Myrtle Beach Golf News

You’ve got to know when to hold’em,
Know when to fold’em,
Know when to walk away
And know when to run

- The Gambler

The passage from the famed Kenny Rogers song hangs on a sign at the sixth tee box on King’s North at Myrtle Beach National, welcoming players to the most exhilarating hole on the Myrtle Beach golf scene.

The par 5, known to all who have played the course as The Gambler, is synonymous with the Arnold Palmer designed gem. The alternate, island fairway allows daring players the opportunity to reach the green in two, provided they have the requisite skill and a gambler’s propensity for risk.

It’s a hole that is at once gorgeous, sweat-inducing and unforgettable. It’s King’s North packed into 568 yards.

King’s North underwent a comprehensive redesign in 1996, complete with new greens, routing changes and the magic touch of Palmer. Out of the renovation emerged a signature Myrtle Beach golf course that has been a frequent member of Golf Digest’s list of America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses.

The beauty of the course lies in its variety. King’s North offers risk-reward choices throughout the round, giving players the opportunity to cut a corner in pursuit of a birdie or something rarer than a royal straight flush, an eagle.

Holes three, five and six each present a choice off the tee that allows players to considerably shorten the hole. Play bold and the chances of a birdie (or double bogey) are greatly enhanced.

Beyond strategic decision making, what distinguishes King’s North is the strength and memorability of the layout throughout the round. Three of the first six holes rank among the course’s best, according to head pro Michael Burnside, but the quality never relents.

The 12th hole, an island green, par 3 with a pair of bunkers in the shape of SC, and no. 18, with 40+ bunkers flanking the left side of the fairway, don’t rank far behind The Gambler in popularity for Myrtle Beach golfers.

With seven sets of tees, including three between 5,662 and 6,481 yards, the course is imminently playable, a fact that enhances its appeal. The fairways are generous and shouldn’t result in many lost balls.

King’s North is a second shot course. Whether players are going over water or sand, the approach to large undulating greens requires thought and precision. Being on the wrong side of one of the layout’s bentgrass greens can result in a difficult two-putt, but there are opportunities to score. 

Palmer provided birdie chances on the first and 10th holes, both reachable par 5s. It’s advisable to take advantage of those holes, because the remaining par 5s are substantially more difficult.

Everyone knows about The Gambler, but the 567-yard 15th hole is the course’s hardest. With water on the right and sand on the left, keeping the ball in the fairway is imperative. Players that arrive at the 16th tee with a bogey or better are setup for a strong finish.

“You get to every hole and you are like, ‘Wow,’” Burnside said of reaction to the course. “It’s not only visually beautiful off the tee but you have to think … (King’s North) keeps people coming back.”

The Verdict: King’s North always deals golfers a straight flush. The visuals are memorable, the layout is outstanding, and the challenge is diverse. The course is rightly regarded as one of the best on the Myrtle Beach golf scene, and if it’s on your next golf trip itinerary, good times await. There is no gamble in playing King’s North, because a great experience is assured.

Have you played King's North, and, if so, how did you fare on The Gambler?