| True Blue Plantation in Pawley's Island, South Carolina | | | | length of 624 yards is rated as the most difficult hole |
| is a modern take on the classical links style golf course. | | | | on the course, requiring three solid shots to have any |
| Originally opened in 1998, True Blue is a golfers | | | | chance of reaching the green in regulation. There are |
| paradise, with a list of accolades a mile long. Recently, | | | | several gorgeous holes at True Blue, but the signature |
| True Blue was named to the Golf Digest list of | | | | hole is #18, a 440 yard par 4 with a lake in play up the |
| "America's 100 Greatest Public Courses", and is | | | | entire left side of the hole, and a two-tiered green that |
| consistently rated near the top of every "top course" | | | | features a severe downhill slope running toward the |
| survey pertaining to the Myrtle Beach Area. True Blue, | | | | shaved bank and the nearby water. In general, the |
| along with its sister course Caledonia Fish & Golf Club | | | | combination of broad fairways and exacting green |
| are two tremendous courses that offer unbeatable | | | | complexes create a true test for even the most adept |
| golf value. The formation and imagination of the | | | | player. The course can be unrelenting, and novice or |
| course's design, the sheer cunning and shot value on | | | | inexperienced players should proceed with caution on |
| several holes, and the supplementary services that are | | | | this course, especially around the greens. |
| offered in addition to the golf help make True Blue | | | | An assortment of additional amenities can help to |
| Plantation the perfect golf destination. | | | | make a day at the course more rewarding, such as |
| Located on the site of a historic 19th century rice and | | | | rental services, learning facilities and a variety of food |
| indigo plantation, the course was originally designed by | | | | and drink options. Electric golf carts are included with |
| Mike Strantz, the highly acclaimed course designer and | | | | green fees, and golf clubs are available for rent from |
| architect who tragically passed away in 2004. The | | | | the pro-shop. The 16 acre training area and learning |
| course features a straightforward routing and several | | | | center consists of a large crescent shaped driving |
| original design concepts. True Blue Plantation is a | | | | range, practice bunkers and alternate chipping and |
| course where few trees affect course strategy, vast, | | | | putting greens. Food and beverage selections at the |
| almost cavernous fairways keep even wayward tee | | | | course include a restaurant with full service bar, and an |
| shots in play, and huge rolling Tif-Eagle Bermuda green | | | | on course snack bar and beverage cart. Banquet |
| complexes require a deft touch with the flat-stick. | | | | space is also available for those interested in hosting |
| Several tee balls require a forced carry over waste | | | | memorable occasions or parties. |
| areas or through native grasses, and the brutality of | | | | The True Blue Plantation is one of the top courses in |
| some of the tee shots over water (especially on a | | | | the Myrtle Beach area, and a favorite place of many |
| couple of the par 3s) is almost maddening. Where | | | | to play a round of golf. The amazing course design, |
| True Blue really is unique is in the design and sheer | | | | testing hole layout and extra amenities all combine to |
| quantity of sandy waste areas that cover a large | | | | create a great golfing experience. If you are interested |
| portion of the property. Many of these areas are large | | | | in playing the course, then you will want to be certain |
| enough, that the only way to reach the green with | | | | to make a reservation in advance. The simplest way |
| your cart is to drive right through them. Don't worry | | | | to book a tee-time is to call the toll-free reservations |
| about raking if your ball finds its way in, as there | | | | line at (888) 483-6800. Green fees can vary |
| typically are not any rakes available, and since they | | | | significantly based on the time of year that you plan on |
| are considered to be waste areas, and not true | | | | visiting, ranging from a low price of $70 during the |
| hazards, grounding your club is allowed. The grounds | | | | height of summer to $155 during peak season. |
| crew does a fantastic job of making sure that playing | | | | Fortunately, cart fees are included in the cost, and |
| conditions at the course are always in fine shape. | | | | walking is not recommended. The staff and the golf |
| In total, the course is composed of five Par 3s, eight | | | | course are both first rate. If you are planning a visit |
| Par 4s and five Par 5s, and plays to a course rating of | | | | Myrtle Beach, then you should put True Blue Plantation |
| 74.3 with a slope of 145. With a total of 5 tee options, | | | | at the top of your must play list. |
| and playing from a distance of 4995 to 7062 Yards, | | | | To reach True Blue Plantation from the Myrtle Beach |
| the course provides a moderate challenge for players | | | | Airport, follow Harrelson Boulevard to US-17. Take |
| of any talent level. Make sure you warm up thoroughly | | | | US-17 south for approximately 23 miles until you reach |
| before teeing off though, as the course start off with | | | | Blue Stem Drive, and turn right. After half a mile the |
| a bang. The first hole, a par 5 that plays to a maximum | | | | clubhouse will be on the right. |