<img decoding="async" alt="Pawleys Plantation 17th Hole" src="/media/images/Pawleys_17th_600x300.png" style="width: 600px;height: 300px" />
Story by Ian Guerin
Golfers love numbers.
And, yet, many choose to ignore two of the most important ones on any card.
The United States Golf Association’s combination of course rating and slope calculations have been debated for more than four decades. But even for the biggest doubters, they still have to mean something.
From Murrells Inlet right on down to Pawleys Island, here are the South Strand’s five most difficult courses based upon those figures.
<a href="https://www.mbn.com/courses/wachesaw-east-golf-club">5. WACHESAW PLANTATION EAST (70.4/130)</a>
A few years back, East was a bit higher up the pecking order. Then, the track was softened up some in order to give the 6,297 yards from the primary men’s tees a little more breathing room. To be clear, this isn’t exactly the same set up that played host to LPGA events from 1997-2000. Just the same, a systematic front nine and then an off-kilter back that backs into three of the most difficult holes on the entire course isn’t as forgiving as some would hope.
<a href="https://www.mbn.com/courses/tradition-golf-club">4. TRADITION GOLF CLUB (70.8/125)</a>
As playable as Tradition is nine times out of 10, it’s that one time that sneaks up and puts the screws to you. For some, it’s the island greens on Nos. 7 and 15. For others, the trouble comes in the form of forced carries that seemingly pop up out of nowhere. And for different types, a handful of massive waste bunkers do the trick. It’s a lot to take in for anyone rushing through the round.
<a href="https://www.mbn.com/courses/tournament-player-club">3. TPC MYRTLE BEACH (70.8/131)</a> 
We’ve played this course from multiple tees and under different tee positions. And no matter what, it’s no cake walk. Tom Fazio’s design was put in place with the intention of hosting professional tournaments. And even from the standard men’s tees (whites), TPC is going to bite just as hard as that alligator that frequents the pond on No. 18. Next to no hole is easy here, and thinkers are going to navigate it better than those in a hurry.
<a href="https://www.mbn.com/courses/founders-club">2. FOUNDERS CLUB OF PAWLEYS ISLAND (71.2/133)<img decoding="async" alt="Founders Club 9th Hole" src="/media/images/FC.png" style="width: 275px;height: 275px;float: right" /></a>
Take the average player and throw him into such a sand-rich environment, and he/she isn’t going to know what do. It’s highly unusual to have massive waste bunkers and perfectly framed green on every single hole, and most folks can’t deal with it. It’s why the rating and slope at Founders Club look like they do. Those who look past and don’t play from the white stuff are in a much different position from start to finish.(Pictured Right)
<a href="https://www.mbn.com/courses/pawleys-plantation">1. PAWLEYS PLANTATION GOLF &amp; COUNTRY CLUB (72.0/139)</a>
Anyone who tells you that Jack Nicklaus’ layout isn’t the toughest course on the south end has never played Jack Nicklaus’ layout on the south end. Pawleys Plantation is beast intended to put every part of your game on blast. You’ll need to drive straight, hit irons true and then curve your head over your shoulders and pray on many of the putts. For all the hubbub of Pawleys Plantation and how beautiful it is, the course can be downright brutal. (Top Photo)
<a href="https://www.mbn.com/courses/litchfield-country-club">BONUS TRACK: LITCHFIELD COUNTRY CLUB (70.6/128)</a>
If gut feel has anything to do with it &#8211; and it should &#8211; Litchfield walks itself right into the discussion with all of its doglegs along the original design. Since 1966, the course has strived to take the straight-line cruise control out of the game. The high-end player can score well here just fine, but without fades, draws and long irons off the tee, most golfers find struggles around the bend.
 
Ian Guerin has been covering sports and golf in South Carolina since 2004. His game has ebbed and flowed like the Atlantic, but he&#8217;s never had to explain to his kids why his round won&#8217;t be televised. You can follow along with the day-to-day conversation on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/iguerin" target="_blank" rel="noopener">@iguerin</a>

Five Most Difficult South End Myrtle Beach Courses by The Numbers

Courses in this Article

Litchfield Country Club

Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club

Founders Club

TPC of Myrtle Beach

Tradition Golf Club

Wachesaw Plantation East

Additional Myrtle Beach Golf News