by Tim Gavrich
The three golf courses at Myrtle Beach's Legends Resort -- in addition to the clubhouse and many of the condominiums on-site -- exemplify British-inspired golf course design principles in a Low Country setting. Although there is no true linksland in the area that would completely mimic what you find at St. Andrews or St. George's, all three courses feature some of the boldest contouring from tee to green on the Grand Strand.
Whereas the sister Heathland and Moorland courses sit on more open tracts of land and make reference to the great links courses of Great Britain, the par-72 Parkland course, true to its name, occupies a more wooded site that is typical of most other area golf courses. But Parkland is not "just another Myrtle Beach course." It is a bold, thinking-player's golf course that bucks the notion that many hold of Grand Strand courses being "buffet golf."
Bunkers are the pits
Unlike its older siblings, the Parkland course has a somewhat checkered design history. After early involvement by the noted architect Tom Doak (designer of the Heathland course) and international designer Gil Hanse, local developer Larry Young and the late Mike Strantz (whom Grand Strand golfers have to thank for both Caledonia and True Blue) finished the design of The Parkland. Despite the involvement of many hands, no holes seem out of place in terms of style. It is a bold golf course with dramatic features, where bunkers catch players' eyes (and shots) throughout the round. They are deep, with sharp edges and sheer faces. Both alongside fairways and next to greens, the bunkers at the Parkland course are true hazards. Only the most fortunate players will be able to reach a green from more than 100 yards out of one of these pits.
According to the scorecard, Parkland kicks off with a fairly straightforward par 4 that plays to 380 yards from the Gold tees. However, from the tee box, the path to the green is partially obscured by clever mounding and bunkers. The best line off the tee is just right of the last fairway bunker on the left. The closer the drive comes to any of the left fairway bunkers, the better the view of the green, which is pushed up such that it is difficult to divine exactly where the pin is located. It is a beguiling opening hole, an augur for what is to come throughout the round.
The approach to the 7th hole at Legends Parkland
Water behind
By the time players reach the 5th tee, hopefully they have settled into a good rhythm and frame of mind for the round, perhaps having taken advantage of the relatively easy par 5 4th hole with a birdie. That is because the tee shot on the 200 yard 5th is the most exacting on the course to that point. Golfers used to ponds short, left, or right of greens may be taken aback by a hazard directly behind. Water lurks behind the 5th green and wraps around to the right; given the long-and-narrow nature of the green, a low, running long iron is the preferred shot. Designing trouble beyond the green is a great protection for the hole against lower handicappers, who may feel bolder and more confident with a 4 or 5-iron in their hands than a bogey golfer does. There is room to miss a bit short and left, leaving a reasonably straightforward pitch shot. It is a lovely hole that allows players to choose how aggressive they wish to be and punishes foolish shots adequately.
If a player gets off to a rough start over the first seven holes, the stretch of holes 8 through 11 affords four excellent birdie chances, with two par 5s and two short par 4s. The standout hole among these four is the 9th, which is listed at 340 yards from the Gold tees but is less than 300 yards as the crow flies. It is a wonderful place to take a chance and hit a tee shot pin-high to the left of the green, avoiding some nasty bunkers left and right. The multi-level green contains some bold slopes that can be used to move the ball on non-linear paths toward certain hole locations. There is a severe drop-off over the back of the green that will kick balls out of bounds, providing no mercy for players who are overly aggressive. Players who are tactful, however, will find an excellent birdie opportunity at number 9.
Desire for replay
Much of the back nine at Parkland weaves through a forest setting. Although homes and condos are often visible, they do not interfere with the holes themselves. The golf course rears up with its toughest challenge at the marvelous par 3 16th hole. Measuring 235 yards from the back tee, the hole can play at more than 250 yards when the pin is in the back portion of the 50-yard deep green. With a cluster of six bunkers flanking the left part of the angled green, the ideal shot is a right-to-left curling fairway wood or long iron. A swale bisects the green, making lengthy putts a challenge as well. A par at 16 is something to be cherished.
The Parkland course closes with two attractive par fours - the 395-yard 17th and the 465-yard 18th, which offers a wide vista that overlooks Legends' 30-plus acre practice facility and stately clubhouse. As I finished my round, I had the urge to head back to Parkland's 1st tee and go again. That is always a good sign.
Editor's note: Real estate at the large Legends Resort runs the gamut from condos to single-family homes with prices ranging from the low $100s to high six figures, with many choices in between. One piece of property currently for sale at $137,900 has an outstanding view of the par 3 13th holes on the Parkland. Many of the communities homes are rented to visiting golfers, and anyone wanting to check out the golf and homes at The Legends can stay and play for a reasonable fee. If you would like me to help you make arrangements to visit, just contact me.
The Parkland Course at The Legends Resort, designers Tom Doak & Larry Young; Gold Tees: 7,215 yards/74.9 rating/136 slope; Blue, 6,834/72.6/133; White, 6,396/71.3/130; Red, 5,351/71.0/125. Two other courses adjacent: The Heathland and The Moorland.
The finishing hole at Legends Parkland, with a slight echo of the Old Sod.