Strong Start Provides a Glimpse of What’s to Come at Arcadian Shores

Locals have long sung the praises of Rees Jones’ first solo design, which shares several architectural traits with the Dunes Club, one of his father’s (Robert Trent Jones, Sr.) seminal layouts. Generous fairways and large, sandy white bunkers are two of Arcadian Shores’ defining characteristics.

With three sets of tees between 5,647 and 6,446 yards, Arcadian Shores has a set of tees for everyone. For many, the course’s signature hole is the par 4 13th, which features a downhill tee shot and requires a daunting approach over water.

But when we went in search of our Myrtle Beach Golf Hole of the Week, we didn’t want to make you wait that long.

Arcadian Shore Golf Club – No. 1
Par: 4
Yardage: 527 yards (champions tee), 502 yards (Hilton), 486 yards (Arcadian), 462 yards (Embassy), 409 yards (Kingston)
Handicap: 8

Arcadian Shores opens with sweeping dogleg left par 5. The fairway is tree-lined but plenty wide, and golfers that avoid the two fairway bunkers on the left off the tee, should have a stress-free second shot.

The challenge on Arcadian’s opening hole comes on the approach. The first green is surrounded by six bunkers, including a large trap that runs from the front of the green to the back with only a couple of grassy islands amidst the sand to offer you the chance to get lucky.

Play your first two shots to setup an approach shot with the club you are most comfortable with, and take dead aim at the pin to start your day strong.

It’s a tone-setting hole on a golf course that is going to leave a lot of players smiling in 2018.