Some courses in the Myrtle Beach area never get the recognition that they deserve. With over 100 courses along the Grand Strand to choose from, it’s easy to see why – with so many top ranked courses in such a small area, many of the outstanding courses get over-looked due to the high concentration of the area. We think that Heathland Course is one of those courses. Many of the top rated courses in Myrtle Beach were designed by legendary designers that had much to work with when they built the courses. Natural beauty is easy to come by with Myrtle Beach golf courses. Heathland was not one of those courses. Designer Tom Doak, really had to use all of his skills and capabilities with this one as the land was pretty much flat with no distinguishing features or landscape to speak of.
The result of Tom Doaks second golf course design was 175 acres sculpted by man that became known as Heathland. Opened in 1990, this par 71 golf course has been ranked by Golf Magazine as one of the “South Carolina Best Courses Near You” in 2008 and given 4 ½ stars by Golf Digest. Heathland golf course is known for it’s lack of trees – the hardwoods only come into play on one hole throughout the entire 18, leaving only shrubbery of under 10 feet to allow the winds to blow across the entire golf course. You will also have to deal with the guardians of the fairways – the deep bunkers and tall rough will play havoc on those shots that stray from the fairways. Your approach shots will want to avoid the deep green side bunkers that will require every bit of skill that a golfer has if they find themselves on the beach.
Designer Tom Doaks crafted Heathland golf course after those courses in the British Isle – you will be reminded of St. Andrews, Cruden Bay and even Lahinch when you add this course to your Myrtle Beach golf package. These links will take you across the pond without having the leave the South Carolina beaches. The Legends resort complex is known for their 3 links style courses and including breakfast and/or lunch along with a couple of free drinks (soda or beer!) can make for a great addition to any Myrtle Beach golf vacation.