The TPC, Myrtle Beach (Bob chime in, I know you were a member)

[JohnBarry]

Course Review: TPC-Myrtle Beach is a 5-Star Experience

By Chris King on May 4, 2010 8:09 AM | Comments (0) No. 18 at TPC is one of the best finishing holes on the Myrtle Beach golf scene.

 

When golfers hear the name TPC, it conjures up images of the PGA Tour and island greens. When players think of Myrtle Beach, great golf, good times and the ultimate buddy trip come to mind.

 

Given the strength of the respective brands, the marriage between one of golf's most respected group of courses and the game's most popular destination was a natural one. The TPC-Myrtle Beach opened in 1999, hosted the Senior PGA Tour Championship, and hasn't looked back.

 

The layout, designed by Tom Fazio and Lanny Wadkins, immediately took its place among the best Myrtle Beach golf courses, delivering a stout challenge and conditions, from the bag drop to the 19th hole, that provide traveling golfers with a glimpse of what life is like for Tour pros.

 

 

TPC's locker room is the area's nicest, the practice facility (which is open at all times to any Nationwide, Champions Tour or PGA Tour professional) is expansive, and the greens are fast. The TPC-Myrtle Beach even has caddy paths cut in, despite requiring a cart for resort play.

 

It all plays a part in delivering the TPC experience.

 

“(Golfers) want that feeling they aren't used to having,” course owner Chip Smith said. “For the most part we keep our greens a little firmer, a little faster than most people ... but (golfers) know they are experiencing a little more of what they see on TV.”

 

TPC-Myrtle Beach can rightfully say it gives players a little more of what they see on television because it has been there. Tom Watson won the Senior PGA Tour Championship when it was played at TPC-Myrtle Beach in 2000. The course also hosts one of the nation's best collegiate tournaments, the General Hackler Invitational, every spring.

 

If that weren't evidence enough, rising a PGA Tour star Dustin Johnson, a three-time winner on tour, calls the course home. He practices, plays and occasionally hangs out at TPC watching events he isn't playing in.

 

“It's a great golf course,” Johnson said. “It's always in great shape. The course is always manicured very nicely. It's a tough golf course. You hit every club in your bag. You've got to hit a lot of different shots. Any time you can challenge yourself, that's a good thing.”

 

TPC certainly challenge players. The greens, which have been in superb condition all spring, are often elevated and surrounded by bunkers. The aprons around the greens are shaved, creating a combination designed to test players, because the price for missing the green is often a trip to a bunker or a swale five feet below the putting surface.

 

The importance of hitting and holding the greens also places a premium on being good off the tee. The fairways at TPC are lined with pine trees but they are sufficiently generous, if you don't allow yourself to be psyched out. Don't step onto the tee and focus on the trees, concentrate on the ample landing space and get your drive in play.

 

TPC has four sets of tees between 6,183 and 6,950 yards, and while it's cliché to say make sure to play from the proper set, it's true. TPC is a great test of golf but it's important that the exam is taken from the proper set of tees. A person receiving his undergraduate degree doesn't sit for the bar exam and you shouldn't attempt the golf equivalent. If your handicap is above 15, play from the white tees (6,183 yards).

 

“TPC is an A-league golf course,” said Mike Meissner, a native of Waldorf, Md., moments before playing his third round at the course. “It's a beautiful layout, with very challenging holes. It's a fun challenge, a great golf course.”

 

 

Par 3s

The par 3s at TPC are among the area's best. They are challenging, yet not overwhelming. The longest of the par 3s plays 205 yards from the tips and no one other than Johnson should play the course from the black tees. Playing from the blues or whites, where all but the best should tee it up, length shouldn't be a problem.

 

The par 3s feature ample challenges and beauty. The fifth hole plays from an elevated tee that is wider than it is deep and has a lake that gobbles balls that fall short or stray left. The seventh hole, which plays 162 from the blues and 147 from the whites, is the easiest hole on the front nine. Sand on the left can cause problems but the opportunity to score is there.

 

The 13th requires a carry over water but isn't especially difficult. Conversely, TPC's signature hole, No. 17, brings water into play and is one of the course's most significant tests. The peninsula green has water on three sides, meaning the only place to miss is left. It's a beautiful hole and sets up a memorable finish on the 18th.

 

Par 4s

From the monster ninth hole to the drivable 12th, TPC's par 4s provide great variety and challenge.

Of the course's 10 par 4s, four of them play more than 400 yards from the blue tees, led by the 445-yard ninth hole.

 

The ninth plays uphill and trouble lurks everywhere. It's unquestionably the course's hardest hole. If you head to the turn with a par on No. 9, you've done something to be proud of.

 

While Fazio and Wadkins require length on No. 9, four of the par 4s play less than 350 yards from the blue tees. The 12th hole, the course's easiest, is only 277 yards from blues and 253 from the whites so nearly everyone has the opportunity to drive the green, though a pair of bunkers will catch errant shots. Players need to pick up a shot on the 12th.

 

The third hole, which plays over wetlands from an elevated tee box is another memorable par 4. Assuming you don't skull the drive, the wetlands don't come into play but the view overlooking the hole is a good one and it's a stiff challenge.

 

The last par 4, No. 16, isn't long, playing 347 yards from the blues and 313 from the whites, but a lake lurks on the right as does a bunker just off the fairway. Throw in a green surrounded by three bunkers and an enjoyable challenge awaits.

 

Par 5s

When played from the blue and white tees, the par 5s at TPC aren't overly long. The 496-yard, 18th hole is the longest and most challenging. The length of the holes would seem to offer the opportunity to swing for the green in two but discretion is often advised.

 

A prime example is the 482-yard (blue tees) second hole, which has a break in the fairway 281 yards from the tee. Three traps and rough interrupt a fairway that narrows in its final yards. For players that can fly the traps – which requires nearly 300 yards – a generous landing area awaits.

 

Trying to land that elusive eagle putt is further complicated by a green that is 46 yards long but skinnier than Kate Moss. The price for missing the green are two deep bunkers on the left and swale that leaves a tricky chip on the right.

 

The middle par 5s, the sixth and 14th, are the easiest of the bunch. The 14th, in particular, offers players a chance to pick up a shot. The hole plays 467 yards from the blue tees and the fairway widens approximately 200 yards from the green. If you can find the middle of the fairway, a nice shot into the green – surrounded by three bunkers – awaits. It's not exactly easy, but the opportunity is there.

 

No. 18 is one of the Grand Strand's most memorable finishing holes. With the clubhouse serving as a backdrop, a creek runs along the right side before dissecting the fairway and emptying into a lake that threatens along the left. Players that can drive the ball to the edge of the creek will be tempted to go for the green in two, but don't do it. Half of the green is exposed to water and the other half surrounded by sand. Be happy to get home in three.

 

The Verdict: The TPC-Myrtle Beach is an outstanding experience. From the bag drop through the final putt, the facility delivers on the expectations players associate with the brand. It's not the easiest course at the beach, but that's not what players expect at a TPC facility.

 

Players like to challenge themselves on the types of courses that professionals play, and TPC delivers that experience. Shoot a good round here and you can rightfully leave with your head held high. Either way, players exit the course knowing they've played an outstanding golf course.

 

 

 

 

The 3 Best Holes at TPC-Myrtle Beach

By Chris King on May 4, 2010 10:53 AM | Comments (0) The 5th hole at TPC-Myrtle Beach is one of the golf course's best.

 

The TPC-Myrtle Beach is one of the Grand Strand's bluebloods.

 

It enjoys the benefit of a premium brand, superior design (the team of Lanny Wadkins and Tom Fazio is tough to beat), and it's the home course of Dustin Johnson, a three-time winner on the PGA Tour. Throw in a bevy of national honors, and it's not hard to see why the facility is so highly regarded.

 

Identifying the three best holes on a course that has hosted what was then the Senior PGA Tour Championship and gets a regular workout from Johnson is a challenging task, because the candidates are plentiful. We asked course owner Chip Smith to identify the best of the best at TPC-Myrtle Beach and he complied, with an assist from Johnson.

 

The three best holes at TPC are:

 

 

 

No. 5, 158-yard, Par 3: Despite being TPC's shortest hole, the fifth is one of its most challenging, particularly from the tips where the tee shot requires a long forced carry over water. The green is wider than it is deep, so your margin for error is limited. A bunker in the right front looms for players not playing from the tips, as does a bunker in back of the green.

 

“There is almost a false front on the front of the green,” Smith said. “It's a tough little shot because the green is narrow. The right side of the green is always better than short because of the lake.”

 

No. 17, 193-yard, par 3: The words island green and TPC have almost become synonymous because of the famed 17th at Sawgrass, and No. 17 at TPC-Myrtle Beach is a reasonable approximation. The primary differences? The 17th in Myrtle Beach is a peninsula green surrounded by water on “only” three sides and it's approximately 50 yards longer.

 

The 17th is TPC-Myrtle Beach's signature hole and with an almost constant wind, it represents a significant challenge.

 

“Because of the distance, I think it's a little tougher than 17 at Sawgrass,” Smith says. “Now I've never stood on 17 at Sawgrass on Sunday with $1.4 million on the line either (laugh).”

No. 18, 538-yard, par 5: The 18th, with a creek running along the right side of the fairway and a large lake on the left, is Johnson's choice as the course's best. It's a classic risk-reward hole. Players that can snuggle up to the creek before it runs out to the lake can get home in two, but there is considerable risk. Half of the green is exposed to water and with the rough surrounding it shaved, it's not an easy green to hold.

 

One person who doesn't have to worry about length is Johnson. What does one of the PGA Tour's longest hitters use to reach the green on his second shot?

 

“Depending on which way the wind is blowing, anywhere from a 5 or 6 iron to a 3-wood,” he said.

 

For the mere mortals among us, an iron on the second shot when attempting to reach the 18th green is out of the question!

 

What are your three favorite holes at TPC-Myrtle Beach?

 

 

 

 

5 Things You Need to Know: TPC-Myrtle Beach

By Chris King on May 4, 2010 11:27 AM | Comments (0) TPC is the only 5-star Myrtle Beach golf course.

 

What do you need to know about TPC-Myrtle Beach, beyond the need to bring your ‘A' game? Here are five tidbits that might enhance your enjoyment of the South Strand layout.

 

Hit it high – Generally speaking, the greens at TPC are elevated and well bunkered, so you aren't going to have much success trying to run the ball up. Make sure you iron game is sharp and be prepared to fly numerous bunkers on your way to the green.

 

Tournament Tested – TPC is one of Myrtle Beach golf's biggest challenges and it has the resume to prove it. The course has hosted the PGA Senior Tour Championship, the finals of the Golf.com World Amateur Handicap Championship, and every spring it hosts the General Hackler Invitational, one of the nation's best collegiate tournaments. Take the time to check out the clubhouse memorabilia.

 

 

 

One of a Kind – In recent years Myrtle Beach golf courses have collected honors like a kid receiving candy on Halloween, but TPC is the only course in the area to earn 5-stars in Golf Digest's prestigious “Best Places to Play” guide and one of fewer than 25 layouts in the nation to earn the distinction.

 

Yes, that is Dustin Johnson – Rising PGA Tour star Dustin Johnson calls TPC-Myrtle Beach home. In addition to practicing and playing at TPC, the three-time winner on tour has been known to hang around the clubhouse. Don't be shocked if you see him, but he's just one of the guys in Murrells Inlet.

 

That's a wild turkey, not a drink – TPC-Myrtle Beach is built on 369 acres, much of it wetlands, which means the course has plenty of breathing room and there is ample wildlife. Wild turkey roost in the swamp to the left of ninth tee and there are an abundance of deer, alligators and fox, among many other animals. Enjoy the scenery.

[bp4455]

It's a wonderful golf course, John, and I was the second person to obtain a Privilege Card after it opened in 1999. I kept my card through last year but since I was only playing the course once a week and I lost my long time playing partner I gave it up.

 

I never got sick of the golf course. It's a nice design with elevation changes, water, forced carries and almost a complete lack of adjacent housing. From the right tees it is very playable.

 

Originally, the TPC had bentgrass greens but couldn't maintain them in the summer heat. The change to miniverde bermuda was a great move although it made the course more difficult IMO. The greens are large with a lot of undulations and are often hard and difficult to hold. Some odd pin positions can make some holes almost impossible to par.

 

To score well you have to slay the par 3s and 5s and hold your own on the 4s. The par 3s aren't that long or difficult and the par 5s are reachable. Of the par 4s, holes 9 and 15 caused me the most grief. 9 is long and uphill and 15 has a long forced carry unless you go off to the side.

 

I used to see Dustin a lot when he was at Coastal but not so much once he went on tour. He was friendly and always said hi.

 

Most of the rangers and starters have been there for years and I consider them friends.

 

Bob

[JohnBarry]

Thanks Bob, I knew you had nothing but praise for this course. I also heard, and I am sure you can attest to, great service.

[bp4455]

Absolutely!

[Matt Saternus]

TPC Myrtle was far and away my favorite course of the 6 that I played when at Myrtle. If you go, it's on the "Must Play" list, IMO.

[jamo]

I love TPC courses. Always in great shape. I've never been to Myrtle Beach, but TPC Boston is the most beautiful course I have ever seen when played in autumn.

[JohnBarry]

The TPC in Myrtle is part of a management company that has maybe one of the sweetest deals in golf. It's called the Master's Collection or Package, and it used to center around Myrtle Beach National King's North, and their other 2 courses on site, but recently, they have been taking over courses, offering the best deal in Myrtle Beach maybe. Play 4 rounds get 1 free, or play 6 and get 1 free. The course prices are aggressive, and now with the TPC under their wing, they have the best multi round package out there (Sorry Legends).

 

Our best selling package. Choose between perennial top 10 Myrtle Beach courses, TPC, Kings North, or Long Bay, plus any other three great courses above. Book the Master's Collection and receive a FREE ADDITIONAL AFTERNOON ROUND at any Master's Collection course except TPC, King's North or Long Bay!

 

 

Aberdeen Country Club Blackmoor Kings North at MB Nat. Litchfield Country Club Long Bay River Club Southcreek at MB Nat Tournament Players Club of Myrtle Beach Tradition Club Wachesaw East Waterway Hills West Course at MB Nat Wild Wing Avocet Willbrook Plantation

 

example of the price, from 05/24/10- 09/08/10 the package is 204.00 for all 5 rounds, carts, taxes, etc.

 

or:

 

Our best combination of value and playability. Choose from perennial top 10 Courses; TPC or Kings North and then any of their remaning courses for a quality top to bottom solid 7 roundpackage. Book the Master's Collection and receive a FREE ADDITIONAL AFTERNOON ROUND at any Master's Collection course except TPC, King's North or Long Bay!

 

 

Aberdeen Country Club Blackmoor Kings North at MB Nat. Litchfield Country Club Long Bay River Club Southcreek at MB Nat Tournament Players Club of Myrtle Beach Tradition Club Wachesaw East Waterway Hills West Course at MB Nat Wild Wing Avocet Willbrook Plantation

 

05/24/10- 09/08/10- 276.00 for all 7 rounds.