Had an 8 man trip down to Myrtle this past week. We usually stay on the north end of the strand but decided to venture further south this time. We had fantastic weather all four days, despite some ominous predictions earlier in the week.
Blackmoor: Sorry to say that that this is a one and done for our group. We heard that there was a renovation planned so we called ahead to inquire. They told us that they had to close #14 I believe so you essentially tee off on the last hole and they have some temp tees set up about 125 yards out to hit another ball making it a Par 3. Needless to say it was a bit of a mess coming home. That being said the issue really was not that they had to close a hole, I understand things happen, and you have to come up with a solution, the problem was the greens were essentially sand contrary to what we were told over the phone that the place "was in pristine condition." Was not the biggest fan of all the sharp dogleg rights. The staff was very nice and accommodating as a plus.
Pawleys Plantation: This was the day rain was threatening, but the storm came in early during the night and we had a beautiful day. Really loved the course and the set-up. The marsh holes are definitely as advertised both in scenery and in difficulty. Had some tight fairways on the front 9 but nothing too bad. I will be interested to see what they do with the renovations.
Pine Lakes: Our group has played here before and love it. The conditions have been top notch every time we play and the fairways and greens are gigantic which provides some well needed boost in confidence after playing a track like Pawleys the previous day.
Willbrook: I used this forum's advice that said this was a hidden gem and booked Willbrook as our final challenge and you guys were right. The consensus was that this was definitely the second fav of the four we played. Loved the signage about the historical significance of the area. Bunkers were a little wet but that was the only negative for the day. Really liked the mix of holes and we also saw the largest gator sunning himself on the back 9.
I hope this was helpful for any members booking in the future.
It's possible that the greens at Blackmoor were OK at the time you
called, but bad luck was playing them the day they sanded them.
Judge by the grass quality where they may have missed with the sand.
We feel good when a new course recommendation like Willbrook
turns out to be good.
Thanks for your report!
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Thanks for the updates on the courses you played.
Let the Big Dawg Bark!!!
Thanks for taking the time to report.
Blackmoor does have more doglegs than an animal shelter.
Great info Rugby.
Good to see you tried the south side
"King Of The Mid-tiers"
Thanks for the report. Blackmoor is quirky. Every experience has been good for me but sorry to hear about the greens.
Blackmoor update: May 2. First time playing the course. PoP: 2:00/2:20
THE GOOD: Hit the lottery with my playing partners. Thanks. D, L, and R. Some cool/quirky holes out there (despite the repetitive dogleg rights). Fairway turf was excellent throughout. Greens on the front side were average....
THE BAD: The 13th hole is now the temporary par three due to the maintenance work. So, you're trading a par five (#2 hdcp. hole) for a 100 yard wedge shot.
I played alongside two members-great hosts-that told me the topdressing on the back nine was an unplanned event. They explained the reason but I won't attempt to mis-paraphrase them here. That said, most were ok. Three, in my opinion, were just putt and pray.
I've never played a course in which the cart paths dominate your eye to such an extent on the tee. Numerous holes have them in "legitimate" landing zones. I joked with my group that the Frankenstein 8th hole surely must have more asphalt than earth from tee to green-whichever route you choose...
THE UGLY: I was aware conditions may not be ideal thanks to Rugby's report above. I just wanted to check it off my MB list and experience the layout. I placed my tee time online through the MB Trail Card so I didn't call and ask any questions.
Nothing about the conditions was mentioned to me by the drop off attendant/pro shop/starter prior to my tee time. Am I getting overly cranky or generally naive as to how courses operate these days (Blackmoor is certainly NOT alone in this sad trend)? Just let me know before you take my money. I'll make the choice, no hard feelings. Hell, I'll appreciate and trumpet the honesty. If you take my cash, throw me a bone and gain a little goodwill. I ain't greedy. Free range token/free hot dog goes a long way. Sorry, rant over.
P.S. As always, I don't exalt or condemn a course on one play. I'll definitely play again.
P.P.S. Visited Toffino's on my trek back home on the north end. Still the best pizza in the area...and the best pastry case south of Jersey City.
Thanks for your take on the courses you enjoyed while down in MB.
Agree with the above post, it was more annoying to be told that the course is in peak or pristine condition when it was the complete opposite. I forgot to add that when we got there they did give us a free hot dog and beer voucher.
At the end of the day 95% of the courses in Myrtle are better then my local munis and I am on vacation playing golf... things could be much worse.
