3 of the Hammock Coast Golf Trail’s Great Par 5s

There’s something about a great par 5 hole that gets the heartbeat racing. A well-struck tee shot often tempts golfers to go for the green in two in their never-ending quest of an elusive eagle.

But with such temptation comes risk, as each of these three holes along the Hammock Coast Golf Trail demonstrate time after time. And whether you succeed or fail in the pursuit, the constant with each is that they leave you with an indelible memory – and the burning desire to test it again and again.

Two of the three holes we profile here are dramatic finishers, while the other kicks off a one-of-a-kind back nine stretch.

TPC Myrtle Beach, No. 18 – One of two holes here included in the South Carolina Golf Course Ratings Panel’s (SCGCRP) recent collection of “Perfect Round” golf holes along the Grand Strand, the finisher at this Tom Fazio/Lanny Wadkins design is one for the ages. A well-struck drive leaves you short of a large lake that encroaches from the left side, and separates you from the green as you consider carrying this intimidating body of water in going for the green in two. Even a bailout shot to the right can find peril, as a series of bunkers guard your approach from that angle. Many a competitive round have been decided on a hole the SCGCRP calls “a classic risk/reward finishing hole that is the type of hole a TPC course should conclude with — demanding but fair.”

Caledonia, No. 10 – The second Hammock Coast Golf Trail par 5 that’s also part of the SCGCRP’s “Perfect Round,” this hole replaces water left with waste bunkers to the right that guard your potential second-shot gamble. There’s plenty of room to the left for the less adventurous, offering a scenic short approach to a green nestled dramatically below the main fairway level.

River Club, No. 18 – A similar gamble to TPC Myrtle Beach’s finishing hole awaits, but with a twist – or bend, really, as this adventurous dogleg left wraps around a large lake from tee to green. Your best chance at reaching in two not only requires a drive across water but also past a large bunker nestled just short of the ideal landing area. Make it there safely, and you not only have to clear the water on an aggressive second shot; you must also avoid going too long and finding one of three large bunkers along the back.