Patrick Wilkinson joins host Shan Coughlin on this edition of Tee It Up Grand Strand ( TIUGS ) for the Black Bear March Update. This is Black Bear Golf Club’s first introduction to TheGolfDirector.com’s listeners and views so Patrick, the Head Golf Professional there for the past 15 years, shares some of the history behind the course and what sets Black Bear apart.
Black Bear is located in Longs, South Carolina, just a short drive from the central Myrtle Beach area. With scenic topography, a friendly design for all skill levels, Champion Bermuda grass greens, and service centered professional staff , Black Bear has everything it takes for an outstanding golf outing. The property itself is uniquely situated on one of the most scenic tracts of land in the region. It is one of the only courses left without a housing development or other distractions on the course. This Tom Jackson course layout weaves itself among a series of 23 natural finger lakes. While that may seem like a lot of water, the hazards are set well off the fairway and the course has only two forced carries. There are also four sets of tees to choose from. This par 72 – 18 hole course is 6787 yards from the tips with a rating of 72.9 and slope of 137. From the next tees in, it is a manageable 6181 yards with a rating of 69.9 and slope of 127. Patrick says that it is also one of the only courses in the area where you will use every club in your bag. You can find additional information on the course by checking out their website at www.playblackbeargc.com.
Patrick shares that his favorite hole is #18 because it is a 533 yard long par 5 risk – reward hole. From the tee box, the golfer is looking slightly uphill and only sees the flag on the right where the water starts. Anything to the right of the tee will catch that water. From 195 yards in, it is all carry if you want to go for the green but the safe way is to play the left. That leaves the third shot as a 90 degree turn back to the right towards the green. Patrick says he goes for it and is at about a 60% success rate. He also coaches a high school team and takes his boys out there so he can’t not go for it and take the abuse they would dish out.
Also check out Black Bear Golf Club as part of the Platinum Golf Membership where you receive plenty of member perks including a 5th round free. Receive preferred rates at great courses like Black Bear, member outings, and a $100 when you sign up that can be used at any of the golf courses and now at the PGA Tour Superstores.
To hear Patrick’s full interview, click on the player above or download it to your smart device for listen on demand. Thank you for interacting with TheGolfDirector.com and this edition of Tee IT Up Grand Strand and the Black Bear March Update produced and broadcast by the Zeus Radio Network.
