Cheers!
Very nice afternoon near Tiger's Eye on this Friday, with, once again, lots of sunshine, a beautiful 28 degrees Celsius and a new "friend"... the wind, which could be considered moderate, which required some thinking when choosing wich wood, hybrid or iron to use in certain circumstances.
First of all, sincere thanks to Dave Walker and his team for the welcome. Even though the place was quite busy when we arrived, we felt like “members” for the day, since everybody took great care of us.
On the playing conditions side, we're going to be honest: there's a tiny bit of love missing in some places. Specifically near the greens, where the grass is rather thin. As for the greens themselves (which were at medium speed today), there are 5 or 6 that could be in better shape. There are weeds around the edges, but fortunately, the pins were placed so that it was still not too harmful when it came time to make our putts.
Without looking for excuses, we have been here for almost two weeks and there has been no rain yet. We're not going to complain about that, quite the contrary, but we're sure that many golf courses in the Myrtle Beach area would appreciate a little water at this time of year, and Tiger's Eye is definitely one of those.
Speaking of water, let us tell you that there are quite a few such obstacles along the way. Same goes for the sand traps, all strategically placed, of course!
Design wise, Tiger's Eye, which is played 6,120 yards from the white tees and 4,502 yards for the ladies, is really very attractive and several holes are definitely worth a look. We are thinking here of the “signature” hole, namely #11, a par 3 of 128 yards for the whites and a little 85 yards for the ladies. A very large body of water separates the tee box from the green and with the winds we had today, we had to use between one and two more clubs to reach the green. The last four holes of the course also offer an excellent challenge for any caliber of golfer. Hole #15, a par 5 of 467 yards for the whites and 355 yards for the women requires a lot of precision, especially for your second shot, because the access to the green is quite narrow. For its part, hole #16, a par 4 of 385 yards for the whites and 285 yards for the ladies invites you to be careful with your tee shot, a small creek separating you from the green. As for hole #17, a par 3 of 165 yards for the whites and 101 yards for the ladies, make sure you hit far enough to reach the green, because to your left is a body of water and to the right , two “inviting” sand traps. Finally, the last hole, a par 5 of 525 yards for the whites and 434 yards for the ladies, know that with a very good tee shot, it is possible to reach the green in two and finish your round in style. But beware that on both sides of the green, the sand traps on both sides can make your dream become a nightmare.
In conclusion, we thoroughly enjoyed our experience at Tiger's Eye today. No, it's not the "jewel" that this course has been in the past, but there is hope for the future. And if you are considering this one for a future golf package, take a moment to check with Brian beforehand about the playing conditions, so that your own expectations could be respected!
Next visit: this upcoming Sunday, May 8, at Crown Park!
Denis Gilbert
Quebec City, Canada
Although I have played all 4 Big Cats courses at least once in the past 3 years.. and all have been in less than 5 out if 10 condition... I have really enjoyed each round.
I'm hearing conditions could get worse but let's hope not.
Thanks again Denis.
Great pics
"King Of The Mid-tiers"
Our group stopped playing at Ocean Ridge three years ago because of course conditions. Won't go back until we see positive reviews on this site.
Our group stopped playing at Ocean Ridge three years ago because of course conditions. Won't go back until we see positive reviews on this site.
That’s a good decision on your part, specially if you’re coming in peak season and you have to pay big $$$!
Nevertheless, Tiger’s Eye and Leopard’s Chase still look to me as courses wich some great potential.
Denis Gilbert
Quebec City, Canada
A very honest report Denis thanks for your take on TE, over the winter time we played Lions Paw and much TLC was required on it. It's a shame these courses have gotten to the point they are in now, fingers are always crossed that conditions improve to bring the Big Cats back from cardiac arrest. Only good thing over the winter time was 29 to 39 bucks to play, so much could be over looked, but as Art said not a place you want to bring your group to. Great pics as well.
Great report again! I played Tigers Eye during my stay and i agree with your analysis concerning this golf course. Wishing you good weather for the rest of your trip! Good golf and have fun! Thanks for your very professional report.
''It's just golf, let's have fun''
Thanks Denis. Was that your first visit to TE?
I can't recall seeing pics of the course. What struck me was the bunkers. They seem well maintained/defined and well placed. Was that the case in your opinion?
Also, you said the course was "quite busy" but I didn't see many groups ahead of you in your photos which would suggest they know how to manage the flow. Is that correct?
Peter
@say8pet What is interesting about TE, is that the bunkers don't
look like a neglected course. Usually a course going downhill quits
working on the bunkers first. Even a couple years ago I commented
about the bunkers being OK. It looks like TE gets more attention
than the others, even if just the greens + bunkers.
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Thanks Denis. Was that your first visit to TE?
I can't recall seeing pics of the course. What struck me was the bunkers. They seem well maintained/defined and well placed. Was that the case in your opinion?
Also, you said the course was "quite busy" but I didn't see many groups ahead of you in your photos which would suggest they know how to manage the flow. Is that correct?
Peter
It was my third visit ever at Tiger's Eye Peter!
As for the bunkers, they were in wonderful condition... no kidding. Plenty of fluffy sand in those my wife and I did visit.
That said, they did manage the flow properly out there but since we were a twosome, we had to be more patient starting on hole #13. But quite sincerely, really nothing to complain about, since it took us about 3 hours and 50 minutes to complete our round, our fatest since the beginning of our trip!
Denis Gilbert
Quebec City, Canada
@say8pet What is interesting about TE, is that the bunkers don't
look like a neglected course.
I do confirm @artmbgolf! 😉
Denis Gilbert
Quebec City, Canada
Thanks for the update on this course i havent played and really dont plan on it. The pictures did paint a decent picture of the course.
Let the Big Dawg Bark!!!
