Myrtle Beach Golf News

There are more than 100 Myrtle Beach golf courses but none comes close to matching the rousing start provided by Waterway Hills Golf Club, a facility players don’t forget.

A 27-hole Robert Trent Jones design, Waterway Hills Golf Club has what might be the most unique entrance in the nation. At Waterway Hills, golf bags don’t arrive at the clubhouse in a car, they come via aerial tram. The parking lot is located along the east side of the Intracoastal Waterway, while the clubhouse and course are on the west side.

Players take the tram, rising more than 100 feet above the Intracoastal, across the waterway. The ride offers a stunning (and beautiful) start to a round of golf. The tram ride lasts less than two minutes and drops players off at a clubhouse overlooking the waterway. (In case you were wondering, the tram is enclosed, protecting players from the elements and the ride across is enjoyable)

When the tram reaches the clubhouse, attention immediately turns to golf. The three nines at Waterway Hills – Oaks, Lakes and Ravine – all showcase the architectural splendor that Trent Jones is renowned for.

Robert Trent Jones fans will recognize the large bunkers, tree-lined fairways and undulated greens. For players who haven’t played a course designed by one of golf’s most famed architects, Waterway Hills serves as a great introduction to the virtues of a traditionally designed golf course.

A four-star facility, according to Golf Digest, Waterway Hills doesn’t require great length off the tee for success. The longest of the three nines is the Oaks, which measures 3,271 yards from the tips, and there is only one par 4 that stretches more than 400 yards.

Don’t associate a lack of length with a lack of challenge. Waterway Hills is a player-friendly course, but it requires accuracy off the tee, and its greens, which are typically in superb condition, are fast.

The recipe for success at Waterway Hills includes a large portion of good course management. Players that can hit the ball long and straight will love the layout because there is ample opportunity to pound the driver. But the reality is most of us don’t hit it long and straight.

If you struggle to keep the driver in the short grass, don’t mindlessly walk to every tee and pull it out. Hit the 3-wood or a hybrid, something that will end up in the fairway, and enjoy the benefits of a good angle of approach to the green.

“You are better off not hitting driver on every hole and managing your way around the course,” head pro Dick LeSieur said.

From an architectural perspective, there isn’t a great deal of difference between the Oaks, Lakes and Ravine nines. All three provide players with a good and exceedingly fair test of golf. (Checkout the 3 best holes on each 9)

Visually, the first hole on the Oaks and Ravine nines offer the appeal of playing along the Intracoastal. The view is particularly dramatic on the Ravine, where the waterway is visible from tee to green (quick tip: don’t slice the ball on that hole!).

The Lakes course doesn’t play along the Intracoastal but it’s, arguably, the most scenic of the nines. A couple large lakes framed by area’s native hardwoods help create a visually pleasing nine holes.

All three nines feature the large bunkers that RTJ is famous for.

The combination of the holes along the Intracoastal, the tram ride and RTJ’s design work have long made Waterway Hills one of the most popular Myrtle Beach golf courses among locals and visitors alike.

The Verdict: The trip on the tram to begin and end each round guarantees that players don’t forget Waterway Hills Golf Club. But the facility offers much more than a memorable ride. Waterway Hills is a good, traditional design, and there is a premium placed on course conditions and customer service.

If quality golf, value and memorability are high on your list of priorities, Waterway Hills Golf Club is a good fit for your next Myrtle Beach golf trip.