Long Bay’s Signature 10th Hole

A few Myrtle Beach area golf directors and area club professionals were invited to play The Long Bay Club (one of Myrtle Beach National’s gems) on July 7th and I must say, I was very impressed.  After a short drive to the Northern End of the Grand Strand, I found myself being welcomed by a Rocky Balboa styled statue of Long Bay Club course architect Jack Nicklaus at the entrance of the clubhouse. (Quick hint, as you travel through the Long Bay community to the clubhouse,  pay close attention on your left where you can sneak a peek at the pin placement of one of Myrtle Beach’s most visually challenging par 3’s, hole number #13, which exhibits an island green.)

Powering down a quick lunch at the full-service restaurant we headed over to the practice facility.  Hands-down, it is one of the nicest and well-groomed practice facilities in the area. (This explains why many LPGA, Nationwide, and Hooters tour players practice here.)  It also sports a target-laced driving range, and a chipping and practice green with Champion Ultra-Dwarf Bermuda grass. From the practice green to the 18th hole, the greens were in tip-top shape, even considering the lack of rainfall the Myrtle Beach area has had this summer.

We immediately noticed (like all Nicklaus designs) the course was open off-the-tee, but still had a barrage of bunkers and well-bunkered greens.  If you want to challenge yourself you can always play this course from the Champion Black Tees at a shade over 7000 yards, or choose from one of the other 4 sets, including the Forward Tees, at just under 5000 yards.  After making your way through some risk reward holes on the front side, do not lose focus, because you face a beautiful but tough hole to start the back nine.  Long Bay Club’s signature hole #10, a short par, can easily get you in trouble if you are too close to the green. It’s best to play defensively and hit your ball just before the end of the fairway to leave you 100 or less yards into the green.  (You will find this is true for other holes as well, like #3, #6, and #14. )   Also, an investment in a yardage book will quickly play for itself if you are a 1st timer on at this course, not to mention you will have the upper hand to win a skin off your buddies.

The Long Bay Club, located in Longs, South Carolina, is one of Myrtle Beach’s nicest, and if you don’t take my word for it; try it yourself this fall for as low as $32 per golf if you are an early bird.

I was invited to play the Long Bay Club by the Myrtle Beach National Company to play last week. My first visit since I played there in July. The golf course was again in excellent shape and the greens were lighting fast.

I was also taken on a tour, of former PGA Tour player, Mr. Hugh Royer III, Champions Golf Academy.

The Academy which opened in 2006, is fully operational with a state-of-the-art learning center that includes three private teaching bays equipped with the V-1 Digital Coaching System, short and long game areas, relaxing lounge, extensive club fitting technology and its own fitness center and driving range.

I did happen to find my web album from when I played the Long Bay Club in February for the North Myrtle Beach High School Band Fundraiser Golf Tournament, that also help raise $5000 for the local high school band scholarships.

I would like to send a special thanks to the Myrtle Beach National Company, to the staff at The Long Bay Club, and to The Champions Golf Academy @ Long Bay Club.

I was able to squeeze in an emergency 18 at Long Bay Club this week. A true test of golf at one of three, Jack Nicklaus designs on the Grand Strand. Measuring over 7,000 yards from the back, Long Bay is a Semi Private golf club with a slope of 140!

The golf course from tee to green was in excellent condition! Long Bay is one of the most famous courses in Myrtle Beach, staking its claim with the HUGE man made mounds boarding Highway 9, that everyone has passed one time or another on their way to North Myrtle Beach since its opening in 1988.

The Golden Bear, started designing this course after his 1986 Masters win. However, thats not the main reason Long Bay is one of the most famous courses in Myrtle Beach. This Nicklaus design has hosted tournaments like the Carolinas Open, the Myrtle Beach Open, NCAA regional championships and the U.S. Senior Open qualifying just to name a few.

Long Bay also has four holes that have been voted as the “The 100 Greatest Holes along the Grand Strand”. No. 7, 10 (Pictured below) , 13 and 18

The Par 3 #13, which features an Island Green could be another one of many signature holes at Long Bay. The scenic Par 3 has a huge green. Depending on pin placement and wind will determine your club selection. That seems to be the trend at the Par 72 Layout, which features big undulating Tiff Dwarf greens, fairways guarded by waste areas which double as carts path and a well conditioned facility with a fully stocked Pro Shop.

The Golden Bear has designed 265 courses open for play worldwide. The Long Bay Club in North Myrtle Beach, SC is one of his best.

LONG BAY CLUB

350 Fox Tail Dr

Longs, SC 29568

Phone: (800) 344-5590