Eagle Nest Soars to New Heights With Addition of New Perch Tees

Eagle Nest is a North Strand institution, providing a quality layout at a value price to locals and traveling golfers alike.

While those virtues will continue to be the Gene Hamm design’s calling card, Eagle Nest is soaring to greater heights with the addition of a new set of tees. Rick Elliot, who owns and operates the course, wanted to bring a little flare to the layout and he did so through the installation of the now famous Perch tees.

The Perch tees extended Eagle Nest to a whopping 8,168 yards, making it the longest course in South Carolina and attracting media attention from across the country. Everyone from Golf.com to Golf Channel have covered Myrtle Beach’s most popular eagle

In the opening months, few golfers have dared to ascend the Perch tees, which are elevated and built to look like an eagle’s nest, and that’s not an accident. There are seven par 4s that play more than 495 yards and the shortest par 3 is 199 yards.

While the Perch tees are a conversation starter, head pro Jim Kane and his staff make it clear they are only open to professionals. Being South Carolina’s longest course might attract attention, but it isn’t going to slow play.

While much of the talk surrounds the course’s added length – the par 3 18th plays a whopping 266 yards over water!! – Kane is quick to point out a new set of Teal tees were installed as well.

The Teal tees play just 3,679 yards, perfect for kids and aging adults struggling with the distance many new layouts require.

“We want the course to be available to every player, every demographic,” said Kane, noting Eagle Nest now has seven tee boxes. “We want everybody to be able to come out and feel like Eagle Nest is home for them.”

The work the Elliott family commissioned didn’t end with adding tee boxes and length. Eagle Nest is repaving its cart paths and renovating bunkers over the summer, meaning the layout will be in pristine condition in time for the fall golf season.

While you may not play from the Perch tees, it’s certainly worth taking a look at the challenge and admiring the work that was done – each tee box took approximately 10 days to build. Eagle Nest is one of Myrtle Beach’s golden oldies, but there is plenty new to see at a course that would make a nice addition to your fall golf itinerary.