True Blue Golf Course near Myrtle Beach

True Blue Golf Course near Myrtle Beach, SC is located on the southern end of the Grand Strand at Pawley’s Island. This is another golf course that was designed by the great course architect, Mike Strantz. His ability to create individual holes that each bring distinct challenges and charm is truly revealed here. Though it brings a more difficult game than its nearby sister course, Caledonia Golf Course, neither of them would be considered easy. True Blue has been described by its head pro as “Caledonia on steroids.” With five sets of tees to start from, it was designed for golfers of all ages and handicaps. It is most popular among the mid to low handicappers.

In its early days after its opening in 1998, True Blue was given the title “Golf Heaven and Hell” due to its tough and demanding play. Eventually, it was revamped and slightly modulated by eliminating some of the more difficult blind shots. This renovation encouraged a more amiable round of golf, thereby encouraging repeat visits by those golfers who found the original layout more frustrating than fun. It has been said that golfers have strong feelings one way or the other about True Blue, but all seem to agree that it is a course that will certainly never be forgotten.

Numerous rewards have been bestowed upon True Blue over the years, including “Fourth Best New Public Upscale Course” by Golf Digest when it opened. Since that time, Golfer Magazine has slated it as one of the “Top 10 New Courses In America.” Golf Digest once again honored True Blue by showering it with praise as the “7th Best Course in South Carolina” and the “Number One Course in Myrtle Beach.” For the 2010 rankings, Golf World readers chose True Blue as #26 among the nation’s best courses.

Ruggedly beautiful is a perfect description for True Blue. It is a demanding course filled with treacherous terrain and innovative doglegs. Its natural beauty is emphasized by the many enormous waste bunkers and more than generous amounts of sand not common to most courses. The undulating bunkers can be intimidating as they add a great deal of drama to this experience. Much maneuvering and skill is required to conquer the humbling course while golfers are required to reestablish well thought out strategies each time they change tee boxes. The uncorrupted natural vegetation of this former indigo and rice plantation creates a stunning setting for an awe-inspiring round of golf on the Waccamaw Golf Trail.

The greens at True Blue Golf Course stretching as far and wide as sixty yards, are covered in pristine TifEagle Bermuda Grass. This 7,126 yard course with five par-5’s rates a 74.3 with a slope of 145. Waste areas and sand are plentiful and you’ll need to be prepared to walk through bunkers on your way to some of the greens. Over 75 sand hazards will be encountered and the sandy waste areas can run the entire length of the hole, sometimes on both sides. With water coming into play on six of the holes, many golfers set a personal challenge to end the game with the same ball with which they started.

The five par-3’s range from less than 180 yards to 208 yards. They have sizable greens with multiple levels of challenging play. There are eight fabulous par-4’s that each has its own personality. The 449 yard 17th hole and the 437 yard 18th hole set the stage for a dramatic and stimulating finish. The 17th has a bail-out area on the left with water along the right. The front and back of the green are also guarded by water. A drive over the water from the tee boxes on the left to the fairway on the right sustains the challenge of the 18th hole. The ball must next be directed over more water onto a wide sharply sloping green. The five par-5’s take up 2,921 yards of the course with some of the best holes. The first hole turns around a waste bunker with a creek at the elevated green while the ninth hole has wetlands near the green. The split fairway 10th hole is among the favorites with 599 yards that include five deep bunkers and nearby wetlands. Overall, the first four holes and the last three or four holes are the most talked about.

Wildlife is abundant here and there have been occasions where alligators are seen lying in the sun as they enjoy the warmth while watching a good game of golf. Green fees vary widely while typically remaining in the $99-159 range with seasonal changes. Most will agree that the experience provided by True Blue is well worth the cost. Junior rates for those 16 and under encourage them to play for a discounted price of $50 when joining a paying adult.

The staff of True Blue are hospitable in their efforts to create a pleasant experience for all. Their practice facilities are very accommodating with a short game area, putting green and targeted grass range. The complimentary range balls are a nice touch. The clubhouse at True Blue is full service with a pro shop, restaurant, lounge and banquet facilities. The changing room is accompanied by a refreshing shower for those wanting to clean up before rejoining friends for a meal or other entertaining options. Visitors to True Blue can also take advantage of the outstanding Steve Dresser Golf Academy that is considered to be one of the Top 25 Golf Schools in America.

As one of the most unique courses out there, the True Blue golf course near Myrtle Beach is a challenge that avid golfers really should try at least once. It is guaranteed to present a dramatically memorable experience with bold confrontations. The hidden greens, unforeseen pitfalls and visual deceptions will truly challenge your abilities to adjust and strategize. You will come away with either a grand enthusiasm to return again to conquer the Blue or with the pride that you’ve been there and at least made the attempt.

If you’re looking for more Myrtle Beach golf courses, be sure to visit our list of the best Myrtle Beach golf courses. To see some great places to eat, visit our list of the best restaurants in Myrtle Beach, SC. Also, be sure to check out our list of the best hotels in Myrtle Beach, SC as well as our list of the best Myrtle Beach restaurant coupons and discounts.