland. Together, these four courses, all distinctly different in design but equal in quality and service, offer great packages, programs and specials. Visit their website, www.glensgolfgroup.com for information on stay and play including the Villas at the Glens, golf only and the very popular Friends of the Glens program.
Ben and Shan are standing near the 17th tee, overlooking the 16th fairway. Glen Dornoch’s last three holes on the front nine and back nine are some of the most scenic and most challenging holes on the Grand Strand. Ben says this is what gives Glen Dornoch its distinct character with the salt marsh, intercoastal waterway, a railroad tie wall and the Strand’s only double green.
Number 16 is a little par four by yardage, but not little in stature. More intimidating in view than in yardage, it requires an accurate tee shot to top of the hill in the fairway. Too far and right and you are in the woods. Too far down the middle and you are down hill in the salt march, beautiful to look at but costly if entered. The second shot is mostly carry over the marsh unless you bail out to the left. Your approach is to a thin kidney shaped green with the marsh in play in front and around the back. Landing on the green here is a confidence boost you’ll want going in to number 17.
Number 17 is a gorgeous but tough little par 3 with the waterway in the background and a railroad tie wall to the right. This large green gives a good target but too long or left puts you in the marsh. Too far right and your ball with ricochet off the side of the hill which is shored up by railroad ties. Many a ball has bounce off this into the marsh but more than one has bounce right up close to the hole.
Number 18 is a par four that can be played two different ways. A big hitter can carry the march to a fairway lined on the left by the intercoastal waterway. A shorter hitter can carry the thin marsh line to the right but then has a longer shot into the green. The approach shot brings you to a large shared green so be sure which flag you are hitting to. Strategically placed bunkers offer an additional challenge, but the biggest might be keeping your eyes on the ball instead of sneaking a peak at the boats and fun being had on the waterway.
Once you are through, enjoy the portico that spans the length of the clubhouse giving views of that shared green between 9 and 18 as well as the water crafts going up and down the waterway. It is a relaxing way to end a great experience at one of the great courses in the Glens Golf Group.