Getting To Know: Tidewater Golf Club

Whether you have played a course 20+ times a year or looking to play the course for the first time, insights from an insider can help enhance your golf experience. Below is an interview with Archie Lemon who shares some valuable tidbits about the course, memorable holes and must eats and treats at the 19th.

Give Our Readers An Overview of the Golf Course/Property
Tidewater is celebrating its 25th birthday in 2015 and it remains one of the best and prettiest courses not only in Myrtle Beach but all of America. Upon our opening in 1990, Tidewater became the first layout named best new course in America by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine. That recognition launched the course to the top of the Myrtle Beach golf scene, where we've been fortunate to remain ever since. Eight holes play along Cherry Grove or the Intracoastal Waterway and that's a big part of what makes Tidewater special, but it's hardly the only reason. Architecturally speaking, the inland holes are superb, including a pair of great, short par 4s - No. 7 and No. 15 - and the finishing hole, a long, watery par 4 is among the best in South Carolina.

If Someone Was Looking To Golf In The Area, Why Should They Play Your Course?
There isn't a better combination of beauty and challenge along the Myrtle Beach golf scene. Eight holes at Tidewater play along the marshy waters of Cherry Grove and the Intracoastal Waterway. Holes like three, four, 12 and 13 are the types of challenges golfers will remember long after they've left Myrtle Beach, and that's why people want to play Tidewater - it's an unforgettable course. There isn't a layout in South Carolina that has a pair of more scenic par 3s than No. 3 and 12. Tidewater has been ranked among America's top 100 public courses and it's a bucket list course for Myrtle Beach golfers.

What Tips or Local Knowledge Would You Provide To Help Them Score Better At Your Course?
Take one more club than you think you will need. We are sea level and Tidewater has forced carries, so there is no victory in coming up short. If you are playing from the proper set of tees, the forced carries aren't long, but they are a challenge and it's always best to have the confidence that comes with knowing you have enough club.

Recent Awards or What You Are Most Proud About The Course?
Tidewater was ranked the 7th best course in the state by Golfweek Magazine this year, and has been ranked among America's top 100 public courses in recent years. With the 2014 golf course restoration, which included the installation of new miniverde greens and the expansion of every fairway, we expect Tidewater to continue to maintain its place among the nation's best courses.

What Is The Signature, Most Talked About, or Most Photographed Hole?
Our signature hole is the par 5 13th, which has Cherry Grove running along the right side from tee to green and an undulating green offers a distant view of the Atlantic Ocean. It's so beautiful and is deservedly our most photographed hole.

What Is Your Favorite Hole? Any Tips to Play It?
The par 4 fourth hole is my favorite. It's the prettiest par 4 in Myrtle Beach and the gentle dogleg left bends along the waters of Cherry Grove. Standing in the middle of the fourth fairway, knowing I need to carry a couple cavernous bunkers and hold a green that runs from back to front is my favorite approach shot on the course. It's challenging and stunning in its beauty. I love the hole.

Must Have Dish or Drink after the round at the 19th Hole?
Trio of Salads - large house salad topped with a scoop of tuna salad, our famous chicken salad and potato salad. Add your dressing of choice and yum, yum. Healthy and good.

Who Holds Course Record and What Was Their Score? Gene Jones shot a 63 in a tournament round. The following year he qualified and then played on the Champions Tour for quite a few years.

Back Tee Stats
Par: 72
Yardage: 7,044
Slope: 144
Rating: 74.3

More Information
Tidewater Golf Club
1400 Tidewater Dr.
North Myrtle Beach, SC, 29582
843.913.2424
www.tidewatergolf.com