The Three Best Holes at King’s North at Myrtle Beach National

King’s North is home to some of the most photographed and popular holes on the Myrtle Beach golf scene – No. 6, the Gambler, No. 12, the island green par 3, and No. 18, which has 40 bunkers flanking the left side of the fairway come immediately to mind.

But when we went to long-time head pro Michael Burnside for an insider’s look at the layout’s best, he placed a premium on holes that allow players to make risk-reward decisions. Here are the three best holes at King’s North from Burnside’s perspective:

No. 3, 365-yard, par 4: Long hitters can cut the corner and attempt to drive the green on this dogleg left, depending on the wind. There is a forced carry off the tee, but the trees and sand on the left are the concern for players dreaming of an eagle putt.

“If you are feeling frisky, you can try and drive the green, but there are trees there you have to clear,” Burnside said. “You can’t get there in two (if you get caught up in the trees).”

The recommended option is to play it straight and have a relatively short approach.

No. 5, 330-yard, par 4: Another short par 4 that doglegs to the left and forces players to make a decision. An iron or hybrid off the tee leaves a manageable approach, but if you are confident you can smoke a driver approximately 230 yards, you can fly the bunker on the left and setup a short approach.

“You better bang your drive, and you don’t want to go left, but you could have 50-75 yards left,” Burnside said. “You have to carry a huge bunker in front of the green (on the approach as well), so if you are short, you are in trouble. It’s a fun hole to play.”

No. 6, 568-yard, par 5: The Gambler. It’s one of the most popular holes along the Grand Strand and America, for that matter. Players have the option of hitting to an island fairway and are then faced with the shot of the day: going for the green in two (it’s all carry over water).

“The tip is to go as far to the (edge) of the island as you can,” Burnside said. “A lot of people get to the island and still have 230 yards left, and that doesn’t do you any good.”

Players who take the conventional route face a tricky drive and eventually an approach from a downhill lie.  You don’t take a Myrtle Beach golf trip to layup all the time, so rip your drive and take the chance that gave the hole its nickname. You will have a story to tell either way.

Are you surprised that No. 12 and No. 18 didn’t make the cut?!