Hole Spotlight: No. 13 at Pawleys Plantation

Share this story!

The number 13 may be superstitiously unlucky to some, but any golfer who gets to play the 13th Hole at Pawleys Plantation Golf & Country Club is anything but unlucky. Number 13 is the first par 3 on the back nine of this classic Jack Nicklaus design, featuring a challenging par 72 layout with incredible views of the coastal region and no shortage of live oaks scattered across the course.

But do not get too distracted by the picturesque landscape.

Amongst a number of notable holes, the 13th is undoubtedly the most memorable. Despite measuring a mere 145 yards from the back tees and 40 yards from the forward tees, this par 3 packs quite the punch. Twelve holes of relatively sound conditions among tree-lined fairways are left behind after arriving to the elevated tee boxes of 13 via causeway surrounded by marshland. Across the hazard is a peninsula green, shared with the 16th Hole, that juts out into the marsh. Greenside bunkers and left-to-right sea breezes make for a tricky approach shot, leaving little room for error.

Your best bet is to aim for the middle of the green, and hope it carries the hazard! The most challenging aspect to this hole is estimating the degree to which the wind will affect the shot, and not underestimating the accuracy needed to hit the green and stick it close. The hundreds of golf balls embedded in the marsh mud that failed to clear the hazard are the most accurate testimony to the true difficulty of the 13th Hole.

Featured on Golf Channel’s Big Break Myrtle Beach in 2014, Hole 13 was the perfect stage for contestants to test their nerves against the surrounding hazard, bunkers, and prevailing ocean wind.

But misfortune is not all to be had at Pawleys Plantation. The challenging yet accessible layout allows for multiple birdies and success among beginners and more experienced golfers alike.

Although just one of several outstanding golf courses along the Hammock Coast Golf Trail, Pawleys Plantation’s impeccable course layout make it the perfect destination for anyone looking to add a round of golf to their vacation to the Lowcountry. See for yourself if you can master the 13th Hole!

Ready to Book your next Tee Time or Golf Vacation?