Challenge, Creativity Attract Players to Prestwick Country Club

There isn’t as much sand at Prestwick as many have come to associate with Dye designs – fewer than 45 bunkers total – but place a premium on avoiding them, particularly the devious pot bunkers. The course’s fairways are generous, which heightens the importance of putting the tee ball in the short grass.

Danger awaits stray shots around the greens and a key to avoiding difficulty is being well positioned off the tee.

What makes Prestwick an enjoyable design is that players see more than trouble on a course that includes six sets of tees and stretches nearly 7,100 yards from the tips. The first hole offers the opportunity for a fast start, but players that are going to score well need to excel during the middle portion of the round.

Holes two through five comprise, arguably, Prestwick’s toughest stretch, but beginning on the sixth, a relatively easy par 5, the course relents. With the notable exception of No. 9, holes six through 13 are there for the taking.

The first four holes of the back nine are among Prestwick’s softest so take full advantage, because the 14th- 451 yards from the tips – plays dead into the prevailing wind and is one of the Grand Strand’s toughest par 4s.

The 17th hole, with water running up the left side before crossing in front of the green, is Prestwick’s toughest par 5.

The quality of the Prestwick experience extends to the 19th hole as well. A soaring, brick clubhouse features a back porch overlooking the ninth and 18th greens. It’s a great place to enjoy a meal and a drink, and the view is spectacular, especially if you’ve got buddies finishing up a round.

The Verdict: A 4.5-star course, according to Golf Digest’s prestigious Best Places to Play guide, Prestwick is an outstanding golf course. Sure, it’s tough, don’t arrive expecting anything less, but that’s what people want.

Good shots are demanded and rewarded. Satisfaction accompanies a good round at Prestwick and that sense of accomplishment is why people play the game. Prestwick isn’t among the Myrtle Beach area’s most renowned courses, but it is among the best, and surely a great addition to any Myrtle Beach golf vacation package.

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