North Myrtle Beach is known for many things. Being the Home of Wheel of Fortune’s Vanna White is one, of course, but being the home of Tidewater Golf Club is another.
Played partly right along the scenic, and peaceful, Cherry Grove tidal inlet, set along the low-country’s beautiful and natural landscape, Tidewater Golf Club is a must-see, and must-play, golf course that all golfers traveling to the Myrtle Beach area will absolutely love to play, and want to play again and again, and again.
Tidewater’s stunning landscape leaves golfers raving long after they’ve returned home. While beauty is at the heart of the Tidewater experience, it’s only part of what makes the property so very, very special. Tidewater’s commitment to premium customer service and meticulously maintained course conditions are every bit the equal of the scenery, making this one of the best golf travel experiences in Myrtle Beaches’ historic, and iconic, Grand Strand.
For ten years I’ve been wanting to play Tidewater Golf Club, and I’m so, so sorry that I waited so long to finally get to do so. Rated by Golf Digest as one of America’s “Top 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses”(2011-2012), Tidewater has a feel similar to that of Pebble Beach, and sometimes TPC’s Sawgrass, and challenges players of all levels.
One of the courses’ prettiest holes is the picturesque Par 3 Twelfth Hole called “Wishing Well”. Set to carry water to an elevated two-tiered green guarded by bulkheads and bunkers short and left, the Tidewater’s 12th plays for a fade with some room to miss long and a chance to save par with a good chip and a putt.
Tidewater features nine holes that run right along either the Cherry Grove Inlet, or the Intracoastal Waterway and wows golfers with truly incredible, and eye-popping, views and a layout that challenges every part of a players’ game. The beauty of the par 3 third hole highlights a trip along the waterway, with its putting surface perched along the edge of Cherry Grove. Named “Stranded”, the challenge of putting the ball on the proper tier is a thrilling test that has anchored thousands upon thousands of memorable Myrtle Beach golf trips.
Tidewater’s other signature aspect of its terrific, and scenic, layout is in its many risk-reward options. Par Fives like the 13th, “Ocean Isle” force golfers to make some hard decisions about going for the green in 2, or laying back and going at it in a regulation 3.
If you enjoy playing fun golf courses with ris-reward, and challenging, golf holes and incredible, breath-taking scenery, then Tidewater Golf Club is for you, and, well, everyone else as well.
Tidewater’s Fourth. “Futch Site”, named for a former overseer of the property, is the course’s No.1 Handicap, and one whale of a Par 5 to get to try. Tidewater’s Teaching Professional Cory Hill explains.
“At 430 yards, the par-4 fourth hole at Tidewater Golf Club is considered the toughest on the course. The fairway turns slightly from right to left, with a few sand traps lining the right side and saltwater marsh on the left. The green is well-guarded by sand bunkers all around. Typically, the hole plays into the ocean breeze, adding to its difficulty. To play this hole effectively, I usually hit a driver, aiming just right of the 150-yard marker in the middle of the fairway. From the right center of the fairway, I generally have about 175 yards left to the green, and I use an extra club to account for the ocean breeze and avoid the front bunkers. When aiming for the green, I aim for the middle and try to be below the hole. Being on the green doesn’t mean the challenge is over, as the green slopes severely from back to front.”
As amazing as the golf is at Tidewater, so is their award-winning food and drink. A perfect place to finish your round, or to have lunch before playing, Joey’s Clubhouse Grille, caps off, or tees off, a wonderful day at Tidewater Golf Club with classic pub and clubhouse fare that golfers of all tastes crave, along with local Low-Country treats. I recommend “JD’s Famous Chili” and The “Po Boy”, which comes with either fried flounder, shrimp, or oysters, plus juicy burgers and crab cakes and pulled pork sandwiches, give diners almost as much options as the holes on the golf course do.
An all-in-one and all-around golfing experience is waiting for you at Tidewater Golf Club. Don’t dare miss it when coming to play in your first, or next, Myrtle Beach golfing vacation if you can. Play Tidewater Golf Club today. You will regret it if you don’t.
