Inspired By Golf Greatness, Shaftesbury Glen Delivers a Good Time

A well placed drive will minimize the danger of the greenside bunkers and leave players with a high iron in-hand to execute the approach.
 

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Johnston installed tee boxes at 5,989, 6,445 and 6,935 yards, so length shouldn’t be an issue for players willing to check their ego at the bag drop. When played from the right distance, Shaftesbury, a 4.5-star course according to Golf Digest’s “Best Places to Play Guide” is challenging, but manageable.

A driver isn’t required on every hole as the emphasis for players should be on putting themselves in a comfortable position.

“If you are playing the (white or gold tees) you hit whatever will get you to 150 yards,” McCarty said. “Anything inside 150 yards will give you a club with enough loft to land your shot safely (on the green).”

Johnston did a nice job of varying the challenges required of players. Shaftesbury has three par 4s that play less than 380 yards from the tips and three that play more than 420, so a combination of power and finesse works best.

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On the front nine a pair of short par 4s at holes six and seven provide chances to pick up strokes before playing the toughest stretch. The eighth hole is a 210-yard par 3, the longest on the course, and water lurks on the left. Aim for the center of the green, take a rip, and hope for the best.

If your psyche survives, the 450-yard ninth hole, the longest par 4 awaits. To make that monster even more challenging, a creek meanders through the fairway, so drives need to stay left, minimizing the danger and setting up the best angle for a long approach.

The bentgrass greens at Shaftesbury are conducive to making putts. The greens are fast and don’t have a surplus of undulation – with the notable exception of No. 18 – so players that spend a few minutes on practice putting greens could be rewarded.

The Verdict: A Myrtle Beach golf vacation that includes a round at Shaftesbury Glen should be a good one. The course is a delight to play. Players can swing away, the greens are fast, and there are several memorable holes.

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