MYRTLE BEACH, SC – With its rustic clubhouse sitting over the edge of a 100-acre lake, visiting golfers may very well have a preview of what awaits them. This Dan Maples gem displays water on almost every hole.
The course has some muscle. A stout 6967 yards from the Championship Tees with a strong 141 slope and 73.2 rating provides a challenge for the low handicap golfer. The Regular Tees are a generous 6402 yards with a slope/rating of 130/70.5. The Senior Tees play at a hefty 5729 yards 120/68.3. The Ladies are in for 4965 yards at 114/71.2. A standard Par 72 we’d encourage you to play from the tees that best fit your game.
Here’s what you can expect.
One of the best conditioned courses in the Myrtle Beach Area, Man O’ War was fully over seeded and green from tees and greens to fairways and both cuts of rough. An absolute pleasure to play in mid-January, it should be spectacular in the spring.
The bentgrass greens are extremely large and were a enjoyment to putt. Shape and measurement diagrams are on the golf cart’s front window. Pay close attention to pin placements. A yardage book is worth the investment. Of course large greens also produce large sand traps to protect them. They are well placed. An open layout with generous fairways should keep you on the short grass.
Be aware of wind and water. Although there are no forced carries (if you’re playing the proper tees) you may be wise to lay-up, or position yourself away from water on some holes. From the proceeding you can see there’s a lot to like about Man O’ War. However, one thing stands out. There are no two holes that look alike, or play alike.
The Par 5s are all three shots holes for the average golfer, but each has its own personality. Hole 1 is a pleasant start with a few fairway traps up the right. Water is visible and the green is well bunkered. Hole 8 is a monster and demands all you have regardless of the tees you’ve chosen. Traps up the left challenge both your tee ball and 2nd shot. Hole 18 is a good finishing test playing to the shot-makers. This road hole features water to the left and a stream running through the fairway. An accurate club selection needs to be made.
The Par 3s are there for the scoring, but club selection is pivotal on each. Hole 6 is a great case in point. With a back pin placement I can see hitting anything from a six iron to a 3-wood (!) when conditions merit. Water and a large sand trap protect the front of the green. You cannot be short here. Although Hole 15 calls for a short iron to an island green, be aware of the elements and club accordingly. There really isn’t much room for error here. It’s a gorgeous hole and culminates consecutive holes with island greens.
Between us, it’s the Par 4s that give Man O’ War its character. They’re very good. Hole 7 at only 354-yards from the Regular Tees looks to be a straightforward green in regulation, two-putt par. Beware of the water and large sand traps on the left. Select the club you hit to the 140/150-yard marker. Take your approach to the center of the green and hope for a two-putt. A slight over-swing on any shot brings trouble. The 408-yard (Regular Tees) hole 9 might just be one of the best tests of golf in the area. Water up both sides and in the back of the green brings wetness into play on every shot. A sand trap to the front right of the green challenges any attempt at lay-up. A par here is outstanding and a bogey is quite acceptable.
On the back-nine Hole 10 presents an interesting challenge. With the strong possibility of hitting into the wind a 2nd shot needing to clear water makes club selection critical. Short here has a good chance of rolling back into the water. Hole 16 looks to be a birdie opportunity at only 329-yards from the Regular Tees. Play left center avoiding the water to the right gives a good angel for the approach shot. A good opportunity to score, but do not try to out think this hole.
One of the three Mystical Golf courses Man O’ War is a must play. As mentioned previously, if it looks great and plays great in January. It will be spectacular in season.