In 1990, the 18-hole Heathland layout opened for play at the Legends Golf Resort in Myrtle Beach. It was only the second course that Tom Doak had built...

Legends Golf Resort (Heathland)
In 1990, the 18-hole Heathland layout opened for play at the Legends Golf Resort in Myrtle Beach. It was only the second course that Tom Doak had built...

3.5
Only Tom Doak's 2nd solo design, his remit, when building Heathlands, was to be an ode to Scotland. Having spent time in Scotland Doak felt equipped to take on the project, and whilst clearly not at the level of his later creations, Heathland is a step up from the run of the mill, flat, water laden courses that are so prolific throughout the area.
To be clear, it isn't heathland nor linksy, but it does have a more British feel than many courses I've played throughout the US, with the exception of the Golden Age designs in New England and Bandon Dunes in Oregon.
Doak took a flat piece of land and created a rolling terrain, not with banking per se down the side of each hole, but more using ridges built across the property for the holes to play upto and down from.
The website for the course states the design "is a return to the grand “Old Country” traditions of the game. It has been distinctly molded in the image of the British Isles links courses, with holes reminiscent of familiar links like St. Andrews, and lesser known gems like Lahinch and Cruden Bay"
All I can say in this regard is that it is nothing like any of the above at all. Nor is Doaks nod to the Road hole. I'm not sure what road he was referring to but probably more the nearby I501 than St Andrews!
American resorts often market and misrepresent courses often as something they are not, to stand out. I once played Glen Eagle, 'a taste of Scotland ' in Salt Lake City. It had as much a genuine taste of Scotland as a deep fried Mars Bar!
The same applies to Heathlands. Even to the extent there is bagpipe player waiting to greet you upon arrival. All to sell a dream that simply does not exist in reality.
This isn't to knock Doaks early work. It was the best of the 5 courses I played during my recent trip. The course is fairly open, with wide fairways, with exception of holes 5 and 6 which are more wooded and out of keeping with the rest of the course design. Water features on many holes, caused by a brook running through the course, resulting in one hole having a split fairway, something seen in manufactured holes, not natural Scottish courses.
There are some good holes however, aided by good green complexes. My favourites were:
Hole 2 - a short 90° dogleg right to a hidden green, well protected by a large mound front right and then bunkers and a sloping green
Hole 9 - a fine, more linksy style hole, with the approach played to an elevated green, well protected by a large bunker, some 8 feet deep.
Hole 13 - a par 5 with a diagonal stream across the fairway adding jeopardy to the 2nd shot for the shorter hitters and a green sat up to the left
Hole 18 - one of the best greensites along with 9 and 16, this finishing holes green site sits atop a small hill, with bunkers protecting the approach. The green is sat at a diagonal to your approach. From the approach angle the depth is shallow adding that extra degree of skill required to your final approach shot of the round.
The worse however is yet to come. Bunker inconsistency is a real issue. Not Doaks fault but I believe he'd be having sleepless nights if he revisited.
Some, not all bunkers have had eyebrows added, but not fescue grass which may be OK, but 3 foot high thick Marram grass. Awful to look at, impossible to play out of and if you're in the bunker it just adds an unnecessary difficulty level to your escape shot. I cannot think what possessed the Superintendents here.
So, despite the negatives, a refreshing change to the samey courses filling the region, and immensely better than the truly awful Parkland design at the same resort. Not Doaks best effort but good to see an early sign of his minimalist approach and his trade mark wide fairways, bunker work and interest on the greens with subtle breaks.
Another plus was playing the course for free on a replay having played the Parkland in the morning.
I'd definitely play if in the area again simply to break up the water ladened flat designs that are so abundant but after my 1st visit to Myrtle Beach, it's not an area to rush back to if golf course architecture is your thing, but if cheap golf and good nightlife afterwards are what you are looking for, then it certainly has its place.
Andy Cocker
Overall rating
3.5
Overall rating
3.5
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