HOLDEN BEACH, NC – Golfers staying in the North Myrtle Beach area, may wonder if a trip to Lockwood Folly is worth the drive. Rest assured it’s well worth the trip.
When opened in 1988 the course was nominated as a top 10 new course in North Carolina followed in 2000 as a 4-star Golf Digest “Places to Play.” Aesthetically, the course is very pleasing with wonderful views of tidal estuaries and hardwood and pine paralleled fairways.
At 6657-yards from the Blue Tees and 6046-yards from the White Tees, the challenge of Lockwood Folly is not really reflected. While distance is not necessarily in demand, shot making is an absolute necessity. Case in point is Hole 4.
At only 200-yards from the White Tee to water that leaks into the fairway from the right, club selection and accuracy are paramount. Of course you will be tempted to drive level with the water into a narrow fairway leaving a short iron to a green that’s well protected by sand traps in the front. A well deserved #3 Handicap hole. Of course demands for well-placed shots are not limited to short yardage Par 4s.
Hole 7 at 496-yards from the White Tees is a Par 5 that demands accuracy. From the tee to 100-yards out, water comes into play on the right. There simply is not a great deal of fairway to utilize. However, a bold drive does allow for an opportunity to grip and rip a 3-wood into a green well protected by sand bunkers.
The course gets some of its length from generous Par 3s, averaging more than 162-yards. Hole 16 is unique that it can play 184-yards from the back White Tee, or 170-yards from the middle White Tee. Note that you may have two-club lengths difference. Choose wisely hitting into this green that invites a fade and is well protected on both sides by large sand bunkers.
The Par 5 Hole 18 is a marvelous finishing hole. It starts with the drive and the need to be accurate with water lurking on the right at only 178-yards from the White Tees. The dogleg right appears to be just a little more dramatic from the tee than appears on the Yardage Card. With only a 225-250 yard drive from the White Tee you could be facing a reachable Par 5! Be aware of the water that protects the green to the right before making your decision to go. Caution, the view down the fairway is memorable.
From Hole 1 tee to Hole 18 green, Lockwood Folly Country Club is a delight. Pristine, quiet and although a slight detour from the mainstream Myrtle Beach Area golf, well worth the drive for playing this Willard Byrd designed masterpiece.
A nice size driving range, a putting green that reflects the speed and breaks of the Bermudagrass greens and a nice snack bar with all your favorites are available. However, when checking-in at the pro shop make absolutely certain you pick-up a Yardage Card. It will make the drive home much more enjoyable.