The bunkers weep from greens into the dark water of the lagoons. And the greens? Some have five tiers. The tee boxes? There are so many levels and options that given the variations with the greens, a hole can play differently each day of the week. This course was not created by one of the all-time greats that fill other properties in Myrtle Beach. Names such as Player, Nicklaus, Jones, Dye. This one was created by Mike Strantz. And he was an artist.
Located between a busy four-lane highway and the Waccamaw marshlands, sits the most innovative yet playable golf course on The Grand Strand. Nestled in the heart of Pawley's Island, South Carolina is True Blue.
Its sister course sits across the road and boasts iconic views of the Waccamaw marshland. It was Strantz's first creation. But True Blue may be his best. It curves and weaves through trees and swamp and lakes. The par-five fourth, curves like a crescent moon around the water - waste bunkers line the shore and slope down until the ease into the lake. The green is not overly bunkered. Not many are. But they are strategically placed. The par-three third is a marvel to behold. The island green is one of the largest I've seen, but it's the shape that sets it apart. Imagine a scrunched up bottle cap. But still make it elegant.
The front nine finishes with a par-five and hole 10 gives you another straight away. The long ample driving area narrows as the fairway bends hard right. A line of waste bunkers form a barrier to a next-level fairway. Reach that and you have a strip of swamp to fly to get to a well-placed bunker and onto the multi-tiered green. The par-three 14th... well... just go - see it - play it. Enjoy.
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