Willbrook Plantation: Where History, Golf Excellence Combine

Experience the three-best holes at this renowned Dan Maples design for yourself

For those who know Myrtle Beach golf, Willbrook Plantation Golf Club is considered one of the best courses on the entire Grand Strand. The club embraces the history of the South Carolina coast better than any other, with numerous placards stationed throughout the course telling the story of two rice plantations dating back to 1776, on which the course now lies. While history is sure to become the star of your round at Willbrook, the golf course offers its own compelling draw as a challenging, highly creative layout that forces players to hit every shot in the bag. Here are three signature holes to remember during your upcoming round at Willbrook on the Hammock Coast Golf Trail:

World Golf Hall of Fame member Lee Trevino, who once played Willbrook, called the 428-yard (all figures back tees) first hole one of the toughest opening holes he’s ever played. A dogleg right, players need to stay to the left-center of the fairway, but that brings water into play. The hole plays longer than it appears, which contributes to the challenge. A 230-yard drive from the white tees will leave a 170-yard approach, so make sure you are ready to stripe the ball from the outset.

Next, the par-4 fifth hole is one of the course’s prettiest because it’s surrounded by water. Players have to carry water off the green and on the approach, though neither carry is taxing from a distance standpoint. With remnants of an old plantation home on the left and an abundance of alligators typically in the water or around the green, this 383-yard hole is one you won’t forget.

Finally, Willbrook’s home hole, No. 18, is a true beauty. The 535-yard par 5 is a dogleg right that offers a substantial risk-reward challenge. Players can try and cut the dogleg in hopes of getting home in two but doing so means flirting with out of bounds on the right. Played conservatively and assuming a good tee shot, par is very attainable, but if you get greedy, trouble awaits.

There’s a lot to like about Willbrook Plantation Golf Club. Check it out on your next visit to the Hammock Coast Golf Trail!