Thistle Article

Thistle is a course with consistently good conditions & amenities.  

Thistle has never disappointed, always in good condition.  

Thanks @Art!

Good news for Thistle... and good news too for Thistle lovers!

That's not an article it's an advertisement from Myrtle Beach's marketing destination marketing company. There is a huge difference ... 

@bnlongdriver The Thistle is a solid course and it's always been in good shape when I played it -- it's probably the best Brunswick County course right now outside of Rivers Edge, partially due to mediocre to poor conditions at some of the other nearby options -- but I don't think it's even a top 10 course in the whole MB area.

Posted by: @uncgolf

@bnlongdriver The Thistle is a solid course and it's always been in good shape when I played it -- it's probably the best Brunswick County course right now outside of Rivers Edge, partially due to mediocre to poor conditions at some of the other nearby options -- but I don't think it's even a top 10 course in the whole MB area.

Agreed 100% but will add ... about half way through, I always get that feeling - haven't we played this hole already?

Yes it is a very well conditioned course but the price is a bit steep. 

@bnlongdriver Definitely agree on that too. There are some really similar holes out there.

There are several other Brunswick County courses that I think are probably better from a pure layout standpoint, they're just struggling with conditions.

The Thistle never disappoints but, my very first job in life was at a golf course, started on the grounds crew in 1973 and left in 1980 to join the real world.  Imitation or not, I hate stacked sod or imitation stack sod bunkers!   A maintenance disaster.  Having said that, they look good!  Just not a fan.  

So, let's make this an exercise... First, let's name all the Brunswick County courses:  Meadowlands, Crow Creek, Carolina Shores, Brunswick Plantation, Thistle, Sandpiper Bay, The Pearl, Sea Trail Maples, Sea Trail Byrd, Sea Trail Jones, Oyster Bay, Lion's Paw, Panther's Run, Tiger's Eye, Leopard's Chase, Lockwood Folly, Carolina National, Brick Landing, Rivers Edge (Cape Fear National, Magnolia Greens, Compass Pointe, Oak Island - not part of the Grand Strand).  Am I missing any?  For me, among these courses, Thistle clearly offers the best experience; dependable conditions, 27 holes, beautiful clubhouse & grille, a good mix of holes & challenges.  Presently, I don't think you'll find high praises for the Ocean Ridge Big Cats courses as conditions have suffered in recent times.  These courses are truly special and have been highly regarded in the past... just not now, hopefully a re-commitment is coming.  Rivers Edge is probably the one course that gets high praise in Brunswick County.  It sometimes struggles with conditioning although recent work has provided evidence of a renewed focus to restore those areas that have degraded.  I'll quickly add that I'm not too fond of the artificial turf tees on #15.  The very best courses in Brunswick County have been closed; namely Marsh Harbor, Ocean Harbour and Farmstead.  Now, as for Top 10, that's a separate exercise.    

I agree about Thistle, although our group has found consistent conditions at Crow Creek and Meadowlands.

@dch1950 Left out one of my favorites, Bald Head Island.

@brewcrew You're right!  BHI is a unique experience; unlike any other MB experience... the ferry ride, tram ride, 18 holes with full separations, Eddie Teach the alligator, and a whole lot more.  I forgot this one.  Also, I forgot to mention all the St. James Plantation courses; I've never played any and I hear that they are all private now.

@tadpole Played Meadowlands on 01/28, conditions were really good, greens were especially nice, fairways were quite dry with a bit of roll, staff was so polite & helpful, 15 min frost delay, course was essentially wide open.  Ready to go back tomorrow!

Thistle is the best of the Brunswick County package courses. 
It also costs about $50 more on package in peak season.