Arcadian Shores: 3 Best Holes

Arcadian Shores is a traditional golf course design. A variety of doglegs, well guarded bunkers and tree-lined fairways make it one of Myrtle Beach’s most enjoyable and well designed tracks.

We asked head pro Jason Mitchell to give us the three best holes at the Rees Jones design.

No. 2, 201-yard, par 3 – Arcadian’s most challenging par 3 is also its most scenic. The tee shot (178 yards from the blue tees and 148 from the whites) requires a carry over water that runs along the right side of the green. With a bunker on the left, there is little margin for error.

“If you are going to miss, your only bailout is long,” Mitchell said. “You definitely want to make sure you have enough club.”

No. 9, 376-yard, par 4 – In Mitchell’s estimation the ninth hole is one of Arcadian’s best and most underrated holes. It’s a slight dogleg right, and the second shot plays uphill looking back into the clubhouse.

“It’s a beautiful hole,” Mitchell said. “Off the tee you want to favor the left side of the fairway and on the approach shot make sure you hit one more than you think you need. It’s more uphill than you think.”

No. 13, 408-yard, par 4 – The hardest and most scenic hole on the course, No. 13 requires an approach shot over water. Most people play their drive to a plateau looking down on the green, but the result is a much longer approach. The alternative is cresting the hill and gaining the ability to use a low iron, albeit off an uneven lie.

“It’s a very picturesque hole,” Mitchell said. “If I can have a short iron in as opposed to a 5 or 6 iron from the top of the hill, I have a much better chance of getting on.”

One warning, long hitters playing from the white tees (367 yards) run the risk hitting the ball into the lake.