Golf is a challenging game on the best of days, so play courses that give you a chance to score. Few are better in that regard than the West Course at Myrtle Beach National.
Long one of the area's most popular layouts, playability is the West Course’s defining characteristic. The Arnold Palmer design features wide fairways, allowing players to swing away with the driver, and superior Champion Bermuda grass greens.
The first and 10th holes are reachable par 5s with fairways you shouldn’t miss, so Palmer practically invites players to start each nine well. Speaking of the course’s two sides, both are strong but the back nine is particularly enjoyable.
The par 4 15th hole, with water playing along the left side, is scenic and demanding on the approach. There is plenty of room to pound the driver off the tee, but hitting the undulating green in the right spot is vital. Remember: just because a course is playable doesn’t mean it gives par away.
Part of the West Course’s player-friendly reputation is its Kids Play Free program. Monday through Thursday, kids 16 and under are allowed to play for free after 12 p.m. during the summer months when accompanied by a paying adult. From Friday through Sunday, the program is available throughout the day.