3 Favorite Holes: Tiger’s Eye

Tiger’s Eye is one of the Grand Strand’s best and most memorable courses. Elevation changes, coquina boulders and the work of Tim Cate conspired to create a layout that many consider to be among the best Myrtle Beach golf courses.

If you are planning to play the Ocean Ridge Plantation course, enjoy a look at assistant pro Patrick Holloman three favorite holes at Tiger’s Eye.
No. 4, 422-yard, par 4: The ultimate risk-reward hole. The fourth isn’t overwhelmingly long, but the dogleg left dares you to cut the corner in an attempt to make birdie. For those who tempt fat (in addition to a lake and waste bunkers), the hole can be shortened considerably. A drive that travels 270+ yards leaves an approach inside 100 yards but there are ample hazards that make the strategy risky.

The conventional play into the largest part of the fairway leaves an approach that could be in excess of 140 yards. That’s by no means unmanageable, but a large two-tiered green makes it challenging to get close.

No. 11, 165-yard, par 3:  A beautiful hole that is surrounded by water on three sides. The course’s signature coquina boulders create a memorable bulkhead and add significantly to No. 11’s visual appeal. The green is the second smallest on the course, adding to the challenge of avoiding the water.

“A lot of times people tend to go flag hunting,” Holloman said. “If you are a little unsure about it, you need to go for the middle of the green. It usually plays into the wind so if anything, club up one and aim for the middle. “

No. 15, 531-yard, par 5: The most difficult hole on the back nine offers the opportunity for birdie or better, but you better be accurate. A long drive can leave 200-220 yards into the green, but the second shot is a nerve jangling one. Players that go for the green in two are forced to carry water almost the entire way and a large trap on the left swallows balls as well.

Laying up isn’t without peril. There is a lot of undulation in the fairway and you want to make it onto the upper shelf. Pay attention to the yardage book and know where you want to hit the ball. Don’t rely on your eye to gauge the length of the second shot.

“It’s a very unique hole,” Holloman said. “It gives a lot of people fits and it gives a lot of eagles and birdies. It’s a very reachable green (in two) for golfers that can carry a wood or else you have a tough layup.”

Sounds easy, huh?

Those are Holloman’s three favorite holes. What is the best at Tiger’s Eye in your opinion?