5 Things You Need to Know: TPC-Myrtle Beach

What do you need to know about TPC-Myrtle Beach, beyond the need to bring your 'A' game? Here are five tidbits that might enhance your enjoyment of the South Strand layout.

Hit it high – Generally speaking, the greens at TPC are elevated and well bunkered, so you aren't going to have much success trying to run the ball up. Make sure you iron game is sharp and be prepared to fly numerous bunkers on your way to the green.

Tournament Tested – TPC is one of Myrtle Beach golf's biggest challenges and it has the resume to prove it. The course has hosted the PGA Senior Tour Championship, the finals of the Golf.com World Amateur Handicap Championship, and every spring it hosts the General Hackler Invitational, one of the nation's best collegiate tournaments. Take the time to check out the clubhouse memorabilia.

One of a Kind – In recent years Myrtle Beach golf courses have collected honors like a kid receiving candy on Halloween, but TPC is the only course in the area to earn 5-stars in Golf Digest's prestigious "Best Places to Play" guide and one of fewer than 25 layouts in the nation to earn the distinction.

Yes, that is Dustin Johnson – Rising PGA Tour star Dustin Johnson calls TPC-Myrtle Beach home. In addition to practicing and playing at TPC, the three-time winner on tour has been known to hang around the clubhouse. Don't be shocked if you see him, but he's just one of the guys in Murrells Inlet.

That's a wild turkey, not a drink – TPC-Myrtle Beach is built on 369 acres, much of it wetlands, which means the course has plenty of breathing room and there is ample wildlife. Wild turkey roost in the swamp to the left of ninth tee and there are an abundance of deer, alligators and fox, among many other animals. Enjoy the scenery.

Course Review:
SunRidge Canyon Golf Course

BySource: www.condoresorts.com

Hidden among the desert ridges and canyons of the McDowell Mountains in Fountain Hills, the golf adventure begins at the upper mouth of a yawning canyon and descends switchback style to the valley floor. The rhythm of the game, the sequencing of the par 3's, 4's and 5's, the varying degrees of difficulty and the way the golf course gently shifts direction are as much a part of the ebb and flow of the desert as are the change of seasons and the passage of clouds in the sky. The views are awe-inspiring. The solitude profound - the golfer sees no other hole then the one they are playing.

Golf at SunRidge Canyon is the way the game was intended – natural, mysterious, and tempting. Things are not always as they first appear. Subtle changes in topography can have a dramatic effect. Each shot demands careful consideration of both the risk and the reward. Your success depends upon how skillfully you make these decisions. Adding to the intrigue of SunRidge Canyon is the unique way the golf course has of inviting you in and then surrounding you with its beauty and drama. Here you will be drawn into the heart of the desert, playing on lush fairways hidden between steep canyon walls. Aiming at greens defined by age-old stands of mesquite, ironwood and palo verde trees and skirting shaded arroyos that team with wildlife and claim errant shots as their own. It is an intimate setting sheltered from other players and the distractions of the outside world, giving you the opportunity to truly feel as one with the golf course. Canyon walls surround many holes, providing a sense of seclusion that soothes the mind and focuses concentration. Elevated tees offer spectacular views as well as difficult club selections. Patience is definitely a virtue – savor the gorgeous scenery and play within yourself.

SunRidge Canyon built in 1995 challenges every player to become cognizant of the visual deception that may crop up with subtle shifts in contour and elevation. The course architect, Keith Foster, exhibits a great deal of respect for traditional design qualities. However, there is no doubt SunRidge Canyon is a contemporary desert style course. The carries over natural terrain are of nominal yardage and certainly not the greatest challenge on the golf course. Foster is known for his intricate bunker work, and SunRidge Canyon is a perfect example of Foster at his best. The 10th hole has a devilishly placed pot bunker and the sandtrap fronting the green will beguile long hitters. Besides the bunkers you have many other things to worry about at SunRidge Canyon; water, wind, blind shots, very tough greens, and slopes that always seem to roll your ball towards the desert and away from the fairway.Be very accurate or you will struggle through a very long day. SunRidge Canyon encourages the strong player to balance length with finesse and patience. Its rewards make for a brilliant test of golf in a pure southwestern desert setting. If you like variety then it is very refreshing to know that you will enjoy tasting all 18 flavors at SunRidge Canyon because no 2 holes look alike. The front nine plays down into the canyon, while the back nine takes you on bumpy ride up and down. Hang on tight, especially for the last 6 holes. It's a constant barrage of challenge and recovery, as reaching the green in regulation is no certain sign a player will make par. The lightning quick, highly undulating, true rolling greens, won't hold low iron shots. Downhill putts are a nightmare and can roll and roll way past the hole. Stay focused, as the surrounding mountains, vistas, arroyos and lakes may grab your attention away.

The signature hole, is the par 3, 17th hole You can choose between 2 sets of highly elevated tee boxes. One set plays much easier and is usually less than 150 yards. The other set of tee boxes plays over 200 yards and the tee shot comes in from a completely different angle than it does from the other set of tees. The enormous, double tiered green is surrounded by beautiful desert landscape. There is also a huge sand trap right in the front center of the green. Staying out of trouble requires a very accurate tee shot. Even if you hit the green you may find yourself with an unmakeable putt because the sand trap may block your path to the hole. This hole may be beautiful, but it can also be a beast. Amazingly the next hole, a long par 4, 18th, is even tougher. After a long accurate launch off the tee, the 2nd shot will still be a long uphill approach to a highly raised green guarded by sand bunkers and a few boulders for some added protection. Balls can ricochet out of play after making contact with these large boulders. If you are not pin point accurate, it will be a long ride home.